Abstract: A wireless utility program 11 of a PDA 1 transmits image data to a wireless projector 2 by wireless communication. When the screen image data has not changed, the transmission of data is not performed. The wireless utility program 11 of the PDA 1 automatically transmits updated screen image data to the wireless projector 2 by wireless communication whenever the screen image data of PDA 1 is updated without the explicit instruction for performing transmission process of the screen image data by user.

Abstract: Systems and methods of billing and authentication of a communication device in a communication network are provided. In one embodiment, the system may comprise, for example, at least one communication device, a communication network, information content, and a card. The communication device may be deployed at a location. The communication network may be communicatively coupled to that location. The information content may reside on the communication network and the location. The card may carry information related to one or more user-defined selections of the information content and may allow the communication device to access the user-defined selections.

Abstract: An integrated remote controller and a main set-top-box therefor, wherein the integrated remote controller performs communication with the main set-top-box of home network system through WLAN and provides appliance control signals to a corresponding appliances connected to the main set-top-box through wires or wirelessly. Every home networked household appliance can be controlled by one integrated remote controller through intuitive and easy user interface, irrespective of where a user is, whereby the user can easily control any appliance, check a control result in response to a control request right away, and check or control the status of appliances through a regular monitoring function. As a result, user mobility, convenience, and functionality can be maximized.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting and resolving interference between two IR signals in a remote control system. The two IR signals may include primary signals emitted from a remote control device to a first consumer electronics device and relayed signals sent from the first consumer electronics device to a second consumer electronics device using an IR blaster, or emitter. In order to minimize the likelihood of interference between the signals at the second consumer electronics device, the IR emitter does not begin transmitting the relayed signals until the primary signals are no longer being emitted. If, however, the remote control device begins to send another primary signal while the IR emitter is sending the relayed signals, the systems and methods include provisions for resolving any data loss that may result. Upon sensing the interference, the IR emitter sends a reset signal that places the secondary consumer electronics device in a known state.

Abstract: An aircraft communication distribution system and comprising a media controller to control the system, a media server in communication with the media controller and configured to store media information in a digital format, a web server to access the worldwide web in communication with the media controller, at least one Ethernet tapping unit in communication with the media, at least one Ethernet area distribution box in communication with the media server, at least one display unit in communication with at least one of the Ethernet tapping unit and the Ethernet area distribution box.

Abstract: Systems and methods for decoding and processing back-to-back transactions for an addressable cable television tap. The addressable tap includes an input port for receiving an input signal and output ports for providing outgoing signals to receiving equipment and a controller for providing addressable per port (RF) switching. The controller is adapted to communicate with multiple addressable ports. The controller also includes storage for storing the remaining portions of partially processed commands. Further, the addressable tap includes a relay for enabling or disabling signals to the addressable output ports. Processing commands in the addressable tap includes receiving continuous commands having back-to-back transactions, from a headend and forwarding signals to receiving equipment.

Abstract: A Method and Apparatus of IEEE 1394 Tone Transmission in Beta Mode is disclosed. The invention relates to a method for the transmission of clock signal in IEEE 1394 beta mode, known as “tone.” The system comprising a controller for automatic adjustment of the level of power consumption of the device responsive to whether or not an effective bus connection is being made, a current reference having temperature compensation, a self-calibrating oscillator, a “tone” transmitter, a “tone” receiver, and termination circuitry. While in standby mode, and when no cable is interconnecting the device to another device, the device transmits tones and listens for incoming tones while maintaining low power consumption. When a cable is plugged in, the device awakens automatically and resumes normal IEEE 1394 transmissions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for polling stations that transmit periodic traffic streams are disclosed. The illustrative embodiment polls the station in accordance with a polling schedule that is generated to reduce the delay between (i) when the station queues a frame, and (ii) when the station transmits the frame. This reduces the waiting time of the frame in the station, and is, therefore, especially advantageous for latency-sensitive applications such as voice and video telecommunications. In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, a station that expects to periodically queue a frame for transmission sends a polling request to the polling coordinator, which request enables the polling coordinator to generate an advantageous polling schedule.

