Customizable and upgradable devices and methods related thereto

摘要

A customizable and an upgradable remote control is provided which may be customized or upgraded via a Web site or through other remote, and preferably interactive, processes. A database is provided which includes a plurality of functions of a consumer electronic device, such as a TV and/or a DVD player. A user selects among the plurality of functions at least one of the desired functions. In response to the user selection a virtual configuration is created to virtually configure the customizable remote control. The virtual configuration may be downloaded to the customizable remote control.

主权项

1. A method of customizing a remote control, comprising:
receiving at an Internet Web site first data that functions to identify a plurality of consumer electronic devices; receiving at the Internet Web site second data that functions to identify an activity to be performed using the plurality of consumer electronic devices identified by the first data; using the first data that functions to identify the plurality of consumer electronic devices and the second data that functions to identify an activity to be performed using the plurality of consumer electronic devices identified by the first data to cause the Internet Web site to select a pre-programmed sequence comprising instructions executable by the remote control for causing the plurality of consumer electronic devices identified by the first data to perform a plurality of operations in connection with the activity identified by the second data when a configurable key of the remote control is actuated; and downloading the pre-programmed sequence from the Internet Web site for use in connection with the configurable key of the remote control.