Abstract: A combined audio video device includes inputs for receiving an audio video signal from a source. The device includes in one enclosure audio and video processor portions configured such that the audio and video processors use a common communications line for coupling electrical signals form the device to a host computer. The audio processor is operable to accept an audio signal and to provide audio enhancements to the audio signal. In one embodiment, the common communications line is a USB cable. In another embodiment, a USB hub is integrated into the device.

Abstract: An add-on card and connector including telephone functions is provided. The telephone functions are ones which are unlikely to be eventually performed on a mother board. A connection is provided which is adaptable to either an add-on sound card or eventually a mother board. The interface connection allows the use of the sound board to generate hold music for phone functions, as well as provide text to speech functions. In addition, the sharing of a common microphone and speaker is provided for.

Abstract: An infrared remote-control system and method for the simultaneous transmission of data from two or more separate hand transmitters to a single remote-control receiver is disclosed. Interference between transmitted signals is eliminated by interlacing control signals with quiescent periods during transmission. The control signals are received and validated by the receiver based on the quiescent periods.