Abstract: A system and method supporting the communication of indication of activity in a communication network are disclosed. An embodiment of the present invention may permit a first user to send an activity indication to a pre-defined group of other users, to enable members of the group of other users to engage in additional media exchange activities with the first user. The activity indication sent to the other users may comprise information descriptive of the media consumption activity of the first user. A user of an embodiment of the present invention may define a set of conditions in which received activity indications result in a notification of the user. Notification of the user may comprise displaying a graphical image, generating a sound, or lighting an indicator on a set top box.

Abstract: Certain aspects of the invention may be found in a method and system for setting up devices for communication on a communication network and may include a headend that may detect when a first device is initially coupled to the communication network and assign an address to the first device. The headend may transfer the assigned address to the first device and in response to receiving the transferred assigned address and/or an identifier of the first device from the first device, the headend may communicate the transferred received assigned address and/or the identifier of the first device to at least one communication server coupled to the communication network. The assigned address of the first device may be a static address, a dynamic address and/or an embedded device address such as a MAC address. The identifier of the first device may be a digital certificate and/or a serial number.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention may be found in a method and system for providing media in a communication network. In this regard, certain aspects of the method for providing media in a communication network may comprise receiving a media file at a first home via the communication network. The media file may be received from outside the first home and a first format for the received media file may be determined within the first home. Accordingly, the received media file may be converted from the first format to a second format that is compatible with presenting and/or playing the converted media file on a television screen within the first home.

Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus for displaying a digital broadcasting, capable of satisfying the audience's right of choice. The apparatus of the present invention includes a signal mixer for selectively mixing AV broadcast signal and data broadcast signal separated from a received broadcast signal in response to a display setup request, and a plurality of display units for displaying the mixed signals. An audience can simultaneously watch AV broadcast signals and data broadcast signals of one or more channels in real time. For this, the apparatus can include one or more means for receiving AV broadcast signals and data broadcast signals of one or more channels. Accordingly, the audiences can watch their favorite broadcastings on one display unit among a plurality of display units without regard to other audiences.

Abstract: An integrated receiver with dual channel transport stream decoding and delivery substantially implemented on a single CMOS integrated circuit is described. A receiver front end provides multiple time-base clocks for two transport streams. Transport processor circuitry uses multiple PCRs to track transport streams through decoding, storage and or delivery of the decoded signals for display. Provision of a multiple time-base clock for decoding and delivering multiple transport streams allows display of the two de coded audio-video signals on independent monitors.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for a radio communication system having a multiplicity of mobile transceiver units selectively in communication with a plurality of base transceiver units which, in turn, communicate with one or more host computers for storage and manipulation of data collected by bar code scanners or other collection means associated with the mobile transceiver units. A network controller and an adapter which has a simulcast and sequential mode provide selective interface between host computers and base transceivers. A scheme for routing data through the communication system is also disclosed wherein the intermediate base stations are organized into an optimal spanning-tree network to control the routing of data to and from the RF terminals and the host computer efficiently and dynamically.

Abstract: An AV function section is provided with a standby mode serving to reduce power consumption during standby. An embedded controller provides such control as shifts or recovers the AV function section to or from the standby mode. Further, a network processor accepts, via a network such as a wireless LAN, a command causing the AV function section to shift to or recover from the standby mode. On the basis of this command, the network processor instructs, via a control signal line, the embedded controller to shift or recover the AV function section to or from the standby mode.

Abstract: an illustrative video apparatus comprises a decoder that decodes video information in a native format, an emulation controller coupled to the decoder, and a network controller coupled to the emulation controller and capable of coupling to an external network. The video apparatus also includes a storage holding an instruction sequence executable on the emulation controller. The instruction sequence comprises a code for receiving network information from the external network and converting the network information to the native format for transfer to the decoder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a computer system enabling data stored in a hard disk to be outputted to an external apparatus through a display apparatus and a data transmitting method thereof.

Abstract: Multi-camera signal distribution conducted by a plurality of broadcasters has various problems of charging, video switching and copyright from the user's viewpoint. In order to solve these problems, first, a charging unit is provided for charging at a measured-rate charging to the assessment price of contents. Secondly, a program scramble is used to encrypt the whole service and a show scramble to encrypt each show, or each channel, thus making it possible to offer service according to the conditions of a contract the viewer made. Third, a show selection unit is provided to select shows on a show selection guide picture displayed on the screen of a communication terminal that has a remote control function. Use of this charging system could prevent the total amount of charging from increasing even if channels to view are frequently changed.

