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Methods and apparatus for simplified remote control operation of components

  • US 7,814,510 B1
  • Filed: 04/29/2005
  • Issued: 10/12/2010
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/29/2004
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A remote control, for use with an entertainment system having a TV and set-top-box, the remote control comprising:

  • a transmitter capable of transmitting commands to the TV and to the set-top-box;

    a keypad comprising a plurality of user-selectable keys;

    a memory storing commands for the set-top-box and the TV; and

    control logic adapted to issue commands, via the transmitter and in response to the keys selected to the set-top-box and TV;

    wherein the remote control is configured to allow a user to select one of at least two modes of operation for the remote control, and to allow the user to set the remote control to control one of the set-top box and the TV, wherein the modes of operation comprise a normal mode and a limited mode;

    wherein, when in normal mode or limited mode and set to control the set-top box, the remote control allows, the user to issue a first set of commands to the set-top-box;

    wherein, when in normal mode and set to control the TV, the remote control allows the user to issue a second set of commands to the TV; and

    wherein, when in limited mode and set to control the TV, the remote control allows the user to issue a subset of the second set of commands to the TV, and prevents the user from issuing those of the second set of commands not in the subset, the subset selected from the group consisting of a command to turn the TV on, a command to turn the TV off and commands to change the volume of the TV.

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