A display apparatus includes an image processor which processes an image to display an image content; a display unit which displays thereon an image content that is processed by the image processor; and a controller which displays a user interface (UI) menu including a plurality of UI items to search the image content, as one of a two-dimensional (2D) layout by which the plurality of UI items are arranged in a 2D manner, and a three-dimensional (3D) layout by which the plurality of UI items are arranged in a 3D manner , and changes displaying the one of the layouts to display the other of the layouts according to a user's command while maintaining a continuity of the arrangement of the plurality of UI items. Accordingly, search for an image content can be efficiently performed by using a UI menu.

Display apparatus and control method thereof

One embodiment of the present invention provides a universal remote control, which includes a display screen and a user input mechanism. The universal remote control also includes a processing unit that is configured to display information on the display screen and to accept selection data from the user input mechanism. The universal remote control additionally includes a wireless communication mechanism that is configured to provide communications between the processing unit and an appliance or computer program running on a computer system. The appliance provides information to be displayed on the display screen, and information entered through the user input mechanism is communicated to the appliance. Since the appliance provides the information to be displayed on the display screen and also interprets the entries on the input mechanism, the universal remote control needs no special knowledge about the appliance.

Apparatus and method to facilitate universal remote control

A docking assembly serves as an interface between (1) a portable digital media storage and playback (PDMSP) device, and (2) a media reproduction system. A remote controller preferably controls the docking assembly and PDMSP device, which may receive electric charge from the assembly. Media reproduction systems may reproduce audio and video signals in user-perceptible form. Telephonic relay capability is further provided between a telephonic PDMSP playback device and a telephonic remote controller by way of a telephone rebroadcast receiver associated with the docking assembly. Methods for downloading digital media files, and for creating or modifying playlists with a remotely controllable docking assembly adapted to provide a television-compatible video output signal, are further provided.

Interface systems for portable digital media storage and playback devices

Systems and methods are provided for device playback calibration. In one example, a calibration device with a microphone and signal processor may detect audio content rendered by a playback device. The calibration device may transmit the detected audio content to a processing unit configured to determine an equalization setting for optimal playback of the playback device based on the received detected audio content and a relative distance and direction between the playback device and the calibration device. The calibration device may further be configured to modulate the detected audio content before transmitting the detected audio content to the processing unit to accommodate for a limited frequency range of the processing unit. In this case, the processing unit may demodulate the received signal prior to determining the equalization setting. The processing unit may then transmit the determined equalization setting to the playback device according to a wireless communication protocol.

System and method for device playback calibration

In addition to other aspects disclosed, a docking station that receives content through a wired connection from a handheld media device, plays or displays the content through a speaker, and transmits content to a remote speaker.

Media playing from a docked handheld media device

A speaker with a digital signal processor is disclosed. In one aspect, a speaker comprises at least one electromechanical transducer configured to convert an electrical audio signal into sound and a digital signal processor configured to process an audio signal and send the processed audio signal to the electromechanical transducer directly or indirectly.

Speakers with a digital signal processor

A docking station is configured to receive media in the form of audio and/or video from a portable entertainment device. The docking station transmits the received media to a remote playing device via a wired, wireless, or powerline connection. The media may include a control signal associated with the audio and/or video to control the remote playing device. In certain embodiments, the remote playing device transmits control signals to the docking station to control the portable entertainment device. In certain embodiments, the docking station electrically charges the portable entertainment device.

Eric Blackwell Brooking

Papers

Speakers with a digital signal processor

Docking station for portable entertainment devices