Two-way communication over a single transmission line between one or more information sources and a group of telephones, computers, and televisions

• US 7,577,240 B2
• Filed: 03/31/2003
• Issued: 08/18/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 07/14/1989
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: United Access Technologies LLC
• Original Assignee: Inline Connection Corporation
• Inventors: Goodman, David D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Woo; Stella L
• Application Number:
  US10/401,785
• Publication Number:
  US 20030165220A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,332 Days
• Field of Search: 379/90.01, 379/93.17, 37910201-10203, 379/93.26, 379/93.28, 379/93.37, 379/93.01, 348/14.01, 348 1408- 1413, 348/734
• US Class Current: 379/93.01
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 20/81 combined with telephone network over which the broadcast is continuously available
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 11/062 using different frequency bands for speech and other data
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/104 Switchers or splitters
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/106 for domestic distribution
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/108 the cable being constituted by a pair of wires
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/147 Communication arrangements, e.g. identifying the communication as a video-communication, intermediate storage of the signals selecting H04Q
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/18 Closed-circuit television [CCTV] systems, i.e. systems in which the video signal is not broadcast

Abstract

A system for communicating data over a plurality of telephone lines between a source of information and a plurality of destinations of data, wherein each of the telephone lines connects to a different one of the plurality of destinations and also carries voice signals to and from a plurality of telephone devices.

Claims

1. A communication system comprising:

a central transceiver-switch system for communicating with a plurality of subsystems;

a communication line for providing information from at least one source of information to the central transceiver-switch system, wherein the at least one source of information is configured to send a plurality of information streams to the central transceiver-switch system;

wherein the central transceiver-switch system is operable to;

select a forward data stream from among the plurality of information streams, the selection being influenced by information in the forward data stream;

select a forward video stream from among the plurality of information streams, the selection being influenced by information in the forward video stream;

generate a downstream signal encoding the forward data stream and the forward video stream, the downstream signal substantially confined to a downstream band lying above a telephone voice band, in which at least part of the downstream band covers frequencies above 1 MHz;

couple the downstream signal onto a first path for transmission to at least one of the subsystems, the first path comprising at least one two-conductor path between the central transceiver-switch system and a signal interface of each of the subsystems; and

receive a backward signal from the first path and recover substantially all of a reverse data stream and a reverse control stream from the backward signal; and

wherein each of the subsystems is operable to;

receive the downstream signal at a signal interface, the signal interface being operable to;

generate a forward data signal encoding the forward data stream;

transmit the forward data signal to a first transceiver operable to receive the forward data signal and to provide a first destination device with the forward data stream;

receive an upstream data signal from the first transceiver, wherein the first destination device generates the reverse data stream and provides the reverse data stream to the first transceiver and the first transceiver generates the upstream data signal encoding the reverse data stream;

generate a forward video signal encoding the forward video stream;

transmit the forward video signal to a second transceiver operable to receive the forward video signal and provide a second destination device with the forward video stream;

receive an upstream control signal from the second transceiver, wherein the second transceiver generates the upstream control signal encoding the reverse control stream;

generate the backward signal encoding both the reverse data stream and the reverse control stream;

transmit the backward signal over the first path to the central transceiver-switch system;

receive a downstream telephone communication stream from the first path, wherein the downstream telephone communication stream is encoded using at least some frequencies above the telephone voice band and the downstream telephone communication stream includes voice information and non-voice information;

convert the received downstream telephone communication stream into downstream ordinary telephone signals, the downstream ordinary telephone signals including voice signals within the telephone voice band and non-voice signals within the telephone voice band;

transmit the downstream ordinary telephone signals onto a second path between the signal interface and a first telephone device;

receive upstream ordinary telephone signals from the second path;

convert the upstream ordinary telephone signals into an upstream telephone communication stream encoded using at least some frequencies above the telephone voice band; and

transmit the upstream telephone communication stream onto the first path.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the central transceiver-switch system is communicably coupled to a public telephone exchange, the central transceiver-switch system being further operable to:

generate the downstream telephone communication stream by converting ordinary telephone signals received from the public telephone exchange within the telephone voice band;

couple the downstream telephone communication stream onto the first path as part of the downstream signal;

receive the upstream telephone communication stream on the first path as part of the backward signal; and

convert the upstream telephone communication stream into ordinary telephone signals for transmission to the public telephone exchange.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein a forward local network signal comprises the forward data signal and the forward video signal.

