Remote control signal masking for multi-mode devices

A method for masking infrared (IR) command codes, the method comprising:

• receiving, by at least one processor of a first device, a first key command from the first device or a second device operatively connected to the first device, wherein the first key command corresponds to a first IR command code received by the first device or the second device and is intended to control the first device or the second device;
• receiving, by the at least one processor, a message using a communication technique different than IR, wherein the message indicates that the first key command corresponds to a second IR command code that has been sent by another device and is intended to control a third device, the second IR command code different than the first IR command code;
• determining, by the at least one processor, based on the message, that the first key command corresponds to the second IR command code for controlling the third device instead of to the first IR command code;
• and
• preventing, by the at least one processor, based on the determination that the first key command corresponds to the second IR command code for controlling the third device, the first key command from causing the first device or the second device to perform an action.

A device for masking infrared (IR) command codes, the device comprising memory coupled to at least one processor, the at least one processor configured to:

• receive a first key command from the device, wherein the first key command corresponds to a first IR command code received by the device and is intended to control the device;
• receive a message using a communication technique different than IR, wherein the message indicates that the first IR command code corresponds to a second IR command code that has been sent by another device and is intended to control a second device, the second IR command code different than the first IR command code;
• determine, based on the message, that the first key command corresponds to the second IR command code for controlling the second device instead of to the first IR command code;
• and
• prevent, based on the determination that the first key command corresponds to the second IR command code for controlling the second device, the first key command from causing the device to perform an action.