Patent ID: 6748598
Filing Date: 2004-06-08
Classification: H04M,H04N

Abstract:
A communication system comprising:a communication device including a first interface adapted for receiving uni-directional communication with from a broadband distribution network, and a second interface adapted to control one or more interactive services provided between the broadband network and a user by providing bi-directional communication with a telephone network to send and receive control messages between a server in communication with the broadband network and the user, and: a receiver adapted for deriving an audio signal from a signal received from the broadband distribution network and supplying the derived audio signal to an audio output, a voice signal receiver arranged to receive voice signals from the telephone network, storage means for storing the voice signals, retrieval means for retrieving the stored voice signals from the storage means and supply means for supplying the retrieved voice signals to the audio outputs; conversion means for converting data into a format that is suitable for one or more appliances in addition to the receiver; and an in house RF unit for controlling the one or more appliances in addition to the receiver, wherein said in house RF unit is adapted to be connected to the conversion means both a source and a destination of control data.