4. The system of claim 3 wherein the forward data signal and the forward video signal occupy different frequency bands within the forward local network signal.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein the signal interface is further adapted to:

couple the forward data signal to a first transceiver path for transmission of the forward data signal to the first transceiver operable to receive the forward data signal from the first transceiver path;

receive the upstream data signal on the first transceiver path;

couple the forward video signal to a second transceiver path for transmission of the forward video signal to the second transceiver operable to receive the forward video signal from the second transceiver path; and

receive the upstream control signal on the second transceiver path.

6. The system of claim 5 wherein at least a portion of each of the first transceiver path and the second transceiver path comprises a shared communication medium.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein the downstream signal includes the downstream telephone communication stream, the backward signal includes the upstream telephone communication stream, and the signal interface transmits the upstream telephone communication stream onto the first path by encoding the upstream telephone communication stream as part of the backward signal.

8. The system of claim 1 wherein the forward data signal, the upstream data signal, the forward video signal, the upstream control signal, the downstream ordinary telephone signals, and the upstream ordinary telephone signals are transmitted within the subsystem across a twisted pair wire.

9. A communication system comprising:

a first telephone device;

a first transceiver;

a second transceiver;

a first destination device coupled to the first transceiver;

a second destination device coupled to the second transceiver;

a signal interface coupled to the first telephone device over a first path, coupled to the first transceiver over a first transceiver path, and coupled to the second transceiver over a second transceiver path; and

wherein;

the first telephone device is adapted to conduct ordinary telephone communication by transmitting signals onto the first path and receiving signals from the first path, wherein the transmitted and the received signals are within a telephone voice band;

the signal interface is adapted to;

receive a downstream signal encoding both a forward data stream and a forward video stream, the downstream signal encoded within a downstream band and including frequencies above the telephone voice band, in which at least part of the downstream band covers frequencies above 1 MHz;

generate a forward data signal encoding the forward data stream;

transmit the forward data signal on the first transceiver path to the first transceiver;

generate a forward video signal encoding the forward video stream;

transmit the forward video signal on the second transceiver path to the second transceiver;

receive a downstream telephone communication stream, wherein the downstream telephone communication stream is encoded at least in part at frequencies above the telephone voice band;

generate downstream ordinary telephone signals including non- voice signals within the telephone voice band;

transmit the downstream ordinary telephone signals to the first telephone device;

the first transceiver is adapted to;

receive the forward data signal from the first transceiver path;

provide the forward data stream to the first destination device;

receive a reverse data stream from the first destination device;

generate an upstream data signal encoding the reverse data stream; and

transmit the upstream data signal on the first transceiver path to the signal interface;

the second transceiver is adapted to;

receive the forward video signal from the second transceiver path;

provide the forward video stream to the second destination device;

generate an upstream control signal encoding a reverse control stream; and

transmit the upstream control signal on the second transceiver path to the signal interface; and

the signal interface is farther adapted to generate a backward signal encoding at least one of the reverse data stream or the reverse control stream for transmission over a second path.

10. The system of claim 9 wherein the system further comprises:

a central transceiver-switch system operable to;

receive the backward signal over the second path and recover substantially all of the reverse data stream and the reverse control stream from the backward signal;

receive a plurality of information streams provided by an external source of information over a communication line;

select the forward data stream and the forward video stream from the plurality of information streams;

generate the downstream signal encoding both the forward data stream and the forward video stream; and

couple the downstream signal to the second path.

11. The system of claim 10 wherein the selection of the forward data stream is influenced by information in the reverse data stream.

12. The system of claim 10 wherein the selection of the forward video stream is influenced by information in the reverse control stream.

13. The system of claim 12 further comprising a transmitter adapted to:

create a radiated signal encoding the reverse control stream; and

provide the reverse control stream to the second transceiver using the radiated signal.

14. The system of claim 13 wherein the radiated signal is in the infrared frequency range.

15. The system of claim 9 wherein the forward data stream is encoded in accordance with twisted pair Ethernet standards from the signal interface to the first destination device, and the reverse data stream is encoded in accordance with twisted pair Ethernet standards from the first destination device to the signal interface.

16. The system of claim 9 wherein the second transceiver comprises a video receiver adapted to pass the forward video signal to a television.

17. The system of claim 9 wherein a power spectrum of the downstream signal is distributed across a plurality of substantially non-overlapping frequency bands lying above a telephone voice band and separated by at least one frequency band substantially devoid of information in the downstream signal, the downstream signal being substantially confined to the downstream band and at least part of the downstream band covers frequencies above 1 MHz.

18. The system of claim 17 wherein a first band and a second band are included in the plurality of substantially non-overlapping frequency bands, the downstream signal encodes information from the forward data stream and the forward video stream in the first band and the second band, and the forward data stream and the forward video stream are substantially recoverable from a signal created by excluding the first band or the second band.

