Patent ID: 8134648

Claim:
A method for enabling a user to control an apparatus via a user input device having a key capable of being rotated and pressed by said user, said method comprising steps of: enabling said user to control a first set of functions of said apparatus during a first mode by rotating and pressing said key responsive to an on-screen menu; and enabling said user to control a second set of functions of said apparatus during a second mode by rotating and pressing said key without providing said on-screen menu, wherein said second set of functions includes a volume adjustment function, a channel adjustment function, and a muting function, and wherein during said second mode: said user rotates said key in a first direction to increase a volume; said user rotates said key in a second direction to decrease said volume; said user presses a first section of said key to increase a channel; and said user presses a second section of said key to decrease said channel; and said user rotates said key in said first direction and in said second direction within a predetermined time period to activate said audio muting function.