Abstract: Detecting tampering of an incoming cable to which a network interface unit (NIU) is connected by testing for the reflected signal that is present when the signal being transmitted to the head end is not connected to a properly terminated coaxial cable. In particular, by comparing the phase of the transmitted signal from the NIU with that of the reflected signal, a distinction can be made between a signal that travels many feet before being reflected back and a signal that reflects back right or near the connector of the NIU. Only the latter is used as a stimulus to indicate tampering since the first is likely caused by cable personnel disconnecting the cable further into the network. The key difference between the two types of reflected signals is the time delay of the reflect signal with respect to the transmitted signal from the NIU.

Abstract: In a home audio video network of connected network devices, a method of routing a received message to a software controller. An incoming message is received from a network bus by an intelligent device having a plurality of software controllers for communicating with a plurality of network devices. The incoming message are examined in a first message handling unit to determine a corresponding one of the plurality of software controllers within the intelligent device. The incoming message are dispatched to the corresponding one software controller using the first message handling unit. An outgoing message is received from one of the plurality of software controllers in a second message handling unit. The outgoing message is examined to determine a corresponding one of the plurality of network devices. The outgoing message is dispatched to the corresponding one network device with the first and second message handling units functioning independently.

Abstract: A set-top box is provided wherein an Identifier (ID) associated with the set-top box can be used to request information from a personal computer which provides the requested information to the set-top box. In particular, in a system that includes multiple set-top boxes, the ID can be used to determine which set-top box made a request and to determine which set-top box is the intended recipient of the requested information accessed by the system. For example, a request for information from a set-top box can include the ID of the set-top box. The personal computer, therefore, can use the ID to record which set-top box made the request. When the personal computer receives the information requested by the set-top box, the information and the ID of the set-top box that made the request is broadcast to all the set-top boxes. Each set-top box compares the ID broadcast with the information to its own ID to determine if the information is intended for it.

Abstract: Each of a plurality of remote control devices receives user-initiated video selections of any of direct broadcast satellite (DBS) channels, digital subscriber line (DSL) video content, and combinations of DBS channels and DSL video content. Based on the selections, each of a plurality of video processing modules is responsive to a corresponding one of the remote control devices to request any of a DBS channel, DSL video content, and a combination of a DBS channel and DSL video content, and to generate a television signal based thereon. A DBS distribution module simultaneously receives and distributes all DBS channels requested by the video processing modules. A DSL modem receives any DSL video content requested by the video processing modules. A networking module distributes the DSL video content to those of the video processing modules requesting same.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for establishing device interaction among electronic devices of an environment. The device has a transmitter, receiver, memory storing interaction rules and a processor for implementing the interaction rules in association with the transmitter, receiver, and other devices of the environment. The device also includes components for performing the device specific functions and a state sensor for determining the logical or physical state of the device. The methods involve detecting a change of state at a device and then communicating in accordance with the interaction rules thereafter. The communication may involve broadcasting change of state messages to the environment, directing change of state messages to specific devices, and directing requests and/or directing replies to requests. Through device interaction, changes of state may automatically occur at one device in response to a change of state at another in order to reduce the burden on the user.

Abstract: A minimal level of interoperability for exchanging audio/video (A/V) content and associated control between common consumer electronic (CE) devices is defined. This interoperability is based on the IEEE 1394 serial bus for the physical and link layers and makes use of AV/C or CAL as the control language. This invention provides for reducing the number of remote controls that the user might need by allowing remote control commands to always be received by a controlling device (e.g., digital television) and then routed to the appropriate peripheral device (e.g. digital VCR) after translation into a universal format.

Abstract: An integrated home network system for providing multimedia services enables each subscriber to view a high definition television (HDTV) broadcast and to use high-speed Internet by connecting one external line to only one terminal device and to provide an integrated terminal device for the integrated home network system.

Abstract: A method implemented on a multi-tuner receiver system is disclosed, comprising: monitoring user input on the multi-tuner receiver system; identifying a first channel which the user is likely to select based on the user input; and speculatively tuning to the first channel using a first tuner prior to the user selecting the first channel.