19. The system of claim 18 wherein the signal interface:

selects a redundant band from the plurality of bands having at least part of a power spectrum of electrical noise induced on the second path;

generates at least one of a modified forward data signal or a modified forward video signal by excluding the downstream signal within the redundant band, wherein the modified forward data signal or modified forward video signal encodes substantially all of the forward data stream or forward video stream; and

couples at least one of the modified forward data signal to the first transceiver path or the modified forward video signal to the second transceiver path.

20. The system of claim 17 wherein at least two adjacent bands of the plurality of substantially non-overlapping frequency bands are redundant and are separated by a band of frequencies that includes at least one of 7 MHz, 14 MHz, and 21 MHz.

21. The system of claim 9 wherein the second transceiver is further adapted to receive the reverse control stream from the second destination device.

22. The system of claim 9 wherein at least a portion of each of the first path, the first transceiver path, and the second transceiver path are situated within a residence.

23. The system of claim 22 wherein the downstream signal and the downstream telephone communication signals are received from a communication medium at least partially external to the residence.

24. The system of claim 23 wherein the communication medium comprises a two-conductor path.

25. The system of claim 23 wherein the communication medium comprises a coaxial cable.

26. The system of claim 23 wherein the communication medium comprises an optical fiber.

27. The system of claim 23 wherein the communication medium is communicably coupled to a public telephone exchange through a remote transceiver-switch.

28. The system of claim 23 further comprising a two-conductor path within the residence, wherein the two-conductor path comprises at least a portion of the first path, the first transceiver path, and the second transceiver path.

29. The system of claim 23 further comprising an internal communication medium situated within the residence, wherein the internal communication medium comprises at least a portion of the first path and the first transceiver path.

30. The system of claim 23 wherein the signal interface is adapted to generate the forward data signal and the forward video signal as a combined signal.

31. The system of claim 23 wherein the downstream telephone communication signals are substantially confined to frequencies above the telephone voice band.

32. The system of claim 23 wherein the signal interface generates at least a portion of the downstream ordinary telephone signals in response to the downstream telephone communication signals.

33. The system of claim 23 wherein the second transceiver generates the upstream control signal in response to a received infrared signal encoding the reverse control stream.

34. The system of claim 9 wherein at least a portion of the first transceiver path is shared with the second transceiver path.

35. The system of claim 9 wherein the downstream signal encodes the downstream telephone communication stream in addition to the forward data stream and the forward video stream.

36. The system of claim 9 wherein the downstream signal encodes the downstream telephone communication stream in addition to the forward data stream and the forward video stream, and the signal interface is further adapted to receive the downstream signal encoding the forward data stream, the forward video stream, and the downstream telephone communication stream.

37. The system of claim 9 wherein the backward signal includes an upstream telephone communication stream, and the signal interface is further adapted to generate the backward signal encoding the reverse data stream, the reverse control stream, and the upstream telephone communication stream for transmission over the second path.

38. A communication system comprising:

a central transceiver-switch system adapted to communicate with a plurality of subsystems;

a communication line for providing information from at least one source of information to the central transceiver-switch system, wherein the at least one source of information is configured to send a plurality of information streams to the central transceiver-switch system over the communication line;

wherein the central transceiver-switch system is configured to;

generate telephone communication signals encoded at least partially within a frequency band above a telephone voice band based on ordinary telephone signals within the telephone voice band received from a telephone exchange;

produce at least one forward information stream from the plurality of information streams, wherein the at least one forward information stream includes video information and data;

generate a first downstream signal encoding a first part of the forward information stream and a second downstream signal encoding a second part of the forward information stream, the forward information stream substantially recoverable from the first downstream signal and the second downstream signal, the first downstream signal encoded within a downstream band lying at least partially above the telephone voice band, and at least part of the downstream band includes frequencies above 1 MHz;

couple the first downstream signal onto a first path, the second downstream signal onto a second path, and the telephone communication signals onto at least one of the first path or the second path for transmission to at least one of the subsystems; and

receive a first upstream signal from the first path and a second upstream signal from the second path to recover substantially all of a computer information stream and a control information stream from the first upstream signal and the second upstream signal; and

wherein each of the subsystems includes a telephone device, a first destination device, and a second destination device, each of the subsystems configured to;

generate ordinary telephone signals based at least in part on the telephone communication signals received from the central transceiver-switch system, wherein the generated ordinary telephone signals include non-voice signals within the telephone voice band;

conduct ordinary telephone communication with the telephone device by transmitting the generated ordinary telephone signals to and receiving ordinary telephone signals from the telephone device, wherein the signals received from the telephone device are transmitted in the subsystem within the telephone voice band;

generate images on the first destination device using video information in the forward information stream;

transmit data in the forward information stream to the second destination device;

generate a reverse information stream including the computer information stream provided by the second destination device and the control information stream encoded in an infrared signal;

encode a first part of the reverse information stream in the first upstream signal and a second part of the reverse information stream in the second upstream signal, the reverse information stream being substantially recoverable from the first upstream signal and the second upstream signal; and

couple the first upstream signal onto the first path and the second upstream signal onto the second path, wherein the first upstream signal is encoded using at least some frequencies above the telephone voice band.

