Abstract:
A system, method, and apparatus for utilizing a single video input for receiving multiple video format signals in an electronic video receiver. The single video input includes a set of inputs to accommodate a component video signal from any one of a multitude of video components that output video signals in component video format. An input video signal in one of several component video formats provided to the single video input is selected and processed according to its video format. Once processed, the selected input video signal is output as an output video signal of a particular video format. The particular video format is compatible with a video format utilized by an external component.

Description:
BACKGROUND  
         [0001]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0002]    The present invention relates to electronic audio/visual signal receivers capable of processing multiple video signal formats and, more particularly, to an audio/visual signal receiver capable of processing multiple video signal formats and having a video input operative to receive multiple video signal formats.  
           [0003]    2. Background Information  
           [0004]    Electronic audio/visual signal receivers of today, such as monitors, televisions, or television signal receivers, are capable of receiving and processing either a VGA-type signal from a computer so that the audio/visual signal receivers can be used as a computer monitor, or a digital television signal (a DTV signal such as and encompassing standard definition television, SDTV, or high definition television, HDTV) so that the audio/visual signal receivers can be used as a television.  
           [0005]    A typical VGA-type signal is an RGB signal from a computer or multi-sync component. The RGB signal comprises a component video signal in an RGB color space. A DTV-type signal usually comprises a YUV component video signal in a YUV color space. While the two video signal formats are both component video formats, the two component video signal formats are not compatible.  
           [0006]    YUV formats fall into two distinct groups namely, a packed format and a planar format. The packed format is where Y, U, and V samples are packed together into macropixels that are stored in a single array. The planar format is where each component is stored as a separate array, the final image being a fusing of the three separate planes.  
           [0007]    In both YUV formats, however, Y is the luminance signal, while U and V are the chrominance (color) signals or color difference signals. U and V are constructed by extracting the luminance signal alternatively from the color signals (Red and Blue). The U color-difference signal is Blue minus Y and the V is Red minus Y. The luminance image (Y) will usually be transmitted 25 to 30 times per second. The two color difference signals are transmitted with one-half the bandwidth but are still transmitted at 25 to 30 times per second. YUV, is known as YPbPr, Y/R-Y/B-Y, YCrCb, YPrPb, is thus a digital television signal color space format for digital television signals. The YUV system is also known as “equiband” or Y, R-Y, B-Y.  
           [0008]    Both the RGB format and the YUV format thus require three separate cables or conductor for transmitting the video information with one more cable or conductor for audio information.  
           [0009]    In some cases, these electronic audio/visual signal receivers are capable of receiving and processing multiple video signal formats or both RGB and YUV format video signals. The audio/visual signal receivers however, must have multiple video inputs, one for each video format (i.e. one for RGB and one for YUV). Currently, a single component video input cannot accommodate multiple component video formats.  
         SUMMARY  
         [0010]    The subject invention is a system, method, and apparatus for utilizing a single video input for receiving multiple video format signals in a video receiver. Particularly, the single video input includes a set of inputs to accommodate a component video signal from any one of a multitude of video components. An input video signal in one of several component video formats is selected and processed according to its video format. Once processed, the selected input video signal is output as an output video signal of a particular video format. The particular video format is compatible with a video format utilized by an external component.  
           [0011]    In accordance with an aspect of the subject invention, there is provided in a video signal receiver having a component video signal input, a method of processing an input video signal. The method includes the steps of (a) receiving a video signal via the component video signal input, the received video signal having a video format that is one of multiple video formats, (b) converting the video format of the received video signal to a particular video format if the video format of the received video signal is different than the particular video format; and (c) providing one of the converted video signal and the received video signal as an output.  
           [0012]    In accordance with another aspect of the subject invention, there is provided a video signal receiver. The video signal receiver includes a component video format input, a video processor in communication with the component video format input, a format converter in communication with the video processor, and a component video format output in communication with the video processor and the format converter. The component video format input is operative to receive a component video signal in one of various video formats. The video processor is operative to provide video processing of the received component video signal. The format converter is operative to convert the video format of the received video signal to a predetermined video format if the video format of the received video signal is different than the predetermined video format, while the component video format output is operative to selectively output one of the received component video signal and the converted video signal.  
