Interactive multimedia apparatus

An interactive multi-media apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the software in the control unit starts the main track and streams the backing track in mute synchronization with the main track and when the software receives an electrical signal from the music simulation instrument, the software outputs an audible signal from the multimedia file.

An interactive multi-media apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the software in the control unit detects the length, and amplitude and/or frequency of the electrical signals received from the music simulation instrument and in which the software adjusts the output from the multi-media file to the audio/visual means as a direct response to the characteristics of the signal from the music simulation instrument.

An interactive multi-media apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the formatted file is generated by analysing the contents of the instrument-backing track of an album and recreating the notes and chords in any multi-media file format to

• (b) generate a file which will provide valid and meaningful output even during periods when the album backing track is silent.
• (b) always generate an output even if the user operates the activation means at the wrong time or incorrectly;
• and in which the outputs provided in the event of (b) are sympathetic to the main track's structure and melody.

An interactive multi-media apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the apparatus is provided with a series of special effect controls which when operated by a user send signals to the software to produce a variety of special effects on the audio/audio-visual output.

An interactive multi-media apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, including means for storing the newly generated output to any desired storage device such as a hard disk, a compact disc, a DVD device or the like.

An interactive multi-media apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, including a series of visual display screens which are operable to enable a user to launch a game experience, select different operating modes, choose a source music device, select a backing track and/or assign digital sound effects files to the special effects controls on the music simulation instrument.

An interactive multimedia apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the music simulation instrument is connectable to a joystick port of a personal computer, games console, or via a USB, RS232 port or the like.

An interactive multimedia apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the music simulation instrument is connectable to a microphone input/output connection of the control unit.

An interactive multimedia apparatus as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims in which the control unit comprises a personal computer, a cable or satellite television decoder or a games console and the audio/audio-visual means comprises a mono or stereo high fidelity audio apparatus, headphones, a television, a monitor or a like audio/audio-visual output means.