A codeset having function-code combinations is provisioned on a controlling device to control functions of an intended target device. Input is provided to the controlling device which designates a function to be controlled on the intended target device. From a plurality of codes that are each associated with the designated function in a database stored in a memory of the controlling device a first code that is determined to be valid for use in controlling the designated function on the intended target device is selected. When the codeset is then provisioned on the controlling device, the provisioned codeset includes as a function-code combination thereof the designated function and the first code.

A set top box receives from a remote control device one or more of a codeset identifier, data indicative of a brand and model for a consumer electronic device, and remote control diagnostic information. The set top box then causes information representative of the received codeset identifier, data indicative of a brand and model for a consumer electronic device, and remote control diagnostic information to be displayed in a display device associated with the set top box.

A set top box receives from a remote control device one or more of a codeset identifier, data indicative of a brand and model for a consumer electronic device, and remote control diagnostic information. The set top box then causes information representative of the received codeset identifier, data indicative of a brand and model for a consumer electronic device, and remote control diagnostic information to be displayed in a display device associated with the set top box.

A universal controlling device is provided with one or more buttons which, when activated in a set up mode, serves to initiate a rapid configuration of the universal controlling device to adapt the universal controlling device to transmit communications to an intended target appliance.

A universal controlling device is provided with one or more buttons which, when activated in a set up mode, serves to initiate a rapid configuration of the universal controlling device to adapt the universal controlling device to transmit communications to an intended target appliance.

Apparatus and method for determining the validity of an infrared signal of a remote-control device. An infrared signal comprising pulses representing data corresponding to a function of a controllable target device is received from a remote-control device. The received infrared signal is passed through a capacitor of the apparatus such that, for each pulse of the infrared signal, the capacitor is charged and subsequently discharged. The capacitor discharge time associated with each pulse of the infrared signal is measured by a processor of the apparatus to establish a discharge sequence. The processor of the apparatus compares the established discharge sequence with a plurality of pre-determined valid discharge patterns and determine the validity of the received infrared signal based on the outcome of the comparison of the established discharge sequence with the plurality of pre-determined discharge patterns.

Apparatus and method for determining the validity of an infrared signal of a remote-control device. An infrared signal comprising pulses representing data corresponding to a function of a controllable target device is received from a remote-control device. The received infrared signal is passed through a capacitor of the apparatus such that, for each pulse of the infrared signal, the capacitor is charged and subsequently discharged. The capacitor discharge time associated with each pulse of the infrared signal is measured by a processor of the apparatus to establish a discharge sequence. The processor of the apparatus compares the established discharge sequence with a plurality of pre-determined valid discharge patterns and determine the validity of the received infrared signal based on the outcome of the comparison of the established discharge sequence with the plurality of pre-determined discharge patterns.

A system and method for enabling set up of a controlling device capable of controlling a plurality of appliances, via an interactive instruction set and associated programming. The programming is accessible by a STB or other controllable appliance and is configured to appropriately display interactive instructions and prompts to a user during a user initiated set up procedure for configuration of another controllable device (e.g., DVD, VCR, DVR, etc) available to the user.

A system and method for enabling set up of a controlling device capable of controlling a plurality of appliances, via an interactive instruction set and associated programming. The programming is accessible by a STB or other controllable appliance and is configured to appropriately display interactive instructions and prompts to a user during a user initiated set up procedure for configuration of another controllable device (e.g., DVD, VCR, DVR, etc) available to the user.

A system and method for enabling set up of a controlling device capable of controlling a plurality of appliances, via an interactive instruction set and associated programming. The programming is accessible by a STB or other controllable appliance and is configured to appropriately display interactive instructions and prompts to a user during a user initiated set up procedure for configuration of another controllable device (e.g., DVD, VCR, DVR, etc) available to the user.