Control system for network of input devices with automatic device configuration

Abstract

Apparatus, methods, and systems for centrally and uniformly controlling the operation of a variety of devices, such as communication, consumer electronic, audio-video, analog, digital, 1394, and the like, over a variety of protocols within a network system and, more particularly, a control system and uniform user interface for centrally controlling these devices in a manner that appears seamless and transparent to the user. In a one embodiment, the control system will detect sync/digital video signals from an IR controlled device coupled to an input port of a primary display and control unit of the system. By testing IR power command codes, the control system can automatically identify which power commands will cause a change in input at the input port and, thus, automatically configure the control of the IR controlled device coupled to the input port.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.