Bi-directional communication system, display apparatus, base apparatus and bi-directional communication method

A bi-directional communication system has a base apparatus and a display apparatus, the display apparatus may be for example a portable liquid crystal display for reviewing video programs and browsing the internet. The base apparatus includes a television tuner for receiving broadcast signals and wirelessly transmitting programs to the display apparatus. An infrared remote control device connected to the base apparatus is used to control various external input devices (e.g., a VCR or DVD player). Control menus for the base apparatus and the external input devices can be displayed on the display apparatus. The display apparatus includes a touch screen, so that a user can select operational commands for controlling the base apparatus and external input devices. The display apparatus wirelessly transmits selected operational commands to the base apparatus, which then retransmits the commands to an appropriate external input device using the infrared remote control device.