Abstract: A consumer electronic device includes circuitry configured to produce a signal corresponding to a selected one of first, second and third radio frequency channel. The circuitry includes a modulator configured to modulate the video signal such that it falls within a first predetermined frequency range, corresponding to the selected channel. The respective frequency ranges for the first, second and third radio frequency channels are mutually exclusive. Multiple consumer electronic devices are coupled to a combiner which generates a combined signal including the modulated signals from all of the devices. This signal is distributed to a plurality of receivers such that each receiver can receive any of the modulated signals without interference from any of the other modulated signals. The device may also be implemented as a stand-alone device that receives baseband signals, modulates the signals and combines the modulated signals to produce the combined signal.

Abstract: A multiple-room communication system is adapted to provide digital television programming (e.g. DBS) to a plurality of rooms in a single family dwelling and may be further adapted to provide digital television programming to a plurality of dwelling units in a multiple dwelling unit such as an apartment. A central unit includes a plurality of integrated receiver decoder modules that receive e.g. satellite signals from a satellite antenna and filter and supply the signals to a distribution system that is coupled to a plurality of display devices that are located in various rooms throughout the single family home. A plurality of hand-held remote controllers, each being associated with one of the integrated receiver decoder modules, are used to communicate with and control the associated integrated receiver decoder module to cause it to supply a desired signal to a desired display device.

Abstract: A dual link receiver terminates, recovers, channel aligns, and link aligns a plurality of primary link channels and a plurality of secondary link channels. The plurality of primary link channels and the plurality of secondary link channels are each received, bit recovered, synchronized, decoded and channel aligned. Then, the plurality of primary link channels and secondary link channels are link aligned. Link alignment operations first determine a relative misalignment between the plurality of primary link channels and the plurality of secondary link channels. A primary link delay is then applied to the primary link channels and a secondary link delay is then applied to the secondary link channels. A difference between the primary link delay and the secondary link delay is based upon the misalignment between the plurality of primary link channels and the plurality of secondary link channels. An enabling circuit precludes the beginning of a blanking period from being incorrectly indicated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a process for addressing a central processing unit (20) of a multi-device appliance, as well as to a corresponding appliance. The addressing system comprises a processing module (13), which receives control information and transmits it selectively to the central processing unit, and a dynamic filtering memory (14) containing at least one set of transmission indicators for the control signals. The processing module selects the control information to be transmitted as a function of the transmission indicators of the current set of the memory. Each set is associated with at least one operating state of the central processing unit and the indicators correspond to some of the control information, the so-called transmission information.

Abstract: A recording/reproduction apparatus includes a magnetic disk. An information apparatus sets an instruction to initialize the magnetic disk and transmits the set instruction to the recording/reproduction apparatus through a network. The recording/reproduction apparatus receives the instruction from the information apparatus through the network and initializes the recording medium in accordance with the instruction. Thus, a user can finely initializes the recording medium of the recording/reproduction apparatus from remote locations.

Abstract: A method of transmitting a transport stream over an IEEE 1394 Serial Bus comprising stripping out of the transport stream identifiable unrequired data so as to reduce the bandwidth of the transport stream, a digital multi-media receiver for transmitting a transport stream to a Conditional Access Module on an IEEE 1394 Serial Bus including a reader for reading the contents of the transport stream and identifying data which is not required for processing by a Conditional Access Module, a stripper for stripping out at least some of the identified unrequired data from the transport stream and a transmitter for transmitting all of the remaining data of the transport stream which has not been stripped and a network of digital multi-media devices connected by means of an IEEE 1394 Serial Bus whereby a first device sends such a stripped transport stream to a second device over the IEEE 1394 Serial Bus.

Abstract: A master subscriber station is provided that supports a relatively low cost slave subscriber station. The slave subscriber station relies upon the master subscriber station for certain functions and therefore can be implemented as a lower cost design. Duplication of functionality is therefore minimized, resulting in lower complexity and lower overall costs. The master subscriber station has the ability to process multiple video streams such that one or more of the additional streams can be sent via coaxial cabling to a slave subscriber station, as well as receive and process user control signals from the slave subscriber station. The slave subscriber has the ability to receive and demodulate video and audio streams sent by the master subscriber station, as well as send user control commands back to the master subscriber station over the same coaxial cable that delivers the video streams to the slave subscriber station.

