A method for controlling media presentation is performed at a first electronic device having one or more processors and memory storing one or more programs for execution by the one or more processors. A user input requesting a media-control operation to be implemented at a second electronic device distinct from the first electronic device is received. In response to receiving the user input, a first request is sent to a server system to cause the media-control operation to be implemented at the second electronic device, wherein the server system is distinct from the first electronic device. A second request is sent to the second electronic device, wherein the second request is a request to implement the media-control operation at the second electronic device.

A system and method for using a webpad to select a target device which is to receive from a source device a stream of a digital representation of a media. The webpad is used to send a transmission to the source device to cause the source device to route the stream of the digital representation of the media to the target device where the target device decodes and converts the digital representation of the media into analog signals to thereby allow for a reproduction of the media.

Methods and apparatus for control of a client device (e.g., consumer premises equipment in a cable network) using applications. In one aspect, an improved hardware registry is provided within the device with which the application(s) can interface to both identify and control available hardware resources. In one exemplary embodiment, the client device comprises a digital set-top box having digital video recording (DVR) capability. An application downloaded to the device discovers the registry and software interfaces associated therewith, and then utilizes the interfaces to automatically control the requisite hardware capability. Improved client device, network and head end configurations, as well as methods of operating these systems, are also disclosed.

Systems and methods of coordinating home automation activity may include accessing event data from a storage database communicatively coupled with an electronic device. Each item of event data may include a time and date at which the event data was collected. The methods may also include generating an event table identifying the number of events occurring during discrete time intervals for a date range. The event table may include a graphical depiction of the number of events that occurred for each discrete time interval. The methods may further include outputting the event table from the electronic device for display on a display device.

Systems and methods for coordinating home automation activity may include accessing event data from a storage database communicatively coupled with an electronic device. Each item of event data may include a time and date at which the event data was collected. The methods may include generating a graphical, perspective depiction identifying the number of events occurring during discrete time intervals for a period of time. The depiction may include the discrete time intervals in perspective view. The methods may also include outputting the graphical, perspective depiction from the electronic device for display on a display device.

The present disclosure relates to an electronic device that efficiently configures a network for controlling another electronic device, and the electronic device includes a communication interface; an input interface configured to receive a control command for another electronic device; and a controller configured to control another electronic device in a different manner according to whether connected to the same network as another electronic device.

A system for preventing quality of service policy abuse comprising a media connection and a local area network prioritizing quality of service in which quality of service to a to a video receiver or similar device may be maintained by prioritizing its signal relative to other signals competing for network bandwidth.

A system and method for configuring a remote control to command the operation of appliances, to capture demographic data, and to provide services, such as automated warranty registration, instructions, viewing guides, etc., relevant to the appliances is provided. The system includes a database and associated server that are located remotely from the remote control and accessible via a network connection. Command codes, graphical user interface elements, and services are accessed and downloaded to the remote control, as appropriate, using data supplied to the server that identifies the appliances and/or functional capabilities of the appliances. This data can be supplied by the appliances directly or can be obtained from other sources such as barcode labels, network devices, etc.

There is provided an information processing apparatus to allow a user to use a device network by a natural and simple operation by automatically selecting a device for providing a response to a request, the information processing apparatus including: a request acquiring part configured to acquire a request to a system; a response determining part configured to determine a response to the request; a device selecting part configured to select, on the basis of at least an attribute of the response, a device that provides the response among devices included in the system; and a device controller configured to perform control that causes the selected device to provide the response.

Systems and methods disclosed herein include, determining a proximity of the first networked device to a second networked device, determining whether there is a wired network connection existing between the first networked device and the second networked device, and in response to determining the proximity and the existence of a wired network connection, reconfiguring one or more operational parameters of one or both of the first networked device and the second networked device.