Patent ID: 6476878
Filing Date: 2002-11-05
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
An apparatus for controlling audio anomalies in a television signal having a first and second channel signal and having a first audio signal, the television signal being processed by an intermediate device operatively coupled to a receiver, the apparatus comprising:a band pass filter for isolating a second audio signal within the first channel signal of the television signal, and outputting the second audio signal; an amplifier for boosting amplitude of the second audio signal received from the band pass filter and outputting the second audio signal; a sound trap for receiving the second audio signal from the amplifier, reducing a portion of the second audio signal associated with the first audio signal and outputting the second audio signal; a signal level detector for determining and outputting an indication of a signal level of the second audio signal received from the sound trap; a comparator for determining and for outputting an indication of a presence of the second audio signal in the first channel signal, based on the indication received from the signal level detector; a microprocessor for receiving input, processing information, and outputting an indication of an ability to receive the second audio signal of the receiver; a mute switch for receiving input from the comparator, the microprocessor, and the amplifier, for allowing output of the second audio signal received from the amplifier based on the receiver being tuned to the first channel signal and on the indication of the comparator of the presence of the second signal in the first channel signal and based on the indication from the microprocessor of the ability of the receiver to receive the second audio signal, and for preventing output of the second audio signal at all other times; and a modulator for recombining the second audio signal received from the mute switch with the first audio signal for output to the receiver.