Determining device state using state-detection circuit

A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for use in conjunction with an electronic device, the computer-readable storage medium storing a program module that, when executed by the electronic device, causes the electronic device to identify an entertainment device by performing one or more operations comprising:

• detecting whether there is electrical coupling between the entertainment device and an input connector in the electronic device, wherein the detecting involves a state-detection circuit, wherein the state-detection circuit is configured to detect the electrical coupling using a subset of signal lines associated with the input connector and the subset comprises a shield and excludes a data line, a clock line and a control line, and wherein the state-detection circuit detects the electrical coupling by, at least in part, establishing a ground loop between the electronic device and the entertainment device;
• when the electrical coupling is detected, identifying a type of entertainment device by providing a set of first control commands associated with different types of entertainment devices until, in response, content activity is detected via the input connector;
• and
• when the content activity is detected, determining a provider of the type of entertainment device by providing a set of second control commands associated with different providers of the type of entertainment device until a change in a state of the entertainment device is detected via the input connector and the state-detection circuit.

A method for identifying an entertainment device, wherein the method comprises:

• by an electronic device:
• detecting whether there is electrical coupling between the entertainment device and an input connector in the electronic device, wherein the detecting involves a state-detection circuit, wherein the state-detection circuit is configured to detect the electrical coupling using a subset of signal lines associated with the input connector and the subset comprises a shield and excludes a data line, a clock line and a control line, and wherein the state-detection circuit detects the electrical coupling by, at least in part, establishing a ground loop between the electronic device and the entertainment device;
• when the electrical coupling is detected, identifying a type of entertainment device by providing a set of first control commands associated with different types of entertainment devices until, in response, content activity is detected via the input connector;
• and
• when the content activity is detected, determining a provider of the type of entertainment device by providing a set of second control commands associated with different providers of the type of entertainment device until a change in a state of the entertainment device is detected via the input connector and the state-detection circuit.