AUDIO/VIDEO AND DATA SIGNAL REDISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
First Claim
1. A system for redistributing a plurality of audio/video input signals to a plurality of communications interfaces, comprising a server, at least one demodulator for demodulating the input signals, the server controlling an output channel selection of the input signals responsive to one or more control signals input into any one of the plurality of communications interfaces, and at least one processor for processing the signals for switching, and at least one switching device for routing the channel selection in the format of an internet protocol, the switching device being controlled by the server and outputting a single output signal to the one of the plurality of communications interfaces responsive to the one or more control signals input into the one of the plurality of communications interfaces, wherein the communications interface receives the channel selection for transmission to a receiving unit connected to the communications interface.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system for redistributing a multiple input audio/video and data signals having a redistributing device equipped to receive signals in a multiple formats and redistribute a selected signal to a user'"'"'s premises over conductors, preferably existing twisted-pair telephone wire. The redistributing device is in interactive communication with a communications interface located in the user'"'"'s premises which receives user-input control signals and contains switching circuitry which routes the selected signal to the user'"'"'s premises where it is received by the receiving unit such as a television receiver. A single redistributing device services an entire multi-user network from a common distribution point, and services multiple users independently. The system of the invention does not interfere with normal use of the telephone network, so users can interactively access services provided by the system and use the telephone at the same time. In one preferred embodiment the system of the invention dynamically allocates frequencies and modulation techniques to various output signals, to maximize spectral efficiency and minimize interference and cross-talk.
27 Citations
8 Claims
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1. A system for redistributing a plurality of audio/video input signals to a plurality of communications interfaces, comprising
a server, at least one demodulator for demodulating the input signals, the server controlling an output channel selection of the input signals responsive to one or more control signals input into any one of the plurality of communications interfaces, and at least one processor for processing the signals for switching, and at least one switching device for routing the channel selection in the format of an internet protocol, the switching device being controlled by the server and outputting a single output signal to the one of the plurality of communications interfaces responsive to the one or more control signals input into the one of the plurality of communications interfaces, wherein the communications interface receives the channel selection for transmission to a receiving unit connected to the communications interface.
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5. A method of redistributing a plurality of audio/video signals to a plurality of communications interfaces, comprising the steps of
(a) receiving a plurality of input signals, (b) demodulating the input signals, (c) processing the input signals to a format suitable for switching, (d) selecting a processed input signal for redistribution to one communications interface of the plurality of communications interfaces in the format of an internet protocol, according to one or more control signals input into the one communications interface, and (e) routing the selected processed signal to the one communications interface for transmission to a receiving device outputting a single output signal to the one communications interface of the plurality of communications interfaces responsive to the one or more control signals input into the one communications interface of the plurality of communications interfaces.
Specification