Abstract: A control system for controlling the operation of equipment such as a television and VCR via remotely generated signals in accordance with a first protocol. The system includes one or more remote controllers for generating equipment control signals in accordance with a second protocol. An STB includes a sensor for detecting control signals from the remote controllers, and a signal generator for generating and transmitting corresponding equipment control signals using the first protocol to the equipment. The STB causes the appearance of the remote controller for the equipment to be displayed on a display. The remote controller of the control system allows a user to interact with the display to select a control instruction from the displayed equipment remote controller.