Lisa Y Shui

US Patent:

62922300, Sep 18, 2001

Filed:

Aug 4, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/368377

Inventors:

Lisa Yi Shui - Cherry Hill NJ
Nathan William Andrews - Emmaus PA

Assignee:

Thomson Licensing S.A. - Boulogne

International Classification:

H04N 5268
H04N 544
H04N 546
H04N 550

US Classification:

348705

Abstract:

A signal distribution apparatus having a learning feature for recognizing a remote control device code associated with a particular signal source and coupling the associated signal source to an output in response to receipt of the device code. The remote control device code may be transmitted using a universal remote control device or a dedicated remote control device associated with the particular signal source. The present invention allows a user to couple a plurality of signal sources and a display device, such as a television set, to the present signal distribution apparatus and thereafter couple a selected one of the signal sources to the display device using the universal remote control device or the dedicated remote control device. The learning feature obviates the need for a dedicated remote control for the signal distribution device.