Control circuit for entertainment system demonstration

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail specific embodiments, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an example of the principles of the invention and not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments shown and described.
Turning now to FIG.
1, an audio/video retail display utilizing the present invention is shown in block diagram form.
The demonstration is controlled by a demonstration controller 10.
In the present embodiment, controller 10 receives input from a single push button 12.
The push button 12 is preferably located adjacent an ideal listening or viewing position.
When the user actuates push button 12, a sequence of events is initiated which results in a controlled demonstration being presented.
The controller 10 communicates with any suitable arrangement of electronic equipment to be demonstrated.
In the example shown, an audio/video receiver 18 receives inputs from a laser disk player 22 as well as a video cassette recorder (VCR 24).
The audio/video receiver 18 is also connected to a compact disk (CD) player 30, an audio tape deck 32 and a television 34.
In the example shown, both audio and video signals are provided from VCR 24 and laser disk player 22 to audio/video receiver 18.
The video is then routed through the receiver to television set 34 or suitable video monitor as desired.
The left and right audio channels (and any other channels) from laser disk player 22, VCR 24, CD player 30 and tape deck 32 are similarly provided to the audio/video receiver 18 which selectively couples an amplified version of their output to a suitable set of audio loudspeakers (not shown).
In order for controller 10 to issue commands to the components just described, the controller 10 drives infrared transmitters 40 and 42 which are aimed to be appropriately received at the various components.
Alternatively, the various electronic equipment can be directly connected to the controller 10 by a wired connection (e