Favorite key macro command and chained macro command in a remote control

A method for entering a channel select macro by depressing at least one MACRO key on a keypad in a remote control, said remote control including:

• a microprocessor including a CPU and memory means;
• a keyboard coupled to said microprocessor and including the keypad which comprises a set of keys including number keys and the at least one MACRO key;
• IR lamp driver circuitry coupled to the microprocessor;
• light emitting means for generating IR signals coupled to the IR lamp driver circuitry;
• code data stored in said memory means for creating the IR signals, which are sent by said light emitting means to a controlled device to cause the controlled device to perform specific command functions;
• and,
• a macro entry/definition program stored in said memory means,
• said method comprising the steps of:
• entering a predetermined keystroke sequence on the keypad;
• determining if the predetermined keystroke sequence is, according to the macro entry/definition program, a command to establish a select channel macro;
• and, if so,
• determining if, subsequently, a number key or keys have been depressed followed by depression of the at least one MACRO key;
• and,
• storing the number(s) of the depressed number key or keys in association with the at least one MACRO key in said memory means.

A remote control comprising:

• a microprocessor including a CPU and memory means;
• a keyboard coupled to said microprocessor and including a set of keys including number keys and at least one MACRO key;
• IR lamp driver circuitry coupled to said microprocessor;
• light emitting means for generating and emitting IR signals coupled to said IR lamp driver circuitry;
• code data stored in said memory means for creating the IR signals, which are sent by said light emitting means to a controlled device to cause the controlled device to perform specific command functions;
• a macro entry/definition program stored in said memory means;
• means for determining if a predetermined keystroke sequence entered on the keyboard is, according to said macro entry/definition program, a command to establish a select channel macro;
• means for determining, after a select channel macro command is sensed, if one or more of said number keys have been depressed followed by depression of the at least one MACRO key;
• and,
• means for storing the number(s) of the depressed number key or keys in association with the at least one MACRO key in said memory means.