Information device

Abstract

A DVD player for obtaining, storing and displaying information from a remote server, the device has a modem for establishing communication sessions with the remote server. A memory coupled to the modem stores the obtained information, and a display is coupled to the memory for displaying the stored information. The DVD player automatically and periodically communicates with the remote server for obtaining the information.

1 . A Digital Video Disc (DVD) player device operative for playing video data stored on an optical storage disc, and for receiving and displaying video content carried in digital data from a data unit, the DVD player device comprising:
 a video connector for delivering video data to be displayed on a video display;   an antenna for transmitting and receiving digital data over the air;   a wireless transceiver coupled to said antenna for communication of digital data to and from a wireless data unit via said antenna, the data from the wireless data unit including video content;   a data connector for connecting to a wired data unit;   a wired transceiver coupled to said data connector for communication of digital data to, and receiving digital data from, the wired data unit, the data from the wired data unit including video content;   firmware and a processor for executing said firmware, said processor being coupled to control at least said wireless transceiver and said wired transceiver; and   a single enclosure housing said data connector, said video connector, said wireless and wired transceivers and said processor,   
       wherein said video connector is coupled to said wired transceiver for displaying the video content received from the wired data unit, and said video connector is coupled to said wireless transceiver for displaying the video content received from the wireless data unit. 
     
     
         2 . The DVD player device according to  claim 1 , wherein said single enclosure is wall-mountable. 
     
     
         3 . The DVD player device according to  claim 2 , wherein said single enclosure has dimensions and an appearance of a conventional flat, framed picture. 
     
     
         4 . The DVD player device according to  claim 1 , wherein said single enclosure in constructed to have at least one of the following:
 a form substantially similar to that of a standard picture frame;   wall mounting elements substantially similar to those of a standard picture frame for hanging on a wall; and   a shape to at least in part substitute for a standard picture frame.   
     
     
         5 . The DVD player device according to  claim 1 , wherein communication with the wireless data unit is packet-based. 
     
     
         6 . The DVD player device according to  claim 5 , wherein: communication with the wireless data unit is carried over a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN); said antenna is a WLAN antenna; and said wireless transceiver is a WLAN transceiver. 
     
     
         7 . The DVD player device according to  claim 6 , wherein said WLAN transceiver is operative to communicate substantially according to IEEE802.11 standard. 
     
     
         8 . The DVD player device according to  claim 5 , wherein the communication with the wireless data unit is based on spread spectrum modulation. 
     
     
         9 . The DVD player device according to  claim 8 , wherein the spread spectrum modulation is a DSSS (Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum) modulation. 
     
     
         10 . The DVD player device according to  claim 5 , wherein the communication with the wireless data unit uses a license-free radio frequency band. 
     
     
         11 . The DVD player device according to  claim 10 , wherein the license-free radio frequency band is one of: 900 MHz; 2.4 GHz; and 5.8 GHz. 
     
     
         12 . The DVD player device according to  claim 5 , wherein: the communication with the wireless data unit is carried over a Personal Area Network (PAN); said antenna is a PAN antenna; and said wireless transceiver is a PAN transceiver. 
     
     
         13 . The DVD player device according to  claim 12 , wherein said PAN transceiver is operative to communicate substantially according to BlueTooth standard. 
     
     
         14 . The DVD player device according to  claim 1 , wherein communication with the wireless data unit is carried over a wireless Wide Area Network (WAN). 
     
     
         15 . The DVD player device according to  claim 1 , wherein: communication with the wireless data unit is carried over a cellular network; said antenna is a wireless cellular antenna; and said wireless transceiver is a wireless cellular transceiver. 
     
     
         16 . The DVD player device according to  claim 1 , wherein communication with the wired data unit is carried over a Wide Area Network (WAN). 
     
     
         17 . The DVD player device according to  claim 1 , wherein communication with the wired data unit is carried over a telephone wire pair, said data connector is a telephone connector, and said wired transceiver is a telephone line modem. 
     
     
         18 . The DVD player according to  claim 17 , wherein the telephone wire pair is connected outside a building to a telephone service provider and communication over the telephone wire pair is based on xDSL (Digital Subscriber Line) technology. 
     
     
         19 . The DVD player according to  claim 18 , wherein said telephone line modem is one of: an ADSL (Asymmetric DSL) modem; a VDSL (Very high speed DSL) modem; an HDSL (High speed DSL) modem; and an RADSL (Rate adaptive DSL) modem. 
     
     
         20 . The DVD player device according to  claim 17 , wherein the communication with the wired data unit is carried over a Local Area Network (LAN). 
     
     
         21 . The DVD player device according to  claim 20 , wherein the communication with the wired data unit is based on a HomePNA standard, and said telephone line modem is a HomePNA compliant modem. 
     
