Video/audio electronic device control signal source selection switch

A video/audio electronic device control signal source selection switch for allowing a user to select a source of signals for controlling the operation of a video/audio electronic device having resident panel controls and an accompanying remote control mechanism comprising, in combination:

• a switch further comprising:
• three orientations for enabling a normal mode of operation, a local mode of operation, and a remote mode of operation thereof;
• an input terminal adapted to receive both internal panel control signals that are generated through user interaction with the panel controls and internal remote control signals that are generated through user interaction with the remote control mechanism;
• and
• an output terminal for transmitting selected remote control signals and selected panel control signals in a mode of operation based on the orientation thereof, with the normal mode of operation allowing the transmission of both selected remote control signals and selected panel control signals, whereby permitting the user to control the operation of the electronic device using both the remote control and the panel controls, the local mode of operation allowing transmission of only selected panel control signals, whereby permitting the user to control the operation of the electronic device with the panel controls but preventing the user from controlling the operation of the electronic device with the remote control, and the remote mode of operation allowing the transmission of only selected remote control signals, whereby permitting the user to control the operation of the electronic device with the remote control but preventing the user from controlling the operation of the electronic device with the panel controls;
• and
• transmission means adapted to be coupled between the electronic device and the switch for delivering the internal remote control signals and the internal panel control signals from the electronic device to the switch and supplying selected remote control signals and selected panel control signals from the switch back to the electronic device for controlling its operation.

A video/audio electronic device control signal source selection switch for allowing a user to select a source of signals for controlling the operation of a video/audio electronic device having resident panel controls and an accompanying remote control mechanism comprising:

• a switch further comprising:
• two orientations for enabling a normal mode of operation and a remote mode of operation thereof;
• an input terminal adapted to receive both internal panel control signals that are generated through user interaction with the panel controls and internal remote control signals that are generated through user interaction with the remote control mechanism;
• and
• an output terminal for transmitting selected remote control signals and selected panel control signals in a mode of operation based on the orientation thereof, with the normal mode of operation allowing the transmission of both selected remote control signals and selected panel control signals, whereby permitting the user to control the operation of the electronic device using both the remote control and the panel controls and the remote mode of operation allowing the transmission of only selected remote control signals, whereby permitting the user to control the operation of the electronic device with the remote control but preventing the user from controlling the operation of the electronic device with the panel controls;
• and
• transmission means adapted to be coupled between the electronic device and the switch for delivering the internal remote control signals and the internal panel control signals from the video/audio electronic device to the switch and supplying selected remote control signals and selected panel control signals from the switch back to the video/audio electronic device for controlling its operation.