| 摘要 |
<p>A multi-zone audio-visual (AV) system comprises: (a) one or more AV devices (such as a TV) operable to provide audio and/or visual information; (b) a set-top box (STB) associated with the or each AV device; (c) a router; (d) an Ethernet connection between the or each STB and the router (e) a control server which operates to receive and record data from the router, the data including data indicative of the operating status (e.g., on or off) of the or each AV device, the operating configuration (e.g., TV channel) and the time of each change of status and/or configuration of the or each AV. The system comprises at least two remote AV control devices (Human Interface Devices, "HID") for each AV device. The HIDs associated with each AV device operate to be automatically synchronised to the same status aad configuration. The system may comprise a web server and a content server. The web server operates to store information about the usage of the or each AV device and to generate control signals which are polled by one or more STBs and/or HIDs and/or instreamers to change the operation of one or more source devices (e.g., DVD, camera, domestic equipment, etc). The content server operates to receive status and configuration data from the control server and responds thereto by generating information data (e.g., advertisements) at selected operating conditions of the AV deviceis), which information data is transmitted to the HID(s) and/or STB(s) for inclusion in the AV output of the HID(s) and/or STB(s) of the respective AV device(s).</p> |