     
         22 . The DVD player device according to  claim 1 , wherein communication with the wired data unit is based on HomePNA standard, and said wired transceiver is a HomePNA compliant modem. 
     
     
         23 . The DVD player device according to  claim 1 , wherein communication with the wired data unit is over an AC power wiring, said data connector is an AC power connector, and said wired transceiver is a powerline modem. 
     
     
         24 . The DVD player device according to  claim 23 , wherein the communication with the wired data unit is carried over a Local Area Network (LAN). 
     
     
         25 . The DVD player device according to  claim 24 , wherein the communication with the wired data unit is based on HomePlug standard, and said powerline modem is a HomePlug compliant modem. 
     
     
         26 . The DVD player device according to  claim 1 , wherein communication with the wired data unit is over a coaxial cable, said data connector is a coaxial connector, and said wired transceiver is a cable modem. 
     
     
         27 . The DVD player according to  claim 26 , wherein communication over the coaxial cable and said cable modem substantially conforms to CableLabs Data-Over-Cable-Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS) standard. 
     
     
         28 . The DVD player device according to  claim 1 , wherein communication with the wired data unit is packet-based. 
     
     
         29 . The DVD player device according to  claim 28 , wherein the communication with the wired data unit is over Local Area Network (LAN) wiring, said data connector is a LAN connector, and said wired transceiver is a LAN transceiver. 
     
     
         30 . The DVD player device according to  claim 29 , wherein the communication with the wired data unit is based on IEEE802.3 standard, and said LAN transceiver is an Ethernet compliant modem. 
     
     
         31 . The DVD player device according to  claim 1 , wherein communication with the wired data unit via said data connector is based on a serial digital data bus. 
     
     
         32 . The DVD player device according to  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a power connector connectable to a power source; and   a power supply connected to said power connector to be powered by power supplied by a power source and to provide DC power for DC powering said wireless and wired transceivers, and said processor.   
     
     
         33 . The DVD player device according to  claim 32 , wherein the power source is an AC power source, said power connector is an AC power connector, and said power supply further comprises an AC/DC converter. 
     
     
         34 . The DVD player device according to  claim 32 , wherein said data connector is further coupled to said power supply for DC powering the wired data unit via said data connector. 
     
     
         35 . The DVD player device according to  claim 34 , wherein the wired data unit is a battery operated unit comprising a battery, and said power supply further comprising a charger for charging the battery of the battery operated unit via said data connector. 
     
     
         36 . The DVD player device according to  claim 34 , wherein the wired data unit is a handheld unit and said DVD player device is further adapted to mechanically dock with, supply power to, and communicate using serial digital data communication with, the handheld unit. 
     
     
         37 . The DVD player device according to  claim 36 , in combination with a cradle for detachable mounting of the handheld unit, the handheld unit having a mating connector, wherein said data connector is part of said cradle, and said data connector connects with the handheld unit mating connector when the handheld unit is mounted in said cradle. 
     
     
         38 . The DVD player device according to  claim 36 , wherein the handheld unit is a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), or a cellular telephone. 
     
     
         39 . The DVD player device according to  claim 32 , wherein: said DVD player device is further adapted so that the wired data unit is removably mechanically attachable to said DVD player device; and said power supply is operative to supply DC power to the wired data unit when mechanically attached to said DVD player via said data connector. 
     
     
         40 . The DVD player device according to  claim 1 , wherein the video display is an HDTV display and the DVD player device is further operative to receive and deliver HDTV. 
     
     
         41 . The DVD player device according to  claim 1 , wherein said processor is one of: a microprocessor; and a microcomputer, and said device further comprises at least one user operated button or switch coupled to said processor, for user control of operation of said device. 
     
     
         42 . The DVD player device according to  claim 1 , wherein said device is addressable in a digital data network. 
     
     
         43 . The DVD player device according to  claim 42 , further comprising a non-volatile memory for storing a digital address uniquely identifying said DVD player device in a digital data network. 
     
     
         44 . The DVD player device according to  claim 43 , wherein the digital address uniquely identifies said DVD player device in a Local Area Network (LAN) or on the Internet. 
     
     
         45 . The DVD player device according to  claim 44 , wherein the digital address is either a MAC address or an IP address. 
     
     
         46 . The DVD player device according to  claim 1 , for use with an Internet-connected remote information server, wherein said DVD player device is operative for communicating with the server, and for receiving and displaying information from the server. 
     
     
         47 . The DVD player device according to  claim 46 , wherein the remote server information is organized as a web site having a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) and including web pages as part of the World Wide Web (WWW), and is further identified by said DVD player device using the web site URL. 
     
     
         48 . The DVD player device according to  claim 46 , wherein said firmware include at least part of a web client for communication with, and accessing information stored in, the server. 
     
