Customizable and upgradable devices and methods related thereto

Abstract

A customizable and an upgradable remote control is provided which may be customized or upgraded via a Web site or through other remote, and preferably interactive, processes. A database is provided which includes a plurality of functions of a consumer electronic device, such as a TV and/or a DVD player. A user selects among the plurality of functions at least one of the desired functions. In response to the user selection a virtual configuration is created to virtually configure the customizable remote control. The virtual configuration may be downloaded to the customizable remote control.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method of customizing a remote control, comprising: 
 displaying to a user at a client computer a plurality of pre-programmed sequences comprising a plurality of operations capable of being performed by one or more consumer electronic devices; and    in response to a user selection, causing at least one of the pre-programmed sequences to be downloaded to the remote control.    
     
     
         2 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of pre-programmed sequences are accessible via an Internet Web site.  
     
     
         3 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the pre-programmed sequence comprises instructions for causing the one or more consumer electronic devices to perform a channel tuning operation.  
     
     
         4 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the pre-programmed sequence comprises a code for use in accessing a broadcast program.  
     
     
         5 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the user selection comprises the user identifying a brand/model of each of the one or more consumer electronic devices.  
     
     
         6 . The method as recited in  claim 5 , further comprising causing code data for use in commanding general operations of the one or more consumer electronic devices to be downloaded to the remote control.  
     
     
         7 . A method of customizing a remote control comprising the steps of: 
 displaying a plurality of consumer electronic devices to a user at a client computer; and    in response to a user selection of at least one of the consumer electronic devices, displaying a plurality of pre-programmed sequences operable with the at least one of the consumer electronic devices the sequences being available for download to the remote control to be customized.    
     
     
         8 . The method as recited in  claim 7 , wherein the plurality of pre-programmed sequences are accessible via an Internet Web site.  
     
     
         9 . The method as recited in  claim 7 , wherein the pre-programmed sequence comprises instructions for causing the one or more consumer electronic devices to perform a channel tuning operation.  
     
     
         10 . The method as recited in  claim 7 , wherein the pre-programmed sequence comprises a code for use in accessing a broadcast program.  
     
     
         11 . The method as recited in  claim 7 , wherein the user selection comprises the user identifying a brand/model of each of the one or more consumer electronic devices.  
     
     
         12 . The method as recited in  claim 11 , further comprising causing code data for use in commanding general operations of the one or more consumer electronic devices to be downloaded to the remote control.  
     
     
         13 . A computer-readable media having instructions for use in customizing a remote control, the instructions performing steps comprising: 
 causing a plurality of pre-programmed sequences comprising a plurality of operations capable of being performed by one or more consumer electronic devices to be displayed to a user at a client computer; and    in response to a user selection, causing at least one of the pre-programmed sequences to be downloaded to the remote control.    
     
     
         14 . The computer-readable media as recited in  claim 13 , wherein the plurality of preprogrammed sequences are displayed in response to the user accessing an Internet Web site.  
     
     
         15 . The computer-readable media as recited in  claim 13 , wherein the pre-programmed sequence comprises instructions for causing the one or more consumer electronic devices to perform a channel tuning operation.  
     
     
         16 . The computer-readable media as recited in  claim 13 , wherein the pre-programmed sequence comprises a code for use in accessing a broadcast program.  
     
     
         17 . The computer-readable media as recited in  claim 13 , wherein the user selection comprises the user identifying a brand/model of each of the one or more consumer electronic devices.  
     
     
         18 . The computer-readable media as recited in  claim 17 , further comprising causing code data for use in commanding general operations of the one or more consumer electronic devices to be downloaded to the remote control.