Data sharing and linkage for IP telephony set-top boxes

A method for establishing a data link between users of set-top boxes and sharing data through the data link, comprising:

• establishing contact between the users of a plurality of set-top boxes through a first transmission media;
• initiating a data transfer between die plurality of set-top boxes using a second transmission media;
• exchanging identification information between the plurality of set-top boxes using a third transmission media;
• using the identification information to establish a data link between the plurality of set-top boxes using a fourth transmission media;
• exchanging a plurality of data packets between the plurality of set-top boxes over the data link;
• and
• maintaining current identification information between the plurality of set-top boxes to allow the data link to be continuously accessible by the plurality of set-top boxes,
• wherein at least one of the plurality of set-top boxes contains a transmit/receive device for the transmission and reception of the plurality of data packets and wherein establishing contact between the users of a plurality of set-top boxes through a first transmission media comprises establishing a communication link between a first transmit/receive device of a first set-top box and a second transmit-receive device of a second set-top box, further comprising:
• the first transmit/receive device switching into an analog circuit of the first telephony device and sending a synchronization sequence for receipt by the second transmit/receive device of the second telephony device;
• and
• the second telephony device detecting the synchronization sequence, muting a handset of the second telephony device, and coupling a plurality of telephone signals of the second telephony device to the second transmit/receive device of the second telephony device.