     
         49 . The DVD player device according to  claim 48 , wherein said at least part of a web client includes at least part of a graphical web browser. 
     
     
         50 . The DVD player device according to  claim 49 , wherein said at least part of a graphical web browser is based on Windows Internet Explorer. 
     
     
         51 . The DVD player device according to  claim 46 , wherein communication with the remote information server is based on Internet protocol suite. 
     
     
         52 . The DVD player device according to  claim 51 , wherein the communication with the remote information server is based on TCP/IP. 
     
     
         53 . The DVD player device according to  claim 46 , wherein said device is further operative for automatically and periodically communicating with the remote information server at all times when said DVD player device is in operation. 
     
     
         54 . The DVD player device according to  claim 1 , wherein said DVD player device further comprises a non-volatile memory coupled to said wireless transceiver, and said DVD player device is operative for receiving information from said wireless data unit, and for storing the received information in said non-volatile memory. 
     
     
         55 . The DVD player device according to  claim 54 , wherein said non-volatile memory comprises a Flash memory. 
     
     
         56 . The DVD player device according to  claim 1 , wherein said DVD player device further comprises a non-volatile memory coupled to said wired transceiver, and said DVD player device is operative for receiving information from the wired data unit, and for storing the received information in said non-volatile memory. 
     
     
         57 . The DVD player device according to  claim 120 , wherein said non-volatile memory comprises a Flash memory. 
     
     
         58 . A Digital Video Disc (DVD) player device operative for playing video data stored on an optical storage disc, for use with multiple Internet-connected remote servers containing information, the DVD player device comprising:
 a video connector for delivering video data to be displayed on a video display;   a port for transmitting and receiving digital data over a network medium;   a transceiver coupled to said port for communication of packet-based digital data to and from, a data unit via said port;   firmware and a processor for executing said firmware, said processor being coupled to control at least said transceiver, and said firmware including at least part of a web client for communication with, and accessing information stored in, the servers; and   a single enclosure housing said port, said video connector, said transceiver and said processor,   
       wherein said DVD player device is operative for communicating with the servers over the Internet, and for receiving and displaying information from the servers on the video display. 
     
     
         59 . The DVD player device according to  claim 58 , wherein said single enclosure is wall-mountable. 
     
     
         60 . The DVD player device according to  claim 59 , wherein said single enclosure has dimensions and an appearance of a conventional flat, framed picture. 
     
     
         61 . The DVD player according to  claim 58 , wherein said single enclosure in constructed to have at least one of the following:
 a form substantially similar to that of a standard picture frame;   wall mounting elements substantially similar to those of a standard picture frame for hanging on a wall; and   a shape to at least in part substitute for a standard picture frame.   
     
     
         62 . The DVD player device according to  claim 58 , adapted for wireless over-the-air communication, wherein said port is an antenna, said transceiver is a wireless transceiver and the data unit is a wireless data unit. 
     
     
         63 . The DVD player device according to  claim 62 , wherein: the wireless communication with the wireless data unit is carried over a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN); said antenna is a WLAN antenna; and said wireless transceiver is a WLAN transceiver. 
     
     
         64 . The DVD player device according to  claim 63 , wherein said WLAN transceiver is operative to communicate substantially according to IEEE802.11 standard. 
     
     
         65 . The DVD player device according to  claim 62 , wherein the wireless communication with the wireless data unit is based on spread spectrum modulation. 
     
     
         66 . The DVD player device according to  claim 65 , wherein the spread spectrum modulation is a DSSS (Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum) modulation. 
     
     
         67 . The DVD player device according to  claim 62 , wherein the wireless communication with the wireless data unit takes place in a license-free radio frequency band. 
     
     
         68 . The DVD player device according to  claim 67 , wherein the license-free radio frequency band is one of: 900 MHz; 2.4 GHz; and 5.8 GHz. 
     
     
         69 . The DVD player device according to  claim 62 , wherein: the wireless communication with the wireless data unit is part of a Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN); said antenna is a WPAN antenna; and said wireless transceiver is a WPAN transceiver. 
     
     
         70 . The DVD player device according to  claim 69 , wherein said WPAN transceiver is operative to communicate substantially according to BlueTooth standard. 
     
     
         71 . The DVD player device according to  claim 62 , wherein the wireless communication with the wireless data unit is carried over a wireless Wide Area Network (WAN). 
     
     
         72 . The DVD player device according to  claim 62 , wherein: the wireless communication with the wireless data unit is carried over a cellular network; said antenna is a wireless cellular antenna; and said wireless transceiver is a cellular wireless transceiver. 
     
     
         73 . The DVD player device according to  claim 58 , adapted for wired communication, wherein said port is a data connector, said transceiver is a wired transceiver, and the data unit is a wired data unit. 
     
