METHODS AND APPARATUS THAT FACILITATE CONTROLLING MULTIPLE DEVICES

摘要

Methods and apparatus for controlling a home alarm and supporting various control functions including STB recording functions are described. In some embodiments, e.g., where the STB is a DOCSIS capable device, communications between the control panel and STB is through a gateway and/or server which allow the IP based control panel to interact with the STB via a communications network and other devices located external to the customer premise where the control panel is located. In embodiments where the STB supports IP capability, communication between the control panel and STB is via a home network. In some embodiments upon selecting an alarm activation option a user is provided an opportunity to select at least one of: recordings, which are scheduled for deletion, to be preserved, or suggestions for programs for recording. Upon alarm deactivation, a list of new recordings made in user's absence and a missed call log is presented.

主权项

1. A method of controlling multiple devices located at a customer premise, the method comprising:
presenting at a control panel used to control a customer premise alarm system, a first user selectable control option; requesting, in response to detecting user selection of said first user selectable control option, video recording information corresponding to a video recording device; and presenting, at said control panel, a video recording device control option to a user of said control panel.