Method and apparatus for providing zoned communications

A user headset is provided that is operable to contain an audio device (50) and a receiver (52). The receiver (52) is operable to receive both audio information on multiple channels and also data. The data is received in the form of pulse width modulated sync signals. The sync signals are operable to provide a synchronization signal for 3-D liquid crystal lenses (60). The data is encoded within the sync signal through pulse width modulation. The width of the pulse defines various commands. These various commands define the channel over which the audio is to be transmitted. These channels can either be user-defined or they can be a function of the transmitter. The transmitter includes an audio generator (42) for generating audio signals on multiple channels and also a data generator (40). These are modulated onto a broad band optical signal and transmitted via an IR data link. The system facilitates a walking tour by transmitting commands to the receiver that allow the receiver to lock onto a particular channel, there being select channels for a given zone. When walking from one zone to another zone, different channels in the next zone are automatically detected. The system detects the crossing of a boundary between zones by a change in sync frequency. Since the sync signals for both zones are synchronized, this facilitates a seamless transfer between adjacent zones.