Abstract: An Internet service makes available control codes for use on a programmable universal remote. The remote controls CE equipment through IR or RF commands. A server supplies the control codes as XML data that gets processed at the receiver's set top box or PC, or the remote itself, for being properly installed on the remote.

Abstract: A set top box (STB) is marketed together with a programmable remote. The remote has a dedicated button to connect the STB to a specific server on the Internet. The consumer can notify the server of his/her other CE equipment, which he/she desires to be controllable through the same remote as the one that came with the STB. The server downloads to the STB data representative of the relevant control codes. The STB is provided with means to program the remote with these codes. In return the server has obtained detailed and accurate information about this consumer's equipment. A reliable customer base can thus be built for streamlining Help Desk operations.

Abstract: A remote control device provides commands and options based on the configuration of components in a user's environment, and based on a defined user activity. A storage device contains a user profile that includes the configuration of components at the user's environment, and defined set of user activities, such as “watching television”, “viewing a movie”, “watching a sports program”, and so on. Each user activity has a corresponding mapping of keys on the remote control device to facilitate the user activity. When the user identifies a preferred activity, the remote control device communicates commands to the components of the system to support the activity, and subsequently communicates commands to each component corresponding to this activity. A user may define multiple user activities, and the storage device may contain configurations and activities from multiple users.

Abstract: A remote control device provides commands and options based on the configuration of components in a user's environment, and based on a defined user activity. A storage device contains a user profile that includes the configuration of components at the user's environment, and defined set of user activities, such as “watching television”, “viewing a movie”, “watching a sports program”, and so on. Each user activity has a corresponding mapping of keys on the remote control device to facilitate the user activity. When the user identifies a preferred activity, the remote control device communicates commands to the components of the system to support the activity, and subsequently communicates commands to each component corresponding to this activity. A user may define multiple user activities, and the storage device may contain configurations and activities from multiple users.

Abstract: A charging system is provided for receiving data from a remote source and transferring the data to an electronic device. The charging system includes a charger including a coupling connector for coupling to a rechargeable electronic device, wherein the coupling connector includes charging circuitry for providing an electrical charge to the rechargeable electronic device and a communication port for transferring data to the rechargeable electronic device. The charging system further includes a network connection for receiving the data from a remote source and selectably transferring the data upon receipt to at least one of the communication port and a storage means of the charger. In one embodiment the rechargeable electronic device is a remote control device for controlling a television, and the data is a television channel guide.

Abstract: A remote control device is provided for a television which enables a user to determine what programs are being aired or scheduled to air without disrupting a program currently being watched. The remote control device includes a display, e.g., a graphical user interface, for displaying a television channel guide listing the various programs currently being aired. Preferably, the display is a touch screen or includes directional cursor control for selecting a desired program by touching the desired program listing on the display or situating a cursor over the desired program listing and performing an action, such as clicking a “SELECT” button. The remote control device also includes a conventional user-interface with multiple user inputs for selective control of a particular one of the functionalities of the television through sending a particular one of multiple control signals to the television.

Abstract: A remote control device is provided having a display for enabling a user to view information relating to a television program currently being viewed (or not being viewed) without having the information appearing on the television screen The remote control device of the present disclosure includes the display, e.g.

Abstract: A remote control has a button to gain access to a URL on the Internet. In an example embodiment, a remote control apparatus comprises a user-interface programmable to retrieve content from the Internet. In a particular application, the remote control would be part of a system comprising a STB box connected to a network. The remote control is coupled to the STB, wherein the STB stores the predetermined URL. The user may retrieve the predetermined URL by actuating a shortcut key on the remote. This URL may be programmed by the user or by a third party in response to a user profile.