Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing operational status for multiple communication networks is described. The apparatus includes a first transceiver circuit configured to communicate with first devices using a first communication network medium and including a visual indicator representing the status of communication, a second transceiver circuit configured to communicate with a plurality of second devices using a second communication network medium, and a controller determining the status of communication between the apparatus and the plurality of second devices and providing the status to the visual indicator.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing operational status for multiple communication networks is described. The apparatus includes a first transceiver circuit configured to communicate with first devices using a first communication network medium and including a visual indicator representing the status of communication, a second transceiver circuit configured to communicate with a plurality of second devices using a second communication network medium, and a controller determining the status of communication between the apparatus and the plurality of second devices and providing the status to the visual indicator.

Abstract: A combination heat sink and electromagnetic interference shield device is provided for a point of distribution card of a television receiver. The combination POD card heat sink and EMI shield device includes a combined thermal transfer and electromagnetic conduction portion that provides thermal and EM coupling or contact between an enclosure of the POD card and the metal control module enclosure of a television. Configured metalwork of the combination heat sink and EMI shield device provides conduction of heat from the POD card to provide the heat sink and short circuiting of developed currents to provide EMI shielding. The combined thermal transfer and EM conduction portion provides a low impedance connection between the POD card and the surrounding module metalwork of the television. This low impedance path provides a short for circulating current in the exposed metalwork that diminishes or essentially eliminates EMI.

Abstract: A temperature control apparatus is suitable for use in devices such as consumer electronics devices having different thermal characteristics. According to an exemplary embodiment, the temperature control apparatus includes a fan having a field winding (F3) and a speed controller for providing a speed control signal to the field winding (F3) responsive to a first control signal to control a rotating speed of the fan. First and second terminals of the fan enable operating power to be provided to the field winding (F3) and the speed controller. At least one of the first and second terminals is operatively coupled to a first voltage source. A third terminal of the fan provides the first control signal to the speed controller, and is operatively coupled to a second voltage source.

Abstract: An active pull up configuration for data bus lines unaffected by integral pull up resistors within subsystems. The present application generally relates to digital systems comprising a plurality of power supply levels and data buses. More particularly, this invention relates to digital system comprising subsystems connected by common buses that require automatic charging of certain buses or lines.

Abstract: A variable intensity light device is provided to illuminate front panel user buttons in a television apparatus. The television apparatus allows user control of the level of light intensity preferably via an on-screen menu. Automatic detection circuitry/logic is also provided that detects whether a light such as an LED is present upon initial user set-up. This allows the inclusion of the light device in televisions whose controllers are already designed. Moreover, the light device preferably utilizes a single wire for light presence detection and intensity control. Detection of the light causes the television apparatus to include a light control on-screen menu in the main television on-screen menu. Preferably, the light control menu allows the user selection of at least six different brightness or intensity levels for the light. In one form, the light is a diode that provides blue light though a light pipe.

Abstract: A television apparatus includes a front panel keyboard having first and second keys, and a controller for detecting a type of operational logic of the front panel keyboard. The controller applies a keyboard operational voltage to the front panel keyboard according to the detected type of operational logic. If the controller determines that the type of operational logic is negative, the controller applies the keyboard operational voltage to the front panel keyboard. Otherwise, if the controller determines that the type of operational logic is positive, the controller applies no keyboard operational voltage to the front panel keyboard.