Integrated entertainment system with audio modules

• US 20070154041A1
• Filed: 01/05/2006
• Published: 07/05/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 01/05/2006
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Todd Beauchamp
• Original Assignee: Todd Beauchamp
• Inventors: Beauchamp, Todd
• Application Number:
  US11/325,485
• Publication Number:
  US 20070154041A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 381/306
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 5/02 Spatial or constructional arrangements of loudspeakers
• CPC Class Codes: H04S 3/00 Systems employing more than two channels, e.g. quadraphonic H04S5/00, H04S7/00 take precedence

Abstract

In a home entertainment system, a plurality of modules having diverse functions, e.g., tuners, media player/recorders, amplifiers and a surround sound unit, are integrated in a single enclosure. A unitary system is provided rather than one with many modules requiring additional space. The modules may share a common power supply and heat dissipation components. The enclosure comprises a stand on which a video display unit, such as a television set is supported. A support, such as a shelf, and an interface may be provided for a discrete component such as a cable box. In a further form, the enclosure need not necessarily support a video display unit. A further embodiment also houses a center channel speaker unit in a structure attached to or unitary with the enclosure. The center channel speaker unit may also be provided as a stand-alone unit.

Claims

1. An integrated home entertainment system comprising:

a plurality of entertainment modules comprising at least a media source, an amplifier and a decoder;

at least one power supply for a plurality of said modules; and

a modular base housing said modules.

2. A system according to claim 1, wherein said modular base comprises a television stand having a support surface.

3. A system according to claim 2, wherein said modular base comprises a housing unit intermediate said first enclosure and said support surface and where said modules are housed in said first enclosure.

4. A system according to claim 3, wherein said housing unit comprises a shelf module and a center channel enclosure.

5. A system according to claim 4, wherein said center channel enclosure is located above said shelf module.

6. A system according to claim 5, wherein said center channel enclosure overhangs said first enclosure.

7. A system according to claim 6, wherein said center channel overhangs said shelf module.

8. A system according to claim 7, wherein first and second speakers are mounted in portions of said center channel enclosure overhanging opposite sides of said shelf module respectively.

9. A system according to claim 5, wherein said center channel enclosure has a height to accommodate a tweeter and midrange speaker and a width equal to at least a width of the shelf module plus a width of two midbass speakers.

10. A system according to claim 3, further comprising at least one subwoofer supported in said first enclosure.

11. A system according to claim 10, comprising first and second subwoofers mounted in mutual registration in opposite walls of said first enclosure.

12. A system according to claim 2, wherein said support surface is releasably locked in engagement to be supported to said housing unit.

13. A system according to claim 2, further comprising a center channel enclosure intermediate said first enclosure and said support surface.

14. A system according to claim 13, wherein said center channel is located between said modular shelf and said support surface.

15. A system according to claim 13, wherein said housing unit is removably fastened to said first enclosure.

16. A system according to claim 14, wherein said center channel is comprised of said center channel enclosure.

17. A system according to claim 12, wherein said support surface has a preselected size to accommodate a preselected television base.

18. A system according to claim 2, wherein said first enclosure further comprises media input ports.

19. A system according to claim 14, wherein said support shelf comprises an upper surface of said center channel.

20. A system according to claim 2, further comprising a receiver mounted in said first enclosure to receive remote control signals, a remote control unit to provide signals to said receiver, and a control circuit to operate said modules in response to the remote control signals.

21. A system according to claim 1, wherein said modules comprise an integrated unit wherein said modules are embodied by circuit boards commonly powered and wherein at least first and second heat-generating circuit boards are thermally connected to a common heat dissipation apparatus.

22. A system according to claim 21, wherein said modules comprise circuit boards each dedicated to one function of a home entertainment system.

23. A system according to claim 21, wherein said circuit boards comprise common functions and wherein at least one said circuit board services a plurality of channels.

24. A system according to claim 23, wherein said modules comprise an audiovisual source, audiovisual processing circuitry, a power amplifier channel and interface to provide signals to speakers.

25. A system according to claim 23, further comprising an input for connection to a microphone detecting sound in an environment supplied by said system and an audio processing circuit to process audio in accordance with a rule in response to an input from said microphone.

26. A system according to claim 25, further comprising a remote control receiver coupled to provide inputs to said modules and a remote control transmitter remote from said first enclosure.