     
         74 . The DVD player device according to  claim 73 , wherein the wired communication with the wired data unit is carried over a Wide Area Network (WAN). 
     
     
         75 . The DVD player device according to  claim 73 , wherein the wired communication with the wired data unit is carried over a telephone wire pair, said data connector is a telephone connector, and said wired transceiver is a telephone line modem. 
     
     
         76 . The DVD player according to  claim 75 , wherein the telephone wire pair is connecting outside a building to a telephone service provider and communication over the telephone wire pair is based on xDSL (Digital Subscriber Line) technology. 
     
     
         77 . The DVD palyer according to  claim 76 , wherein said telephone line modem is one of: an ADSL (Asymmetric DSL) modem; a VDSL (Very high speed DSL) modem; an HDSL (High speed DSL) modem; and an RADSL (Rate adaptive DSL) modem. 
     
     
         78 . The DVD player device according to  claim 75 , wherein the wired communication with the wired data unit is carried over a Local Area Network (LAN). 
     
     
         79 . The DVD player device according to  claim 78 , wherein the wired communication with the wired data unit is based on HomePNA standard, and said telephone line modem is a HomePNA compliant modem. 
     
     
         80 . The DVD player device according to  claim 73 , wherein the wired communication with the wired data unit is based on HomePNA standard, and said wired transceiver is a HomePNA compliant modem. 
     
     
         81 . The DVD player device according to  claim 73 , wherein the wired communication with the wired data unit is over an AC power wiring, said data connector is an AC power connector, and said wired transceiver is a powerline modem. 
     
     
         82 . The DVD player device according to  claim 81 , wherein the wired communication with the wired data unit is carried over a Local Area Network (LAN). 
     
     
         83 . The DVD player device according to  claim 82 , wherein the wired communication with the wired data unit is based on HomePlug standard, and said powerline modem is a HomePlug compliant modem. 
     
     
         84 . The DVD player device according to  claim 73 , wherein the wired communication with said wired data unit is over a coaxial cable, said data connector is a coaxial connector, and said wired transceiver is a cable modem. 
     
     
         85 . The DVD player according to  claim 84 , wherein the communication over the coaxial cable and said cable modem substantially conforms to CableLabs Data-Over-Cable-Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS) standard. 
     
     
         86 . The DVD player device according to  claim 73 , wherein the wired communication with the wired data unit is over Local Area Network (LAN) wiring, said data connector is a LAN connector, and said wired transceiver is a LAN transceiver. 
     
     
         87 . The DVD player device according to  claim 86 , wherein the wired communication with the wired unit is based on IEEE802.3 standard, and said LAN transceiver is an Ethernet compliant modem. 
     
     
         88 . The DVD player device according to  claim 73 , wherein the wired communication is with the wired data unit via said data connector is carried over a serial digital data bus. 
     
     
         89 . The DVD player device according to  claim 58 , further comprising:
 a power connector connectable to a power source;   a power supply connected to said power connector to be powered by power supplied by the power source and to provide DC power for DC powering said transceiver and said processor.   
     
     
         90 . The DVD player device according to  claim 89 , wherein the power source is an AC power source, said power connector is an AC power connector, said power supply comprises an AC/DC converter, said port is a data connector, said transceiver is a wired transceiver, and the data unit is a wired data unit. 
     
     
         91 . The DVD player device according to  claim 90 , wherein said data connector is further coupled to said power supply for DC powering the wired data unit via said data connector. 
     
     
         92 . The DVD player device according to  claim 91 , wherein the wired data unit is a battery operated unit comprising a battery, and said power supply further comprises a charger for charging the battery of the battery operated unit via said data connector. 
     
     
         93 . The DVD player device according to  claim 91 , wherein the wired data unit is a handheld unit and said DVD player device is further adapted to mechanically dock with, supply power to, and communicate using serial digital data communication with, the handheld unit. 
     
     
         94 . The DVD player device according to  claim 93 , in combination with a cradle for detachable mounting of the handheld unit, the handheld unit having a mating connector, wherein said data connector is part of said cradle, and said data connector connects with the handheld unit mating connector when the handheld unit is mounted in said cradle. 
     
     
         95 . The DVD player device according to  claim 93 , wherein the handheld unit is a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) or a cellular telephone. 
     
     
         96 . The DVD player device according to  claim 90 , wherein: said DVD player device is further adapted so that the wired data unit is removably mechanically attachable to said DVD player device; and said power supply is operative to supply DC power to the wired data unit when mechanically attached via said data connector. 
     
     
         97 . The DVD player device according to  claim 58  wherein the video display in an HDTV display and said DVD player device is further operative to receive and deliver HDTV. 
     
     
         98 . The DVD player device according to  claim 58 , wherein said device is addressable in a digital data network. 
     
