Abstract: A system includes a shutter which selectively allows access to an infrared detector, when accessed directly by a processor-based system, such as a set-top computer system. In this way, infrared commands may be blasted from a set-top computer system to an appliance, e.g., a television receiver, without interference from other remote control units. When the controlling device is not sending signals to the television receiver, the shutter may allow other remote control units to control the appliance. The shutter may be a voltage controlled liquid crystal shutter, whose transmissivity is a function of the applied voltage.

Abstract: A system includes a power supply adapted to supply power to a device on a peripheral bus at least when the computer system is in a reduced power state. The system also includes a power control circuit adapted to receive a power control signal from the device at least when the computer system is in the reduced power state. The power control circuit transitions the computer system from the reduced power state as a result of receiving the power control signal.