Abstract: A bypass data repeater (40) permitting data signals to bypass a CATV amplifier (30) in a CATV system (1) includes a downstream data path including a first data receiver (401) and a first data transmitter (402) serially coupled to one another, an upstream data path including a second data receiver (403) and a second data transmitter (404) serially coupled to one another, and circuitry (405, 406 or 412, 413) for temporarily disabling one of the first and second data transmitters (402, 403) when the data signals are received by a respective one of the second and first data receivers (403, 401). A CATV system (1) permitting data signals to pass bidirectionally between a headend (HE) and a television (TV) to bypass a CATV amplifier (30) is also described.

Abstract: A remote control transmitter, preferably a universal or reconfigurable remote control transmitter, is incorporated into a television receiver. Mounting a light emitting source such as a light emitting diode in a line of sight or a wired connection with an external tuning system such as that of a VCR or cable converter, and modification of the television tuning system to cause the transmission of activating signals to the remote control transmitter, allows functions which are channel associated and which are therefore generally suppressed when a remote tuning system is used to remain in force.

Abstract: The remote control unit has a selection mechanism for selecting any one of a number of categories of equipment to be controlled. The commands available for keyboard input in any given category are automatically displayed to the user upon selection of the category. Switches are provided for user selection of the model number of any one of a number of manufacturers of the equipment within the category to be controlled. Operation of the switches allows program controlled read-outs of formats stored in memory. An infra-red LED is then energized in accordance with the format to transmit the signal to the unit to be controlled.

Abstract: A remote control unit responds to activation of a "identify" button by transmitting a sequence of command signals, each of the same command in a different format. Since the appliance to be controlled is turned on, it responds in a predetermined way (e.g. a channel change) when it receives the properly formatted command. The user then terminates the learn mode and a pointer denoting the address of the last transmitted command, i.e. the properly formatted command, is stored in the unit and used as part of the address for reading data for subsequent user-selected commands out of memory.