Patent ID: 8621369
Filing Date: 2013-12-31
Classification: H04L,H04M

Abstract:
1. A method comprising: receiving, by a first set-top box within a home media network, an announcement that announces a capability of a second set-top box to perform intercom functions via the home media network; recognizing, by the first set-top box and based on the announcement, that the second set-top box is functional via the home media network; receiving, by the first set-top box and after recognizing that the second set-top box is functional via the home media network, a signal from a user, of the first set-top box, to initiate an intercom message to the second set-top box; receiving, by the first set-top box and after receiving the signal to initiate the intercom message, a message input for the intercom message, sending, by the first set-top box and via the home media network, the intercom message, based on the message input, to the second set-top box; receiving, by the first set-top box, another intercom message; formatting, by the first set-top box, the other intercom message for presentation by a presentation device associated with the first set-top box to obtain a formatted presentation; and sending, by the first set-top box, the formatted presentation to the presentation device associated with the first set-top box.