Abstract: A network device such as a wireless network device is configured using information input from a user computer or a user telephone for a specific home network to which the device will belong. This may be accomplished by obtaining from the user account information which is sent to a configuration server that automatically sets up the device for network use without the users further direct involvement.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a television set having remote control signaling to a controlled device has a data communication interface for communication of data, said data communication interface having a connection reserved for DC power. A remote control interface that receives commands from a remote control device. A circuit determines whether a command received at the remote control interface is destined for the television set or for the controlled device. The controlled device is connected to the television set via the data communication interface. A modulator modulates a signal representing a command destined for the controlled device onto the DC power connection in order to convey the command to the controlled device. In another embodiment a television accessory device that is interconnected to and controllable by the television has a data communication interface for communication of data, said data communication interface having a connection reserved for DC power.

Abstract: A method to add a new wireless device to a home network through one common interface administrator such as a TV hosting an application. A user simply inputs one identification code of the new wireless device to the TV using a remote commander. Since all wireless devices are registered through the same application regardless of their type, the setup experience is consistent to a user who is required to have no special knowledge. Through the process, the administrator TV obtains information of wireless devices sought to be registered in the home network, enabling the administrator TV to capture the network structure or topology, which may be used for further applications, without implementing dedicated protocols such as UPnP to collect the information.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus provide that movement of an interference pattern of a coherent light beam is mapped to cursor movement to effect navigation of a user interface. A remote controller operable to emit a coherent light beam is in cooperative arrangement with a display device operable to display a user interface, navigable by means of a cursor. A laser diode element and coupled diffuser element of the remote controller generate the coherent light beam. Movement of the remote controller causes movement of an interference pattern of the coherent light beam impinging upon a sensor of the display device; movement of the interference pattern is sensed by the display device and mapped to corresponding movement of the cursor in the user interface. Thus, the remote controller may be used to navigate an on-screen user interface by movement of the remote controller itself.

Abstract: A set-box (SBB) is advanced into a receptacle on the rear of a TV to add functionality to the TV. Digital video information is conveyed from the SBB to the TV using respective HDMI connectors on the SBB and TV that mechanically engage each other, whereas bi-directional control information is passed wirelessly between the SBB and TV.

Abstract: A set-box (SBB) is advanced into a receptacle on the rear of a TV to add functionality to the TV. Digital video information is conveyed from the SBB to the TV using respective HDMI connectors on the SBB and TV that mechanically engage each other, whereas bi-directional control information is passed wirelessly between the SBB and TV.

Abstract: A set-box (SBB) is advanced into a receptacle on the rear of a TV to add functionality to the TV. Digital video information is conveyed from the SBB to the TV using respective HDMI connectors on the SBB and TV that mechanically engage each other, whereas bi-directional control information is passed wirelessly between the SBB and TV.

Abstract: A home entertainment network includes at least one client device connected to a server over a network, and the client has an interface to removable media. Each piece of removable media has a unique ID, which can be pre-recorded beforehand or assigned by a server. A user selects content from a library in the server(s) and associates it with the ID of a piece of media through the server or client, with the server storing the media ID as well as information to identify the associated content. Unlike a conventional removable media system, however, no content data is on the media. To play back the content, a user simply engages the media with a client device, which retrieves the media ID, sends it to the server, and receives in exchange from the server the associated content.

Abstract: A network device such as a wireless network device is configured using information obtained at the point of sale (POS) for a specific home network to which the device will belong. This may be accomplished by obtaining from the buyer at the POS account information, which is sent to a configuration server that automatically sets up the device for network use without the buyer's further direct involvement.

Abstract: In a home network, a proxy is used to convert information in UPnP format from UPnP devices to IEEE 1394 format so that IEEE 1394 devices in the network can access the information which was originally in UPnP format. Likewise, the proxy converts information in IEEE 1394 format from IEEE 1394 devices to UPnP format so that UPnP devices in the network can access the information which was originally in IEEE 1394 format.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus provide that movement of an interference pattern of a coherent light beam is mapped to cursor movement to effect navigation of a user interface. A remote controller operable to emit a coherent light beam is in cooperative arrangement with a display device operable to display a user interface, navigable by means of a cursor. A laser diode element and coupled diffuser element of the remote controller generate the coherent light beam. Movement of the remote controller causes movement of an interference pattern of the coherent light beam impinging upon a sensor of the display device; movement of the interference pattern is sensed by the display device and mapped to corresponding movement of the cursor in the user interface. Thus, the remote controller may be used to navigate an on-screen user interface by movement of the remote controller itself.

