Method and apparatus for controlling an external device by remapping keys on a user input device

An apparatus, comprising:

• input/output means for enabling signal transfer between said apparatus and an external device via a data bus;
• processing means for detecting a first command signal of a first control protocol from a user input device, and for detecting one of first and second modes of said apparatus;
• wherein said processing means detects said first mode in response to making a connection between said apparatus and said external device via said data bus, and detects said second mode in response to terminating said connection between said apparatus and said external device via said data bus;
• wherein said processing means enables said input/output means to output a second command signal of a second control protocol to said external device via said data bus responsive to said first command signal if said first mode is detected;
• and
• wherein said processing means enables a function of said apparatus responsive to said first command signal without enabling output of said second command signal to said external device if said second mode is detected.

A television signal receiver, comprising:

• an input/output terminal operative to enable signal transfer between said television signal receiver and an external device via a data bus;
• a processor operative to detect a first command signal of a first control protocol from a user input device, and for detecting one of first and second modes of said television signal receiver;
• wherein said processor detects said first mode in response to making a connection between said television signal receiver and said external device via said data bus, and detects said second mode in response to terminating said connection between said television signal receiver and said external device via said data bus;
• wherein said processor enables said input/output terminal to output a second command signal of a second control protocol to said external device via said data bus responsive to said first command signal if said first mode is detected;
• and
• wherein said processor enables a function of said television signal receiver responsive to said first command signal without enabling output of said second command signal to said external device if said second mode is detected.