Abstract: A video/audio system includes an interface device that receives a plurality of audio and video signals from a plurality of sources. The interface device combines these signals into various combinations and transmits the combinations to a receiver. The receiver is configured to interface one of the combinations of signals with a user. In this regard, the receiver allows the user to select one of the combinations, and in response, the receiver separates the video signal(s) of the selected combination from the audio signal(s) of the selected combination. Then, the receiver renders the video signal(s) via a display device and produces a sound defined by the audio signal(s) via a speaker. Accordingly, the user is able to control which set of audio and video signals are interfaced with the user.

Abstract: A remote control device receives the user interface displays for controlling a primary controllee electronic device from the primary controllee device itself. The remote control device may also receive the user interface displays for controlling an auxiliary controllee electronic device from the primary controllee electronic device, which in one embodiment, generates the user interface displays in response to specifications received from the auxiliary controllee electronic display. A user controls the controlee devices using the user interfaces provided to the remote control device. In response, control commands are provided to the primary controllee electronic device, including commands for the auxiliary controllee device(s). The primary controllee device relays the commands to the auxiliary controllee device(s). Alternatively, commands for the auxiliary controllee devices may be provided to the auxiliary controllee devices directly.

Abstract: A system for redistributing a multiple input audio/video and data signals having a redistributing device equipped to receive signals in a multiple formats and redistribute a selected signal to a user's premises over conductors, preferably existing twisted-pair telephone wire. The redistributing device is in interactive communication with a communications interface located in the user's premises which receives user-input control signals and contains switching circuitry which routes the selected signal to the user's premises where it is received by the receiving unit such as a television receiver. A single redistributing device services an entire multi-user network from a common distribution point, and services multiple users independently. The system of the invention does not interfere with normal use of the telephone network, so users can interactively access services provided by the system and use the telephone at the same time.

Abstract: A local network (10), forming part of a cable TV system, includes subscriber outlets (21), from which signals can be transmitted in the return direction to a head end (11) of the system within a predetermined carrier frequency band.

Abstract: An entertainment system includes a digital television connected to a number of audio/video input devices. The television and at least two of the input devices support analog legacy communication schemes. The television is adapted to uniquely identify the analog output channels from each of the input devices. Uniquely identifying the analog output channels from each input device enables the television to automatically select the correct device output from among the numerous possibilities. This automation relieves the user of having to manually select the correct analog channel.

Abstract: A demarcation point unit connected between a home network backbone and an external network. The demarcation point unit includes a blocking filter and splitter. The blocking filter receives a home network signal from the home network backbone and an external signal from the external network. The blocking filter separates the home network signal from the external signal, and returns the home network signal back to the home network backbone. The splitter has an input and at least two outputs. The input of the splitter receives the home network signal from the blocking filter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to automatically set-up an electronic device having multiple user-controllable functionalities is provided by an arrangement that provides an interactive menu to a user. The user interacts with the menu to select and set a functionality to a desired setting. The automatic set-up arrangement receives a set-up command corresponding to the menu choice and transmits the set-up command to the electronic device in the form of an IR beam. The IR beam containing the set-up command is used to set the user-controllable functionality of the electronic device to the selected setting.

Abstract: It becomes possible for a user to set a transmission or reception channel arbitrarily and easily. Each of equipment connected to an IEEE 1394 bus may include a register provided within a RAM 113 to thereby set a transmission or reception default channel. If channels used in the transmission and the reception are not set when the transmission is started, then default channel may be used. When equipment is set to a channel setting mode by operating an operation section 116, a control section 112 may display a channel setting picture on a display section 115. In this state, a user may select a set channel by operating an up-key 116a and a down-key 116b of the operation section 116. Thereafter, when a user operates a “YES” key 116c, the control section 112 may write a selected channel in the above-mentioned register, and ends a default channel setting operation. A user can set the transmission or reception channel arbitrarily and easily.

Abstract: A command protocol enables an applications programming interface (API) between a first interactive television (ITV) equipment and a second ITV equipment for seamless communication between the two. An API command generator receives data from the first ITV equipment in a first format. The data may be, for example, a list of ITV events to be encoded into a television program. The command generator converts data into a second format according to the API and transmits the data in the second format to the second ITV equipment. The second ITV equipment may be, for example, an ITV data encoder encoding the list of ITV events transmitted by the first ITV equipment.