     
         99 . The DVD player device according to  claim 98 , further comprising a non-volatile memory for storing a digital address uniquely identifying said DVD player device in a digital data network. 
     
     
         100 . The DVD player device according to  claim 99 , wherein the digital address uniquely identifies said DVD player device in a Local Area Network (LAN) or on the Internet. 
     
     
         101 . The DVD player device according to  claim 100 , wherein the digital address is either a MAC address or an IP address. 
     
     
         102 . The DVD player device according to  claim 58 , wherein said DVD player device further comprises a non-volatile memory coupled to said transceiver, and said DVD player device is operative for receiving information from the data unit, and for storing the received information in said non-volatile memory. 
     
     
         103 . The DVD player device according to  claim 102 , wherein said non-volatile memory comprises a Flash memory. 
     
     
         104 . The DVD player device according to  claim 58 , wherein said at least part of a web client includes at least part of a graphical web browser. 
     
     
         105 . The DVD player device according to  claim 104 , wherein said at least part of a graphical web browser is based on Windows Internet Explorer. 
     
     
         106 . The DVD player device according to  claim 58 , wherein the information contained in the remote servers is organized as web sites each having a Uniform Resource Locator (URL), and the remote servers are further identified by said DVD player device by using their web site URL's. 
     
     
         107 . The DVD player device according to  claim 106 , wherein each of the remote servers includes one or more web pages as part of the World Wide Web (WWW), and wherein said DVD player device is operative to receive and display the web pages on the video display. 
     
     
         108 . The DVD player device according to  claim 58 , wherein communication with the one or more of the remote servers is based on Internet protocol suite. 
     
     
         109 . The DVD player device according to  claim 108 , wherein the communication with the one or more remote servers is based on TCP/IP. 
     
     
         110 . The DVD player device according to  claim 58 , wherein said device is further operative for automatically and periodically communicating with at least one of the remote servers at all times when said DVD player device is in operation. 
     
     
         111 . The DVD player device according to  claim 58 , wherein information contained in a selected one of the remote servers is received from the selected server in response to user selection. 
     
     
         112 . The DVD player device according to  claim 58 , wherein the information received from one of the remote servers provides video content. 
     
     
         113 . The DVD player device according to  claim 58 , wherein the information received from one of the remote servers provides audio content. 
     
     
         114 . The DVD player device according to  claim 58 , wherein the information received from at least one of the remote servers is associated with one of: a newspaper; a radio station; and a television station. 
     
     
         115 . The DVD player device according to  claim 58 , wherein the information received and displayed from at least one of the remote servers relates to a future event, a planned activity or a forecast of a situation. 
     
     
         116 . The DVD player device according to  claim 115 , wherein the information received from at least one of the remote servers includes at least one of: a weather forecast; a future sports event; a future cultural event; a future entertainment event; a TV station guide; and a radio station guide. 
     
     
         117 . The DVD player device according to  claim 58 , wherein the information received and displayed from at least one of the remote servers relates to a past event, a past activity, or a former situation. 
     
     
         118 . The DVD player device according to  claim 117 , wherein the information from at least one of the remote servers includes at least one of: sports event results; a stock quote; lottery results; and a currency exchange rate. 
     
     
         119 . The DVD player device according to  claim 58 , wherein the information received and displayed from at least one of the remote servers relates to an ongoing or recent event, a current or recent activity, or an existing situation. 
     
     
         120 . The DVD player device according to  claim 119 , wherein the information received from at least one of the remote servers includes at least one of: public news; and traffic related information. 
     
     
         121 . A Digital Video Disc (DVD) player device operative for playing video data stored on an optical storage disc, and for receiving, storing and displaying video content from a data unit, said DVD player device comprising:
 a video connector for delivering video data to be displayed on a video display;   a port for transmitting and receiving digital data over a network medium;   a transceiver coupled to said port for communication of packet-based digital data to and from, a data unit via said port, the digital data from the data unit including video content;   a semiconductor-based non-volatile memory coupled to said transceiver for storing at least part of the digital data received therefrom;   firmware and a processor for executing said firmware, said processor being coupled to control at least said transceiver and said non-volatile memory; and   a single enclosure housing said port, said video connector, said transceiver and said processor,   
       wherein said DVD player device is operative for receiving video content from the data unit, storing the received video content in said non-volatile memory, and displaying the video content on the video display. 
     
     
         122 . The DVD player device according to  claim 121 , wherein said single enclosure is wall-mountable. 
     
     
         123 . The DVD player device according to  claim 121 , adapted for wireless over-the-air communication, wherein said port is an antenna, said transceiver is a wireless transceiver, and the data unit is a wireless data unit. 
     
