Method and apparatus for controlling and receiving data from connected devices

A method for interfacing with a device connected to a set-top box comprising:

• accessing a graphical user interface (GUI) on a partitioned screen coupled to said set-top box;
• defining an event in said GUI;
• defining one or more rules related to said event in said GUI;
• determining if said event has occurred;
• applying said rules to said device with said set-top box, if said event has occurred.

A method for interfacing with a device connected to a set-top box comprising:

• accessing a graphical user interface (GUI) on a partitioned screen coupled to said set-top box;
• defining a layout for a room in said GUI;
• defining a location for a connected device in said layout using said GUI;
• and
• receiving an indication in said GUI at said location in said layout, when said connected device changes a state.

An apparatus comprising:

• a graphical user interface (GUI) on a partitioned screen coupled to a set-top box;
• a connected device selected by accessing a menu in said GUI;
• and
• a signal sent from said set-top box to said connected device wherein said signal causes said connected device to enter a new state.

An apparatus comprising:

• a graphical user interface (GUI) on a partitioned screen coupled to a set-top box;
• an event defined by accessing said GUI;
• one or more rules related to said event defined by accessing said GUI;
• wherein said set-top box or a device connected to said set-top box determines if said event has occurred and, wherein said rules are applied to said device with said set-top box, if said event has occurred.

An apparatus comprising:

• a graphical user interface (GUI) on a partitioned screen coupled to a set-top box;
• a layout for a room defined by accessing said GUI;
• a location for a connected device in said layout defined by accessing said GUI;
• and
• an indication in said GUI received at said location in said layout, when a connected device changes a state.