Patent ID: 8681278

Claim:
A system for controlling speaker volume of externally amplified speakers connected to a television, the system comprising: a television; a first connection on the television to a first external amplified audio system outputting a first audio signal to said first external amplified audio system; a second connection on the television to a second external amplified audio system, outputting a second audio signal to said second external amplified audio system said first external amplified audio system being separate from the first external amplified audio system; a processor, operating for controlling operation of the television, including receiving a request to change volume of the television from a remote control, and to translate said request to change volume from said remote control into output commands to change an amount of amplification by said external audio systems, said output commands including first signals in a format that change an amount of amplification of said first audio signal by the first external amplified audio system and said output commands also include second signals in a different format, that change an amount of amplification of said second audio signal by the second external amplified audio system, and wherein the processor uses a digital interface to send the volume change command to the one or more of the external audio systems, and where the amounts of amplification by said first and second external audio systems are different levels; wherein the television includes a display screen, that displays television content, and also displays output levels of both said first and second external amplified audio systems, where said output levels of said first and second external amplified audio systems are displayed at levels that are different than one another.