Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices for controlling the state of a fan of an electronic device during audio output based in whole or in part on loudness data of a digital audio file. An audio data file is sampled so that loudness data is determined from the sample audio data. The loudness data may indicate at least one portion of the audio data file that has a predetermined loudness level. For example, when the loudness data indicates that the audio output is low, the fan can be deactivated or slowed. In this way the noise of the fan does not impair the user's audio experience. Alternatively, when the loudness data indicates that the audio output is high, the fan can be activated or its speed may be increased. The predetermined loudness level of the audio output may have a value that is sufficiently high to mask fan noise.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices for controlling the state of a fan of an electronic device during audio output based in whole or in part on loudness data of a digital audio file. An audio data file is sampled so that loudness data is determined from the sample audio data. The loudness data may indicate at least one portion of the audio data file that has a predetermined loudness level. For example, when the loudness data indicates that the audio output is low, the fan can be deactivated or slowed. In this way the noise of the fan does not impair the user's audio experience. Alternatively, when the loudness data indicates that the audio output is high, the fan can be activated or its speed may be increased. The predetermined loudness level of the audio output may have a value that is sufficiently high to mask fan noise.

Abstract: The port for a removable module of a set-top box in a cable television system incorporates guide members of a thermally conductive material to provide a new primary heat dissipation path to manage thermal energy generated by operation of the module. The guide members may also be used to guide the module into proper connection with a module connector which electrically connects the circuit on the module with the circuitry of the set-top box. The guide members may be attached to the chassis of the set-top box or integrally formed in the chassis. Thus, heat from the module is provide directly to the chassis of the set-top box from which it is released by convention into the ambient environment.

Abstract: A guide member for accommodating a removable module is formed from a thermally conductive material having at least one thermally conductive element to provide a new primary heat dissipation path to manage thermal energy generated by operation of the module. The guide member may also be used to guide the module into proper connection with a module connector which electrically connects the circuit on the module with other circuitry. A plurality of thermally conductive elements, such as spring fingers, ribs and fins, provide additional thermal heat dissipation paths and enhance the rigidity of the guide members.