     
         124 . The DVD player device according to  claim 123 , wherein: the wireless communication is with the wireless data unit and is carried over a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN); said antenna is a WLAN antenna; and said wireless transceiver is a WLAN transceiver. 
     
     
         125 . The DVD player device according to  claim 124 , wherein said WLAN transceiver is operative to communicate substantially according to IEEE802.11 standard. 
     
     
         126 . The DVD player device according to  claim 123 , wherein the wireless communication with the wireless data unit is based on spread spectrum modulation. 
     
     
         127 . The DVD player device according to  claim 126 , wherein the spread spectrum modulation is a DSSS (Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum) modulation. 
     
     
         128 . The DVD player device according to  claim 123 , wherein the wireless communication with the wireless data unit uses a license-free radio frequency band. 
     
     
         129 . The DVD player device according to  claim 128 , wherein the license-free radio frequency band is one of: 900 MHz; 2.4 GHz; and 5.8 GHz. 
     
     
         130 . The DVD player device according to  claim 123 , wherein: the wireless communication with the wireless data unit is carried over a Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN); said antenna is a WPAN antenna; and said wireless transceiver is a WPAN transceiver. 
     
     
         131 . The DVD player device according to  claim 130 , wherein said WPAN transceiver is operative to communicate substantially according to BlueTooth standard. 
     
     
         132 . The DVD player device according to  claim 123 , wherein the wireless communication with the wireless data unit is carried over a wireless Wide Area Network (WAN). 
     
     
         133 . The DVD player device according to  claim 123 , wherein: the wireless communication with the wireless data unit is part of a cellular network; said antenna is a wireless cellular antenna; and said wireless transceiver is a cellular wireless transceiver. 
     
     
         134 . The DVD player device according to  claim 121 , adapted for wired communication with the wired data unit, wherein said port is a data connector, said transceiver is a wired transceiver and said data unit is a wired data unit. 
     
     
         135 . The DVD player device according to  claim 134 , wherein the wired communication with the wired data unit is part of a Wide Area Network (WAN). 
     
     
         136 . The DVD player device according to  claim 134 , wherein the wired communication with the wired data unit is carried over a telephone wire pair, said data connector is a telephone connector, and said wired transceiver is a telephone line modem. 
     
     
         137 . The DVD player according to  claim 136 , wherein the telephone wire pair is connected outside a building to a telephone service provider and communication over the telephone wire pair is based on xDSL (Digital Subscriber Line) technology. 
     
     
         138 . The DVD player according to  claim 137 , wherein said telephone line modem is one of: an ADSL (Asymmetric DSL) modem; a VDSL (Very high speed DSL) modem; an HDSL (High speed DSL) modem; and an RADSL (Rate adaptive DSL) modem. 
     
     
         139 . The DVD player device according to  claim 134 , wherein the wired communication with the wired data unit is carried over a Local Area Network (LAN). 
     
     
         140 . The DVD player device according to  claim 139 , wherein the wired communication with the wired data unit is based on HomePNA standard, and said telephone line modem is a HomePNA compliant modem. 
     
     
         141 . The DVD player device according to  claim 134 , wherein the wired communication with the wired data unit is based on HomePNA standard, and said wired transceiver is a HomePNA compliant modem. 
     
     
         142 . The DVD player device according to  claim 134 , wherein the wired communication with the wired data unit is over an AC power wiring, said data connector is an AC power connector, and said wired transceiver is a powerline modem. 
     
     
         143 . The DVD player device according to  claim 142 , wherein the wired communication with the wired data unit is carried over a Local Area Network (LAN). 
     
     
         144 . The DVD player device according to  claim 143 , wherein the wired communication with the wired data unit is based on HomePlug standard, and said powerline modem is a HomePlug compliant modem. 
     
     
         145 . The DVD player device according to  claim 134 , wherein the wired communication with the wired data unit is over a coaxial cable, said data connector is a coaxial connector, and said wired transceiver is a cable modem. 
     
     
         146 . The DVD player according to  claim 145 , wherein the communication over the coaxial cable and said cable modem substantially conforms to CableLabs Data-Over-Cable-Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS) standard. 
     
     
         147 . The DVD player device according to  claim 134 , wherein the wired communication with the wired data unit is over Local Area Network (LAN) wiring, said data connector is a LAN connector, and said wired transceiver is a LAN transceiver. 
     
     
         148 . The DVD player device according to  claim 147 , wherein the wired communication with the wired data unit is based on IEEE802.3 standard, and said LAN transceiver is an Ethernet compliant modem. 
     
     
         149 . The DVD player device according to  claim 134 , wherein the communication with the wired data unit is carried out via said data connector and a serial digital data bus. 
     
