Patent ID: 8462275

Claim:
A system for presenting broadcast programming, the system comprising: a set top box incorporated in or coupled to a receiver of broadcast programming; a processor provided in the set top box for receiving and processing broadcast programming and selecting a selected program for presentation; and a presentation device for receiving and presenting the selected program; and an external remote control device, wherein the remote control device incorporates: a processor able to generate menus detailing programs and other options available by way of the set top box for processing broadcast programming; a display for displaying the menus, and hence the programs and options available; and a user interface enabling the user to make choices amongst the available options and programs displayed; wherein, upon user request by way of the user interface, the processor of the remote control device is arranged to issue commands to the set top box to cause the set top box to switch to the options or programs which have been selected by the user on the control device; wherein the processor of the remote control device performs state-machine processing work for the set top box while the processor in the set top box performs graphics and stream processing; wherein the processor of the set top box is arranged to receive updates for the remote control device and, in response, to communicate a stimulus to the remote control device; and wherein, upon receiving a stimulus from the set top box, the processor of the remote control device is arranged to process the stimulus and to make required changes to the internal set up of the remote control device.