Patent ID: RE45157

Claim:
Au An audio/video control device comprising: a) a base unit including: i) a housing having a recess extending therein; ii) a first processor for controlling operation of said base unit; iii) a first audio/video storage and reproduction device positioned within said housing and controlled by said first processor to one of store and reproduce at least one of audio and video signals thereon; iv) first means for connection with an external source of audio and video signals for at least one of reproduction and storage by said base unit; and v) means connected to said first processor for receiving audible control signals in response to which said first processor controls operation of said first audio/video storage and reproduction device; and b) a portable unit releasably connected to said base unit, said portable unit being operable jointly and separably within said recess in said housing of said base unit, said portable unit including: i) a second processor; ii) means for selectively connecting said second processor to said first processor; iii) a touch screen display connected to said second processor for displaying a menu of operation selections and providing manual control signals to said second processor for controlling operation of said first audio/video storage and reproduction device upon contact by a user of one of said operation selections in said displayed menu; iv) means for reproducing and storing audio and video signals on a storage medium; v) a second audio/video storage and reproduction device positioned within said housing and controlled by said second processor; vi) second means for connection with an external source of audio and video signals for reproduction and storage by said base unit, wherein a user is able to operate said base unit and said portable unit either jointly or separably through at least one of audible and manual control signals; and vii) said touch screen display in said portable unit functioning as sole interactive display for said base unit both when said portable unit is connected to said base unit and when said portable unit is removed from said base unit.