39. The system of claim 38 wherein the first downstream signal and the second downstream signal are recovered by a signal interface of at least one of the plurality of subsystems coupled to the first path and the second path.

40. The system of claim 38 wherein the second destination device comprises a computer.

41. The system of claim 38 wherein the first destination device comprises a television.

42. The system of claim 38 wherein the telephone device, the first destination device, and the second destination device are located within a residence.

43. A communication system comprising:

a first telephone device coupled to a first path, the first telephone device configured to conduct ordinary telephone communications by transmitting upstream ordinary telephone signals onto the first path and receiving downstream ordinary telephone signals from the first path, wherein the upstream ordinary telephone signals and the downstream ordinary telephone signals are substantially confined within a telephone voice band;

a first destination device;

a first transceiver coupled to the first destination device, the first transceiver configured to;

receive a forward data signal encoding a forward data stream from a first transceiver path;

provide the forward data stream to the first destination device;

receive a reverse data stream from the first destination device;

generate an upstream data signal encoding the reverse data stream; and

couple the upstream data signal to the first transceiver path;

a second destination device;

a second transceiver coupled to the second destination device, the second transceiver configured to;

receive a forward video signal encoding a forward video stream from a second transceiver path;

provide the forward video stream to the second destination device;

receive a reverse control stream;

generate an upstream control signal encoding the reverse control stream; and

couple the upstream control signal to the second transceiver path;

a signal interface coupled to the first path, the signal interface configured to;

receive a downstream telephone communication stream from a second path, the downstream telephone communication stream encoded within a frequency band including frequencies above the telephone voice band;

generate the downstream ordinary telephone signals including non-voice signals within the telephone voice band based, at least in part, on the received downstream telephone communication stream;

couple the downstream ordinary telephone signals onto the first path;

receive the upstream ordinary telephone signals from the first path;

generate an upstream telephone communication stream based, at least in part, on the upstream ordinary telephone signals, the upstream telephone communication stream encoded within a frequency band including frequencies above the telephone frequency band;

couple the generated upstream telephone communication stream onto the second path;

receive a downstream signal encoding the forward data stream and the forward video stream from the second path, the downstream signal substantially confined to a downstream band lying above the telephone voice band, in which at least part of the downstream band covers frequencies above 1 MHz;

generate the forward data signal encoding the forward data stream;

couple the forward data signal to the first transceiver path;

generate the forward video signal encoding the forward video stream;

couple the forward video signal to the second transceiver path;

receive the upstream data signal from the first transceiver path and receive the upstream control signal from the second transceiver path;

generate a backward signal encoding the upstream data signal and the upstream control signal; and

couple the backward signal onto the second path.

44. The system of claim 43 further comprising a central transceiver-switch system configured to:

receive ordinary telephone signals substantially confined to the telephone voice band from a telephone exchange;

generate the downstream telephone communication signals based on the ordinary telephone signals received from the telephone exchange;

couple the downstream telephone communication signals to the second path;

receive the backward signal over the second path and recover substantially all of the reverse data stream and the reverse control stream from the backward signal;

receive a plurality of information streams provided by an external source of information over a communication line,

select the forward data stream and the forward video stream from the plurality of information streams,

create the downstream signal encoding both the forward data stream and the forward video stream, and

couple the downstream signal to the second path.

45. The system of claim 44 wherein the selection of the forward data stream is influenced by information in the reverse data stream.

46. The system of claim 44 wherein the selection of the forward video stream is influenced by information in the reverse control stream.

47. The system of claim 44 wherein the forward data stream is encoded in accordance with twisted pair Ethernet standards from the signal interface to the first destination device, and the reverse data stream is encoded in accordance with twisted pair Ethernet standards from the first destination device to the signal interface.

48. The system of claim 43 wherein the downstream signal includes the downstream telephone communication stream and the backward signal includes the upstream telephone communication stream.

49. The system of claim 43 wherein at least a portion of the first path, the first transceiver path, and the second transceiver path comprise a shared communication path.

50. The system of claim 43 wherein the first path, the first transceiver path, and the second transceiver path comprise at least one two-conductor path.

