Method for selecting an input media source

Abstract

System and method for changing a current input terminal of a user device. In one embodiment of the invention, a method includes receiving an input terminal change request, requesting that a current input terminal be changed from a first input terminal to a second input terminal. The method may further include determining if an external device is connected to the second input terminal. In one embodiment of the invention, the second input terminal includes a connection detection switch. The method may also include switching to the second input terminal when the connection detection switch indicates an external device connection and skipping the second input terminal when the connection detection switch indicates no external device connected according to one embodiment of the invention.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A user electronic device comprising:
 a input terminal for connection to external devices comprising a connection detection switch that is activated by a dedicated pin of an external device connector; and   a processor coupled to the input terminal configured to determine a connection status of the input terminal based on whether the connection detection switch is activated.   
     
     
         22 . The device of  claim 21 , wherein the connection detection switch is a mechanical switch integrated with the input terminal. 
     
     
         23 . The device of  claim 21 , wherein the connection detection switch is activated by contacting the dedicated pin of the external device connector. 
     
     
         24 . The device of  claim 21 , wherein the connection detection switch is closed when the external device connector is properly inserted into the input terminal and open when the input terminal is not connected to the external device connector. 
     
     
         25 . The device of  claim 21 , wherein the processor is further configured to determine a proper connection of an external device cable. 
     
     
         26 . The device of  claim 25 , wherein a user is alerted when an improper connection is detected. 
     
     
         27 . The device of  claim 21 , wherein the input terminal corresponds to one or more of composite terminals, component video terminals, audio terminals, HDMI terminals, fiber optic terminal and electronic device input terminals. 
     
     
         28 . The device of  claim 21 , wherein when the processor receives a input terminal change request, the input terminal is automatically skipped over if the connection detection switch is not activated. 
     
     
         29 . The device of  claim 21 , further comprising a storage medium storing a dynamic reference table of active external device connections corresponding to the connection status of a plurality of input terminals, including the input terminal. 
     
     
         30 . The device of  claim 21 , further comprising a display device configured to display the connection status of the input terminal to a user. 
     
     
         31 . A method for detecting connection at a user electronic device comprising:
 detecting if a connection detect switch of a input terminal is activated by a dedicated pin of an external device connector; and   determining a connection status of the input terminal based on whether the connection detection switch is activated.   
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the connection detection switch is a mechanical switch integrated with the input terminal. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the connection detection switch is activated by contacting the dedicated pin of the external device connector. 
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the connection detection switch is closed when the external device connector is properly inserted into the input terminal and open when the input terminal is not connected to the external device connector. 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 31 , further comprising determining a proper connection of an external device cable. 
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 35 , further comprising altering a user when an improper connection is detected. 
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the input terminal corresponds to one or more of composite terminals, component video terminals, audio terminals, HDMI terminals, fiber optic terminal and electronic device input terminals. 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 31 , further comprising:
 receiving a input terminal change request; and   automatically skipping the input terminal if the connection detection switch is not activated.   
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 31 , further comprising:
 storing a dynamic reference table of active external device connections corresponding to the connection status of a plurality of input terminals, including the input terminal.   
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 31 , further comprising:
 causing the display of the connection status of the input terminal to a user.