Control interface for audio video components

In an electronic component system including a control device capable of communication using a first signal protocol and at least one audio-visual component capable of communication using a second, different signal protocol, a communications interface comprising the following:

• command means for transmitting and receiving communication signals from the control device;
• translation means, coupled to the command means, for translating signals between the first signal protocol and the second signal protocol;
• and
• input/output means, coupled to the translation means, for transmitting and receiving communication signals from the at least one audio-visual component.

In an electronic component system including a control device capable of communication using a first signal protocol and at least one device capable of communication using a second signal protocol, a method of effecting communication between the control device and the at least one audio-visual component, the method comprising the following steps:

• actuating the control device to transmit communication signals;
• translating the signals generated from the control device from the first signal protocol to the second signal protocol;
• and
• transmitting the translated communication signals to the at least one audio-visual component.

In an electronic component system including a control device capable of communication using a first signal protocol and at least one device capable of communication using a second signal protocol, a method of effecting communication between the at least one audio-visual component and the control device, the method comprising the following steps:

• actuating the at least one audio-visual component to transmit communication signals;
• translating the signals generated from the at least one audio-visual component from the second signal protocol to the first signal protocol;
• and
• transmitting the translated communication signals to the control device.

In an electronic component system including a control device capable of communication using a first signal protocol and at least one audio-visual component capable of communication using a second, different signal protocol, a communications interface comprising the following:

• a microcontroller adapted and constructed to recognize, and to transmit and receive, communication signals from the control device;
• at least one input/output connection adapted and constructed for connection between the communications interface and the at least one audio-visual component, the input/output connection being capable of transmitting data to, and receiving status signals from, the at least one audio-visual component;
• and
• a memory device connected between the microcontroller and the at least one input/output connection, the memory device being adapted and constructed to receive first-protocol signals from the microcontroller, translate the first-protocol signals into second-protocol signals, and transmit the translated signals to the at least one input/output connection, and
• receive second-protocol signals from the at least one input/output connection, translate the second-protocol signals into first-protocol signals, and transmit the translated signals to the microcontroller.