Home communication systems

摘要

Systems and methods are disclosed of a network including a primary device, a plurality of remote devices, and a shared peripheral device. The network allows the remote devices to operate the peripheral device, such as a DVD player, VCR, or camcoder, via the primary device and the network. The peripheral device is typically connected to the primary device and shared among all devices. The network also includes a splitter/isolation module (SIM) that routes the signals between the primary device and the plurality of remote devices.

主权项

1. A home communication system, comprising:
a networked peripheral device operatively connected to a first set-top terminal, the networked peripheral device configured to store a media presentation, wherein the first set-top terminal comprises a processor configured to update an interactive program guide (IPG), the IPG being accessible by other set-top terminal in the home communication network, to include the networked peripheral device; a second set-top terminal coupled to the first set-top terminal over the home communications network via a splitter/isolator module (SIM), the second set-top terminal configured to receive the media presentation from the networked peripheral device responsive to a user request for access to the media presentation; and a user interface screen for the networked peripheral device displayed on a display device accessible by the user of the second set-top terminal, wherein the user interface screen for the networked peripheral device is displayed in response to the user selecting the networked peripheral device for playback on the interactive program guide, wherein the user interface screen comprises a plurality of operating commands for the networked peripheral device, wherein the media presentation is currently playing in the networked peripheral device, the user interface screen configured to enable the user of the second set-top terminal to select at least one operating command from the plurality of operating commands, wherein the at least one operating command is received at the first set-top terminal as reverse command signal, and wherein the processor at the first set top terminal is configured to process the received reverse command signal to generate a control function for the networked peripheral device.