Patent ID: 6134419
Filing Date: 2000-10-17
Classification: H04H,H04N

Abstract:
A signal distribution system for distributing a composite signal having a plurality of individual program multiplex signals modulated according to a first modulation scheme therein over a communication channel in a manner capable of being received by a plurality of individual receivers at a local site, the distribution system comprising:a main receiver disposed at the local site for receiving the composite signal;a plurality of transmodulator channels coupled to the main receiver, each of which transmodulates one of the plurality of individual program multiplex signals from the first modulation scheme to a second modulation scheme to produce one of a plurality of transmodulated signals;a combiner coupled to the plurality of transmodulator channels that combines the plurality of transmodulated signals at different carrier frequency bands to produce a combined signal;a transmitter that transmits the combined signal over the communication channel in a manner capable of being received by the plurality of individual receivers at the local site; anda dual mode reception device coupled to the communication channel at one of the plurality of individual receivers, including (a) means for receiving the combined signal and means for demodulating a selected one of the transmodulated signals within the received combined signal, and (b) means for receiving the composite signal and means for demodulating a selected one of the individual program multiplex signals modulated according to the first modulation scheme to provide video, audio and/or data signals.