Patent ID: 6208636
Filing Date: 2001-03-27
Classification: H04B,H04H,H04N

Abstract:
An apparatus for receiving multiple data streams, the apparatus comprising:(a) a first switch connected to a first input and having a first switch output, the first switch adapted to be selectively enabled for passing a first stream of data signals from the first input to the first switch output, the first stream of data signals including first channel data;(b) a second switch connected to a second input and having a second switch output, the second switch adapted to be selectively enabled for passing a second stream of data signals from the second input to the second switch output, the second stream of data signals including second channel data different from the first channel data;(c) a data stream junction connected to the first switch output and the second switch output and having a junction output;(d) a controller for receiving a channel select input related to a desired channel output to be formed from one of the first channel data or second channel data, and, in response to the channel select input, for enabling the one of the first switch or the second switch which receives the stream of data including the channel data from which the desired channel output is to be formed; and(e) a memory device operatively connected to the controller, the memory device storing first signal input information indicating the respective switch through which the first channel data is received and further storing second signal input information indicating the respective switch through which the second channel data is received.