GATEWAY REMOTE CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATION

A gateway is communicatively coupled between content source devices for a home entertainment network and playout devices included in the network, the gateway making use of available user, system, and other preferences of for example, respective control devices in the home entertainment network to enable controlled access of content in the network. For example, a personalized remote control device communicates with a gateway, either directly or indirectly, in a home entertainment network such that a user associated with the personalized remote control can interact personally with the gateway to modify viewing content in accordance with the specifications, preferences, and requirements for that particular user. As such, an entertainment device in communication with the personalized remote control device in the home network can be personalized for a user without the need to program and reprogram each and every entertainment device to a user's respective specifications, preferences, and requirements.