Abstract: An interactive television (ITV) system transmitting ITV content created and received by different ITV platforms via a single ITV stream. The system provides universal time codes which are embedded into the ITV stream. Each time code is associated with a program identifier which uniquely identifies a particular program. An ITV receiver receives the ITV stream and compares the program identifier and time code with a program held in the receiver's memory. When a match is found, an interactive event indicated by the program is executed. The program may be loaded into the receiver's memory using a back channel.

Abstract: A system, method, and article of manufacture suitable for transmitting a programmable message in place of or intermixed into a streaming media data stream to a receiving device upon receipt of an event is disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manipulating an RF or NTSC video source to control access for video products such as television, cable, satellite, VCR, DVD, and video game devices. An apparatus and method provided by the present invention takes a signal from any one of a number of signal sources and interfaces with the monitor/television/device subject to control. The apparatus and method provides a master control for the amount of time the entertainment source can be accessed and during which times of the day it can be accessed. Within the master control, subsidiary controls can be implemented within master code guidelines. The apparatus also provides its own video signal for on-screen display of functions and timing.

Abstract: A plurality of outlets has at least a first outlet coupled to an IR target for providing a first local comparatively low-frequency electrical IR signal in response to an IR signal received by the IR target. At least a second outlet is coupled to an IR emitter. A distribution module is coupled to each outlet by respective first and second cables, wherein each of the first and second cables is sufficient to carry both comparatively high-frequency signals and comparatively low-frequency electrical IR signals between a respective outlet and the distribution module. The distribution module combines all local electrical IR signals received from said outlets via said respective first cables into a combined electrical IR signal and transmits the combined electrical IR signal to the IR emitter via said second cable.

Abstract: Systems and methods that reduce the complexity of interconnecting various consumer electronics devices. One consumer electronics device, such as an Internet terminal, forms a central hub to which all other consumer electronics devices are connected. The Internet terminal has a plurality of identical, interchangeable tongue and groove connectors, each having a plurality of pins. The connectors are identical and interchangeable in that a cable designed to connect a consumer electronics device to the Internet terminal may be plugged into any of the connectors and operate properly. A plurality of cables, each specifically adapted to connect to an existing or future type of consumer electronics device, are used to connect the consumer electronics devices to the connectors at the Internet terminal. Each cable has a connector at one end that attaches to the identical, interchangeable connectors, and one or more connectors at the other end that attach to the particular consumer electronics device.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes a gateway providing an open software interface to control in-home communications and to enable in-home devices of various divergent technologies to selectively access external communication features. An in-home communication network utilizes any one or more of several available in-home digital networking media to connect the gateway to device interfaces. The gateway comprises interfaces to a plurality of external communication networks, and one or more in-home communication media, a router coupled to the various interfaces and a controller. Each device specific accessing the in-home network connects to media through a device interface. There will be different interfaces for enabling access by different types of customer premises devices. Each device interface provides physical access to the media as well as functional interfacing, to enable operation with the particular type of customer premises device.

Abstract: A converged multi-media portal for coupling a plurality of multi-media signals carried on a single network medium to a plurality of corresponding multi-media devices includes a backplane, having a plurality of connectors, wherein the at least one connector is capable of accepting a network interface module. A plurality of the connectors are capable of accepting multi-media processing modules. Within the converged multi-media portal, the backplane enables communication between the network interface module and the multi-media processing modules disposed within the connectors. The network interface module receives at least one type of data signal and directs the at least one type of data signal to one of the multi-media processing modules according to a signal destination address. Each of the multi-media processing modules receives a multi-media signal from the network interface module and routes at least one multi-media signal to a corresponding multi-media device.

Abstract: An architecture for convergence systems is disclosed. The architecture includes a hardware component providing a convergence environment. A channel map services component includes a listing of receivers of programming associated with the convergence environment and a listing of channels associated with the receivers. A content services component includes a listing of programming events associated with the channels of the receivers. The content services component also includes a listing of the times of programming events. A TV services component uses the channel map services component, and the content services component to control the hardware component of the convergence environment to manage the hardware component of the convergence environment. The TV services component controls the audio/video multiplexer to reroute programing signals from receivers to outputs of the audio/video multiplexer and various devices attached to the outputs, at various times.