51. A communication system comprising:

a central transceiver-switch system adapted to communicate with a plurality of subsystems;

at least one communication line for providing information from at least one source of information to the central transceiver-switch system, wherein the at least one source of information is configured to send a plurality of information streams to the central transceiver-switch system over the at least one communication line;

wherein the central transceiver-switch system is configured to;

receive downstream telephone signals;

produce at least one forward information stream from the plurality of information streams and the downstream telephone signals, wherein the at least one forward information stream includes video information, data, and telephone communication information, and the telephone communication information includes voice information and at least one of ringing or hookswitch information;

generate a downstream signal encoding the forward information stream, the forward information stream substantially recoverable from the downstream signal, the downstream signal encoded within a downstream band including frequencies lying above a telephone voice band;

couple the downstream signal onto a first path for transmission to a selected one of the plurality of subsystems;

receive an upstream signal from the first path to recover substantially all of a computer information stream, a control information stream, and upstream telephone communication information from the upstream signal; and

couple the computer information stream to at least one communication line for transmission to one or more of the at least one source of information;

couple the control information stream to at least one communication line for transmission to one or more of the at least one source of information; and

wherein the selected subsystem includes a signal interface, a telephone device, a first destination device, and a second destination device, the selected subsystem configured to;

generate downstream ordinary telephone signals based on the telephone communication signals received in the downstream signal, wherein the generated downstream ordinary telephone signals include at least one of ringing or hookswitch components used to establish an ordinary telephone communication link between the signal interface and the telephone device across a twisted pair wire;

conduct ordinary telephone communication with the telephone device across the ordinary telephone communication link by transmitting the generated downstream ordinary telephone signals to and receiving upstream ordinary telephone signals from the telephone device within the telephone voice band, wherein the upstream ordinary telephone signals include upstream telephone communication information;

generate images on the first destination device using the video information in the forward information stream recovered from the downstream signal;

transmit data in the forward information stream to the second destination device;

receive control data encoded in an infrared signal;

generate a control information stream based on the control data;

generate a reverse information stream including the computer information stream provided by the second destination device, the control information stream, and the upstream telephone communication information;

encode the reverse information stream in the upstream signal, the reverse information stream being substantially recoverable from the upstream signal and being encoded within an upstream band including frequencies lying above the telephone voice band; and

couple the upstream signal onto the first path.

52. The communication system of claim 51 wherein the data in the forward information stream is transmitted within each subsystem across a two-wire conductive path that connects between the signal interface and the second destination device.

53. The communication system of claim 51 wherein the first path comprises a two-wire conductive path that connects between the central transceiver-switch system and the signal interface.

54. The communication system of claim 51 wherein the central transceiver-switch system is configured to apply voltage variations onto the first path to transmit the downstream signal to the signal interface and the signal interface is configured to apply voltage variations onto the first path while receiving the downstream signal transmitted over the first path.

55. The communication system of claim 51, wherein the transceiver-switch is configured so that the control information stream received from any one of the plurality of subsystems can influence the video content encoded in voltage variations applied to a path for transmission to that one subsystem.

56. The communication system of claim 55, wherein each of the plurality of subsystems includes an infrared transmitter that transmits the control data for delivery to the signal interface within the control information stream.

57. The communication system of claim 56 wherein each of the plurality of subsystems further includes a video transceiver adapted to receive the control data from the infrared transmitter and transmit the control information stream to the signal interface.

58. The communication system of claim 51, wherein the upstream telephone communication information includes information identifying a destination on a telephone network.

59. The communication system of claim 58, wherein the central transceiver-switch system decodes the upstream telephone communication information from the upstream signal and transmits the decoded upstream telephone communication information to the telephone network.

60. The communication system of claim 51, wherein the signal interface comprises a voice processing circuit, a data processing circuit, and a coupler circuit, wherein:

the voice processing circuit is configured to transmit a first signal to the coupler circuit,

the first signal encoding the upstream telephone communication information;

the data processing circuit transmits a second signal to the coupler circuit, the second signal encoding the computer information stream; and

the coupler circuit combines the first signal and said second signal onto the first path as the upstream signal.

61. The communication system of claim 51, wherein the signal interface comprises a voice processing circuit, a video processing circuit, and a coupler circuit, wherein:

the voice processing circuit is configured to transmit a first signal to the coupler circuit, the first signal encoding the upstream telephone communication information;

the video processing circuit transmits a second signal to the coupler circuit, the second signal encoding the control information stream; and

the coupler circuit combines the first signal and the second signal onto the first path as the upstream signal.

62. The communication system of claim 51 wherein the selected subsystem comprises a shared path adapted for transmitting the video information, the data in the forward information stream, the control data, and the computer information stream provided by the second destination device.

