Abstract: A remotely controllable message broadcast system includes a Central Programming Station, and many Remote Message Transmitters and repeaters. The Central Programming Station includes a library of broadcast messages and a set of Remote Message Transmitter programming instructions. A transmitter in the Central Programming Station transmits selected broadcast messages from the library and selected Remote Message Transmitter programming instructions from the set to all the Remote Message Transmitters over a wide area transmission network such as a licensed radio link. The transmitted instructions may include global instructions which apply to all Remote Message Transmitters and unique (addressable) programming commands which apply to an individual one of the Remote Message Transmitters. Each Remote Message Transmitter selectively stores received broadcast messages and programming instructions based on whether it is a global instruction or a unique addressable command for that particular Remote Message Transmitter.

Abstract: A local area network for digital information transmission to and from each of a plurality of building units in an area, such as homes in a neighborhood is provided, wherein all connections between units are wireless. Each unit is provided with and fm transceiver station, which is connected with an electrical system in said unit, such as a security system or a power distribution system in such a way that information can be gathered from said system and commands delivered to said system. Each transceiver is adapted to operate at a power level and on a frequency which does not require an FCC license. Each transceiver includes programmable means adapted to cause said transceiver to recognize transmission specifically addressed to it by other stations in the network, and to cause said transceiver to generate and send transmissions specifically addressed to other transceivers in the network.