     
         150 . The DVD player device according to  claim 121 , further comprising:
 a power connector connectable to a power source; and   a power supply connected to said power connector to be powered by power supplied by the power source and to provide DC power for DC powering said transceiver and said processor.   
     
     
         151 . The DVD player device according to  claim 150 , wherein the power source is an AC power source, said power connector in an AC power connector, said power supply comprises an AC/DC converter, said port is a data connector, said transceiver is a wired transceiver, and the data unit is a wired data unit. 
     
     
         152 . The DVD player device according to  claim 151 , wherein said data connector is further coupled to said power supply for DC powering the wired data unit via said data connector. 
     
     
         153 . The DVD player device according to  claim 151 , wherein the wired data unit is a battery operated unit comprising a battery, and said power supply further comprising a charger for charging the battery of the battery operated unit via said data connector. 
     
     
         154 . The DVD player device according to  claim 151 , wherein the wired data unit is a handheld unit and said DVD player device is further adapted to mechanically dock with, supply power to, and communicate using serial digital data communication with, the handheld unit. 
     
     
         155 . The DVD player device according to  claim 154 , in combination with a cradle for detachable mounting of the handheld unit, the handheld unit having a mating connector, wherein said data connector is part of said cradle, and said data connector connects with the handheld unit mating connector when the handheld unit is mounted in said cradle. 
     
     
         156 . The DVD player device according to  claim 154 , wherein the handheld unit is a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) or a cellular telephone. 
     
     
         157 . The DVD player device according to  claim 151 , wherein: said data connector is further coupled to said power supply for DC powering the wired data unit via said data connector; said DVD player device is further adapted so that the wired data unit is removably mechanically attachable to said DVD player device; and said power supply is operative to supply DC power to the wired data unit when mechanically attached via said data connector. 
     
     
         158 . The DVD player device according to  claim 121 , wherein the video display in an HDTV display and the DVD player device is further operative to receive and deliver HDTV. 
     
     
         159 . The DVD player device according to  claim 121 , wherein said device is addressable in a digital data network. 
     
     
         160 . The DVD player device according to  claim 159 , further comprising a non-volatile memory for storing a digital address uniquely identifying said DVD player device in a digital data network. 
     
     
         161 . The DVD player device according to  claim 160 , wherein the digital address uniquely identifies said DVD player device in a Local Area Network (LAN) or on the Internet. 
     
     
         162 . The DVD player device according to  claim 161 , wherein the digital address is either a MAC address or an IP address. 
     
     
         163 . The DVD player device according to  claim 160 , wherein said non-volatile memory comprises a Flash memory. 
     
     
         164 . The DVD player device according to  claim 121 , wherein and said firmware includes at least part of a web client. 
     
     
         165 . The DVD player device according to  claim 164 , wherein said at least part of a web client includes at least part of a graphical web browser. 
     
     
         166 . The DVD player device according to  claim 165 , wherein said at least part of a graphical web browser is based on Windows Internet Explorer. 
     
     
         167 . The DVD player device according to  claim 121 , wherein said DVD player device is operative for communication via the Internet with an Internet-connected remote server containing information. 
     
     
         168 . The DVD player device according to  claim 167 , wherein the information contained in the remote server is organized as a web site having a Uniform Resource Locator (URL), and the remote server is further identified by said DVD player device by using the web site URL. 
     
     
         169 . The DVD player device according to  claim 168 , wherein The remote server contains one or more web pages as part of the World Wide Web (WWW), and wherein the DVD player device is operative to receive and display the web pages on said video display. 
     
     
         170 . The DVD player device according to  claim 169 , wherein the communication with the remote server is based on Internet protocol suite. 
     
     
         171 . The DVD player device according to  claim 170 , wherein the communication with the remote server is based on TCP/IP. 
     
     
         172 . The DVD player device according to  claim 167 , wherein said device is further operative for automatically and periodically communicating with the remote server at all times when said DVD player device is in operation. 
     
     
         173 . The DVD player device according to  claim 167 , wherein the communication with the remote server includes receipt by said device, in response to user selection, of information contained in the remote server. 
     
     
         174 . The DVD player device according to  claim 173 , wherein the information contained in the remote server and received by said device includes video content. 
     
     
         175 . The DVD player device according to  claim 173 , wherein the information contained in the remote server and received by said device includes audio content. 
     
     
         176 . The DVD player device according to  claim 173 , wherein the information contained in the remote server and received by said device is associated with one of: a newspaper; a radio station; and a television station. 
     
     
         177 . The DVD player device according to  claim 173 , wherein the information contained in the remote server and received by the device is displayed on the video display and relates to a future event, a planned activity or a forecast of a situation. 
     
     
         178 . The DVD player device according to  claim 177 , wherein the information received from the remote server includes at least one of: a weather forecast; a future sports event; a future culture event; a future entertainment event; a TV station guide; and a radio station guide. 
     