63. A method of communication comprising:

receiving information from at least one source of information at a central transceiver-switch system, wherein the at least one source of information is configured to send a plurality of information streams to the central transceiver-switch system;

selecting a forward data stream from among the plurality of information streams, the selection being influenced by information in the forward data stream;

selecting a forward video stream from among the plurality of information streams, the selection being influenced by information in the forward video stream;

generating a downstream signal encoding the forward data stream and the forward video stream, the downstream signal encoded within a downstream band including signals lying above a telephone voice band, in which at least part of the downstream band covers frequencies above 1 MHz;

transmitting the downstream signal to at least one of a plurality of subsystems, wherein the downstream signal is transmitted across at least one two-conductor path between the central transceiver-switch system and the at least one subsystem;

receiving the downstream signal at a particular subsystem;

generating a forward data signal encoding the forward data stream at the particular subsystem;

transmitting the forward data signal within the particular subsystem to a first transceiver operable to receive the forward data signal and to provide a first destination device with the forward data stream;

receiving an upstream data signal within the particular subsystem from the first transceiver, wherein the first destination device generates a reverse data stream and provides the reverse data stream to the first transceiver and the first transceiver generates an upstream data signal encoding the reverse data stream;

generating a forward video signal encoding the forward video stream at the particular subsystem;

transmitting the forward video signal within the particular subsystem to a second transceiver operable to receive the forward video signal and provide a second destination device with the forward video stream;

receiving an upstream control signal within the particular subsystem from the second transceiver, wherein the second transceiver generates the upstream control signal encoding a reverse control stream;

generating a backward signal encoding both the reverse data stream and the reverse control stream at the particular subsystem;

transmitting the backward signal from the particular subsystem to the central transceiver- switch system;

receiving a downstream telephone communication stream encoded in the downstream signal at the particular subsystem, wherein the downstream telephone communication stream is encoded at least in part using frequencies above the telephone voice band and the downstream telephone communication stream includes voice information and non-voice information;

converting the received downstream telephone communication stream into downstream ordinary telephone signals at the particular subsystem, the downstream ordinary telephone signals including voice signals within the telephone voice band and non-voice signals within the telephone voice band;

transmitting the downstream ordinary telephone signals within the particular subsystem to a first telephone device;

receiving upstream ordinary telephone signals within the particular subsystem from the first telephone device;

converting the upstream ordinary telephone signals within the particular subsystem into an upstream telephone communication stream having frequencies above the telephone voice band;

transmitting the upstream telephone communication stream encoded within the backward signal from the particular subsystem to the central transceiver-switch system; and

receiving the backward signal from the at least one subsystem and recovering substantially all of the reverse data stream and the reverse control stream from the backward signal.

64. The method of claim 63 further comprising:

generating the downstream telephone communication stream by converting ordinary telephone signals received from a public telephone exchange within the telephone voice band;

transmitting the downstream telephone communication stream to the particular subsystem;

receiving the upstream telephone communication stream from the particular subsystem; and

converting the upstream telephone communication stream into ordinary telephone signals for transmission to the public telephone exchange.

65. The method of claim 63 wherein the forward data signal and the forward video signal occupy different frequency bands within a combined signal.

66. A communication method comprising:

conducting ordinary telephone communication by transmitting signals onto a first path from a first telephone device and receiving signals from the first path at the first telephone device, wherein the transmitted and the received signals are within a telephone voice band;

receiving a downstream signal encoding a forward data stream, a forward video stream, and downstream telephone communication signals, the downstream signal encoded within a downstream band including at least some frequencies lying above the telephone voice band, in which at least part of the downstream band covers frequencies above 1 MHz;

generating a forward data signal encoding the forward data stream;

transmitting the forward data signal on a first transceiver path to a first transceiver;

generating a forward video signal encoding the forward video stream;

transmitting the forward video signal on a second transceiver path to a second transceiver;

generating downstream ordinary telephone signals including non-voice signals within the telephone voice band based on the downstream telephone communication signals;

transmitting the downstream ordinary telephone signals to the first telephone device;

receiving the forward data signal from the first transceiver path;

providing the forward data stream to a first destination device;

receiving a reverse data stream from the first destination device;

generating an upstream data signal encoding the reverse data stream;

transmitting the upstream data signal on the first transceiver path;

receiving the forward video signal from the second transceiver path;

providing the forward video stream to the second destination device;

generating an upstream control signal encoding a reverse control stream;

transmitting the upstream control signal on the second transceiver path;

generating a backward signal encoding both the reverse data stream and the reverse control stream for transmission over a second path.

