1. Technical Field
The present invention relates in general to remote control of consumer electronic devices and in particular to computer-based programming of recording in remote controlled record/playback devices. Still more particularly, the present invention relates to utilizing a computer to control record programming in remote controlled record/playback devices in connection with a server push mechanism.
2. Description of the Related Art
Control over typical consumer electronics devices which utilize infrared remote control interfaces is typically extremely limited. In particular, programming such devices to record or play at specific times, etc. is generally constrained by the capabilities built into the device hardware. Programming such remote controlled devices may also be confusing, as has been frequently noted in connection with video cassette recorders (VCRs) and more recently in connection with unitary compact disc (CD) players, cassette recorders, and AM/FM receivers (often colloquially referred to as "boom boxes"). Flexibility over program control is not generally found in such devices.
The advent of set-top boxes, also referred to variously as a network computer (NC), Internet appliance, Web PC, Internet access device, browser box, etc. (all names for the same concept with minor variations), has introduced a new consideration. Frequently such set-top boxes are themselves capable of being controlled by an infrared remote control. Additionally, the purpose of the devices generally results in the devices being situated in close proximity to a television, VCR, or other remote controlled electronic device, often within the same entertainment center. Much of the same hardware and control software utilized to interface an infrared receiver to a set-top box could be reused to interface the set-top box to an infrared transmitter.
It would be desirable, therefore, to provide a method of controlling programmable electronics devices utilizing the infrared remote control interface under the control of a set-top box or other data processing system. It would further be advantageous to provide such control in a manner consistent with the network technique known as "server push."