Abstract: A method, in accordance with one embodiment, of managing power consumption in a network, comprising receiving an instruction for a first device in an active power state and serving as a network master node to enter into a power management state, the network master node adapted to perform a network administrative function while in an active power state, the power management state having a lower power consumption than the active power state; sending data from the first device to a second device serving as a network slave node, the data enabling the second device to start performing the network administrative function while in an active power state; and placing the first device into the power management state after sending the data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for protecting privacy in power line communication (PLC) networks. Data transmitted on a PLC network is encrypted according to a network key and can be properly received only by registered devices that have the proper network ID and network key value so that proper decryption can be performed. According to the invention a streaming media device is provided with a compatible network ID and network key during a registration process facilitated by coupling the device (applicant) to a direct power line connection associated with another device (administrator). The network key, and optionally network ID, are then shared over the direct connection without being distributed over the PLC network at large. By way of example, the data is prevented from being distributed across the PLC network in response to using selectable filtering of PLC data, and preferably a secure data communication mechanism, such as public-private key encoding.

Abstract: A set-box (SBB) is advanced into a receptacle on the rear of a TV to add functionality to the TV. Digital video information is conveyed from the SUB to the TV using respective HDMI connectors on the SBB and TV that mechanically engage each other, whereas bi-directional control information is passed wirelessly between the SBB and TV.

Abstract: A TV remote control has a recessed keypad so that if the remote is laid face down the keys will not be activated by the weight of the remote.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a television set having remote control signaling to a controlled device has a data communication interface for communication of data, said data communication interface having a connection reserved for DC power. A remote control interface that receives commands from a remote control device. A circuit determines whether a command received at the remote control interface is destined for the television set or for the controlled device. The controlled device is connected to the television set via the data communication interface. A modulator modulates a signal representing a command destined for the controlled device onto the DC power connection in order to convey the command to the controlled device. In another embodiment a television accessory device that is interconnected to and controllable by the television has a data communication interface for communication of data, said data communication interface having a connection reserved for DC power.

Abstract: A method to add a new wireless device to a home network through one common interface administrator such as a TV hosting an application. A user simply inputs one identification code of the new wireless device to the TV using a remote commander. Since all wireless devices are registered through the same application regardless of their type, the setup experience is consistent to a user who is required to have no special knowledge. Through the process, the administrator TV obtains information of wireless devices sought to be registered in the home network, enabling the administrator TV to capture the network structure or topology, which may be used for further applications, without implementing dedicated protocols such as UPnP to collect the information.

Abstract: A network device such as a wireless network device is configured using information input from a user computer or a user telephone for a specific home network to which the device will belong. This may be accomplished by obtaining from the user account information which is sent to a configuration server that automatically sets up the device for network use without the users further direct involvement.

Abstract: A High Definition Multi-media Interface (HDMI) switch emulating a Consumer Electronic Control (CEC) source device. A source device may be coupled to the HDMI switch, wherein the source device is incompatible with CEC protocol. Configuration information, e.g., a logical address corresponding to a port which couples the source device to the HDMI switch, may be determined and the result may be stored. In response to a user selection of a source device, the sink device may send a CEC message to the source device. The HDMI switch interprets the CEC message on behalf of the source device, e.g., by using the logical address. The switch then creates a logical connection between the selected source and the sink device. In this way, source devices connected to the switch are transparently visible and selectable from the sink device's menu and therefore provide the same usability as CEC devices.

Abstract: A network device such as a wireless network device is configured using information obtained at the point of sale (POS) for a specific home network to which the device will belong. This may be accomplished by obtaining from the buyer at the POS account information, which is sent to a configuration server that automatically sets up the device for network use without the buyer's further direct involvement.