67. The method of claim 66 further comprising:

receiving the backward signal over the second path and recovering substantially all of the reverse data stream and the reverse control stream from the backward signal;

receiving a plurality of information streams provided by an external source of information over a communication line;

selecting the forward data stream and the forward video stream from the plurality of information streams;

generating the downstream signal encoding both the forward data stream and the forward video stream; and

coupling the downstream signal to the second path.

68. The method of claim 67 wherein the selection of the forward data stream is influenced by information in the reverse data stream.

69. The method of claim 67 wherein the selection of the forward video stream is influenced by information in the reverse control stream.

70. The method of claim 69 further comprising receiving a radiated signal encoding the reverse control stream at the second transceiver.

71. A communication system comprising:

a transmission line adapted to conduct a downstream signal and an upstream signal;

a signal interface;

a first video receiver;

a first television connected to the first video receiver;

a first video path between the signal interface and the first video receiver, the first video path adapted to conduct a first video information stream from the signal interface to the first video receiver;

a computer;

a telephone;

wherein;

the transmission line is adapted to conduct the downstream signal towards the signal interface for receipt by the signal interface, the downstream signal encoding a forward digital information stream, the forward video information stream, and a forward stream of telephone information having both voice information and non-voice information;

at least a part of the forward telephone information stream received by the signal interface is encoded at frequencies above voiceband;

the signal interface is adapted to communicate the first video information stream over the video path to the video receiver;

the first television is adapted to produce images from the first video information stream;

the video receiver is adapted to receive a wireless signal encoding a control information stream and to communicate the control information stream over the first video path to the signal interface;

the signal interface is adapted to communicate the forward digital information stream to the computer;

the computer is adapted to communicate a reverse digital information stream to the signal interface;

the signal interface is adapted to conduct ordinary telephone communication with the telephone by sending the forward telephone information stream to the telephone and receiving a reverse telephone information stream from the signal interface;

the signal interface is configured to apply the upstream signal onto the transmission line, wherein the upstream signal encodes the control information stream, the reverse digital information stream, and the reverse telephone information stream, and wherein at least a part of the reverse telephone information stream applied by the signal interface onto the transmission line is encoded at frequencies above voiceband; and

the control information stream influences the content of the first video information stream.

72. The system of claim 71, wherein:

the first video path comprises a two-conductor path; and

communication of the first video information stream comprises encoding the first video information stream in a first video signal and conducting the first video signal over the first video path from the signal interface to the first video receiver.

73. The system of claim 72, wherein:

the communication of the forward digital information stream comprises;

conduction of a forward digital signal over a digital path to a digital transceiver, the forward digital signal encoding the forward digital information stream; and

communication of the digital information stream from the digital transceiver to the computer; and

the communication of the reverse digital information stream comprises;

communication of the reverse information stream from the computer to the digital transceiver; and

conduction of a reverse digital signal over the digital path to the signal interface, the reverse digital signal encoding the reverse digital information stream.

74. The system of claim 73, wherein the digital path comprises a two-conductor path.

75. The system of claim 71, wherein:

the communication of the forward digital information stream comprises;

communication of the forward digital signal over a digital path to a digital transceiver, the forward digital signal encoding the forward digital information stream; and

communication of the digital information stream from the digital transceiver to the computer; and

the communication of the reverse digital information stream comprises;

communication of the reverse information stream from the computer to the digital transceiver; and

communication of a reverse digital signal over the digital path to the signal interface, the reverse digital signal encoding the reverse digital information stream.

76. The system of claim 75 wherein the first video path comprises a two-conductor path and at least part of the first video path and at least part of the digital path constitute a common communication path.

77. The system of claim 76 wherein the signal interface is configured to conduct a combined signal encoding both the first video information stream and the forward digital information stream.

78. The system of claim 77 wherein the signal interface is configured to conduct the combined signal onto a point of the common communication path, and wherein the signal interface is configured to receive the reverse signal from the common communication path, and wherein the reverse signal encodes the control information stream and the reverse digital information stream.

79. The system of claim 77 wherein the wireless signal comprises an infrared signal.

80. A communication method comprising:

encoding a video information stream, a forward digital information stream, and a forward telephone information stream in a downstream signal;

conducting the downstream signal in a first direction over a transmission line, wherein the forward telephone information stream includes at least one of ringing or hookswitch information and at least part of the forward telephone information stream is encoded using frequencies above voiceband;

receiving the downstream signal from the transmission line;

extracting the video information stream from the downstream signal;

generating images on a first television using the extracted video information stream;

receiving a wireless control signal encoding a control information stream;

conducting a first signal encoding the control information stream;

extracting the forward digital information stream from the downstream signal;

communicating the extracted forward digital information stream to a computer;

communicating a reverse digital information stream in a direction opposite to a direction of the communication of the extracted forward digital information stream;

establishing ordinary two-way communication with a telephone, wherein information communicated to the telephone comprises the forward telephone information stream encoded in the downstream signal and information communicated from the telephone comprises a reverse telephone information stream;

encoding the control information stream, the reverse digital information stream, and the reverse telephone information stream in an upstream signal; and

conducting the upstream signal over the transmission line in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction;

wherein said control information stream influences content of the video information stream.