     
         179 . The DVD player device according to  claim 173 , wherein the information contained in the remote server and received by the device is displayed on the video display and relates to a past event, a past activity, or a former situation. 
     
     
         180 . The DVD player device according to  claim 179 , wherein the information received from said server includes at least one of: sports event results; a stock quote; lottery results; and a currency exchange rate. 
     
     
         181 . The DVD player device according to  claim 173 , wherein the information contained in the remote server and received by the device is displayed on the video display and relates to an ongoing or recent event, a current or recent activity, or an existing situation. 
     
     
         182 . The DVD player device according to  claim 181 , wherein the information received from the remote server includes at least one of: public news; and traffic related information. 
     
     
         183 . A Digital Video Disc (DVD) player device operative for playing video data stored on an optical storage disc, and for docking with, and powering, a handheld unit having a connector and adapted to store video content, said device comprising:
 a video connector for delivering data including video content to be displayed on a video display;   a cradle comprising a mechanical adapter for docking the handheld unit thereto, said cradle including a first connector mating with the connector of the handheld unit, said first connector being adapted for providing an electrical connection to the handheld unit when the handheld unit is mounted on the cradle;   a first transceiver coupled to said first connector for digital data communication with the handheld unit via said first connector;   a power connector connectable to a power source;   a power supply comprising a voltage converter, said power supply being coupled to said power connector for being powered from the power source; and   a single enclosure housing said cradle, said first connector, said first transceiver, said power connector, said power connector and said power supply,   
       wherein said power supply is coupled to said first connector for DC powering at least part of the handheld unit when the handheld unit is docked on said cradle, and 
       wherein said first transceiver is coupled to said video connector for displaying the video content stored in the handheld unit on the video display. 
     
     
         184 . The DVD player device according to  claim 183 , wherein the handheld unit is a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) or a cellular telephone handset. 
     
     
         185 . The DVD player device according to  claim 183 , wherein said DVD player device has a digital data network address uniquely identifying said DVD player device in a data network. 
     
     
         186 . The DVD player device according to  claim 185 , further comprising a non-volatile memory for storing the digital data network address. 
     
     
         187 . The DVD player device according to  claim 186 , wherein the digital data network address identifies said DVD player device in a Local Area Network (LAN). 
     
     
         188 . The DVD player device according to  claim 186 , wherein the digital data network address identifies said DVD player device in a Wide Area Network (WAN). 
     
     
         189 . The DVD player device according to  claim 186 , wherein the digital data network address identifies said DVD player device in the Internet. 
     
     
         190 . The DVD player device according to  claim 186 , wherein the digital data network address is either a MAC address or an IP address. 
     
     
         191 . The DVD player device according to  claim 183 , wherein said DVD player device is configured for wall mounting in a residential building. 
     
     
         192 . The DVD player device according to  claim 183 , wherein communication with the handheld unit via said first connector is carried out using a serial digital data stream. 
     
     
         193 . The DVD player device according to  claim 183 , wherein:
 said power connector is an AC connector for connecting to an AC power outlet; and   said power supply comprises an AC to DC converter for DC powering at least part of said DVD player device.   
     
     
         194 . The DVD player device according to  claim 183 , wherein the handheld unit has a battery and said DVD player device is operative to be connected to charge the battery when the handheld unit is docked on said cradle. 
     
     
         195 . The DVD player device according to  claim 183 , further comprising firmware and a processor for executing said firmware, said processor being coupled to control at least said first transceiver and the handheld unit when the handheld unit is mounted on the cradle. 
     
     
         196 . The DVD player device according to  claim 195 , wherein said processor is one of: a microprocessor; and a microcomputer, and said DVD player device further comprises at least one user operated button or switch coupled to said processor, for user control of operation of said DVD player device. 
     
     
         197 . The DVD player device according to  claim 183 , further comprising the video display, said video display being housed in said single enclosure and being coupled to be powered from said power supply. 
     
     
         198 . The DVD player device according to  claim 197 , wherein said display comprises a flat screen that is based on Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) technology. 
     
     
         199 . The DVD player device according to  claim 197 , wherein said device is further operative to display, on said display, the current year, the current month and the current day of the month. 
     
     
         200 . The DVD player device according to  claim 183 , wherein said device is further operative as a clock for maintaining and displaying, on the video display, the current hour, minute and second. 
     
     
         201 . The DVD player device according to  claim 183 , wherein said device is further operative to receive High Definition (HD) video, and the video display is operative to display High Definition (HD) video. 
     
     
         202 . The DVD player device according to  claim 201 , wherein the High Definition (HD) video is High Definition Television (HDTV). 
     
     
         203 . The DVD player according to  claim 183 , wherein said device is further operative to store and play digital audio data.