81. The method of claim 80 further comprising:

generating a second video information stream;

communicating the second video information stream to a second television connected to a second video receiver; and

displaying images on a second television using said second video information stream.

82. The method of claim 81 wherein the extracted video information stream is transmitted over a two-conductor path.

83. The method of claim 81 further comprising extracting the second video information stream from the downstream signal, wherein displaying the images on the second television comprises displaying images using the extracted second video information.

84. The method of claim 80, wherein:

communicating the extracted forward digital information stream to a computer comprises;

conducting a forward digital signal over a digital path to a digital transceiver, wherein the forward digital signal encodes the extracted forward digital information stream; and

communicating the extracted forward digital information stream to the computer; and

communicating a reverse digital information stream comprises;

communicating the reverse information stream from the computer to the digital transceiver; and

conducting a reverse digital signal over the digital path to the signal interface, wherein the reverse digital information stream is encoded in the reverse digital signal.

85. The method of claim 84 wherein the wireless control signal comprises an infrared signal.

86. The method of claim 85, wherein the digital transceiver communicates with the computer using twisted pair Ethernet standards.

87. A communication system comprising:

a first transmission line;

a second transmission line;

a signal interface;

a first video path;

a second video path;

a first video receiver;

a second video receiver;

a first television connected to the first video receiver;

a second television connected to the second video receiver;

a computer;

an ordinary telephone;

wherein;

the first transmission line and the second transmission line comprise extended two-conductor transmission lines adapted to transmit a first downstream signal comprising voltage variations transmitting across the first transmission line towards the signal interface and a second downstream signal comprising voltage variations transmitting across the second transmission line towards the signal interface;

the signal interface is adapted to receive the first downstream signal and the second downstream signal from the first transmission line and the second transmission line;

the energy of the first downstream signal and the second downstream signal is concentrated at frequencies above voiceband;

information communicated to the signal interface over the extended two- conductor transmission lines in the first downstream signal and the second downstream signal comprises a first video information stream, a second video information stream, and a forward digital information stream;

the signal interface is adapted to conduct ordinary two-way telephone communication with the ordinary telephone based on telephone communication streams transmitted over the first transmission line at frequencies concentrated above voiceband;

the signal interface is adapted to communicate a first video information stream to the first video receiver over the first video path and a second video information stream to the second video receiver over the second video path;

the first television is adapted to generate images from the first video information stream and the second television is adapted to generate images from the second video information stream;

the first video receiver is adapted to receive a wireless control signal encoding a control information stream and to communicate the control information stream to the signal interface over the first video path;

the signal interface is adapted to communicate the forward digital information stream to the computer, and the computer is adapted to communicate a reverse digital information stream to the signal interface;

the signal interface is adapted to generate a first upstream signal comprising voltage variations transmitting away from the signal interface on the first transmission line and to generate a second upstream signal comprising voltage variations transmitting away from the signal interface on the second transmission line;

information communicated over the extended two-conductor transmission lines in the first upstream signal and the second upstream signal comprises the reverse digital transmission stream and the control information stream; and

the control information influencing content of the first video information stream.

88. The system of claim 87 wherein the first video path comprises a two-conductor path, the second video path comprises a two-conductor path, at least part of the first video path and at least part of the second video path comprise a first common communication path, and the signal interface is adapted to apply voltage variations onto the first common communication path that encode both the first video information stream and the second video information stream.

89. The system of claim 87 further comprising:

a digital path;

a digital transceiver adapted to receive the forward digital information stream encoded in a forward digital signal over the digital path, to communicate the forward digital information stream to the computer, to receive the reverse information stream from the computer, and to transmit a reverse digital signal encoding the reverse information stream over the digital path to the signal interface.

90. The system of claim 89, wherein the digital path and the first video path comprise two-conductor paths, and at least part of the first video path and at least part of the digital path comprise a second common communication path.

91. The system of claim 90 wherein the signal interface is configured to apply electromagnetic variations onto the second common communication path encoding both the first video information stream and the forward digital information stream.

92. The system of claim 89 wherein the digital transceiver communicates with the computer using twisted pair Ethernet standards.

93. The system of claim 87 wherein the wireless signal comprises an infrared signal.