           [0013]    In accordance with yet another aspect of the subject invention, there is provided a video signal receiver. The video signal receiver includes a component video input operative to receive a video signal in one of multiple video formats. Means are provided for processing the received video signal. Means for converting the video format of the received video signal into a predetermined video format if the video format of the received video signal is different than the predetermined video format are also provided. The video signal receiver further includes means for providing one of the processed received video signal and the converted video signal to an output of the video signal receiver.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0014]    The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiment(s) of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary audio/video system according to the principles of the subject invention;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 2 is a block diagram of another exemplary audio/video system according to the principles of the subject invention;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 3 is a block diagram of another exemplary audio/video system according to the principles of the subject invention;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 4 is a block diagram of another exemplary audio/video system according to the principles of the subject invention;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 5 is a block diagram of another exemplary audio/video system according to the principles of the subject invention;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an exemplary audio/video signal receiver utilizable in the various exemplary audio/video systems according to the principles of the subject invention;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 7 is a block diagram of another exemplary audio/video signal receiver utilizable in the various exemplary audio/video systems according to the principles of the subject invention;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 8 is a block diagram of another exemplary audio/video signal receiver utilizable in the various audio/video systems according to the principles of the subject invention; and  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 9 is a flow chart of an exemplary manner of operation of the exemplary embodiments of FIGS.  1 - 8  in accordance with the principles of the subject invention. 
     
    
       [0024]    Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.  
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0025]    Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown an audio/video (A/V) system, generally designated  10 . The A/V system  10  includes an audio/video (A/V) signal receiver  12  and a display  30 . The A/V signal receiver  12  includes video input circuitry/logic  14  that is adapted to receive a video signal from a single video input  18 . The video input  18  is a component video input and thus is comprised of three conductors, represented by the dashed oval with the number “3.” The video input circuitry/logic  14  is operative to receive three components of the input video signal. The video input circuitry/logic  14  is in communication with video signal processing circuitry/logic  16 . The video signal processing circuitry/logic  16  is operative to process the video output signal from the video input circuitry/logic  14  and provide a video output on a video output line  28 . The video output line  28  is comprised of three-conductors for the output component video. The output component video on the video output line  28  is provided to a video format compatible display  30 . The display  30  may be internal or external to the A/V signal receiver  12 .  
         [0026]    The video input  18  is connectable to an RGB signal source  20  (a component video format) via a three-conductor output  22  thereof, and a YUV signal source  24  (another component video format) via a three-conductor output  26  thereof. The RGB source  20  is representative of any RGB signal source such as a computer, a multi-sync component, a set-top box (STB), or the like. The YUV source  24  is representative of any YUV signal source such as a DVD player, a digital television (DTV) signal receiver such as a satellite receiver, digital cable (including a digital cable converter or set top box), or any other 2.xxH component.  
         [0027]    While both the RGB source  20  and the YUV source  24  are shown coupled to the video input  18 , the video input  18  can only support connection with one of the RGB source  20  and the YUV source  24 . However, in accordance with an aspect of the subject invention, the A/V signal receiver  12  is operative to accept either video signal format (RGB or YUV) from the single video input  18 .  
         [0028]    The video signal processing circuitry/logic  16  is operative to process either one of the video signals from the RGB source  20  (which is an RGB format video signal) and the YUV source  24  (which is a YUV format video signal). The video signal processing circuitry/logic  16  outputs a video format signal that is compatible with the video format of the display  30 . This is typically the YUV video format. The video signal processing circuitry/logic  16  is further operative to determine the video format of the video signal from the video input circuitry/logic  14 . If the video format of the video signal from the video input circuitry/logic  14  is compatible with the video format of the display  30 , minor processing of the received video signal may be accomplished by the video signal processing circuitry/logic  16  before being output to the display  30 . If the video format of the video signal from the video input circuitry/logic  14  is not compatible with the video format of the display  30 , the received video signal is converted into the video format of the display  30 .  
         [0029]    As an example of the above, assume that the video format of the display  30  is YUV. When a YUV video signal source  24  is provided to the input  18 , the video signal processing circuitry/logic  16 , after determining that the input signal is in the YUV video format, performs minor signal processing before being output to the display  30  via the output  28 . When an RGB video signal source  20  is provided to the input  18 , the video signal processing circuitry/logic  16 , after determining that the input signal is in the RGB video format, performs format conversion processing before being output to the display  30  via the output  28 . More particularly, the RGB video format is converted to the YUV video format before being transmitted to the display  30 . Of course, it should be appreciated that if the video format of the display  30  were RGB, the video signal processing circuitry/logic  16  would pass RGB video format signals (with minor processing thereof) and convert YUV video format signals into the RGB video format. It should also be appreciated that the component video inputs may be different than RGB or YUV. The above description would change accordingly.  
         [0030]    Thus, in summary, the A/V signal receiver  12  is operative to accept an RGB video signal from an RGB signal source  20  or a YUV video signal from a YUV signal source  24  via a single video input of the A/V signal receiver  12  and output a single video format signal. Stated in broader terms, the A/V signal receiver  12  is operative to accept multiple video signals from one or more video signal sources via a single video input of the A/V signal receiver  12  and output a single video format signal. The single video format signal is typically transmitted to the display  30 , but may be used elsewhere by the A/V system  10  and/or the A/V signal receiver  12 .  
         [0031]    Referring to FIG. 2, there is depicted another embodiment of an audio/video (A/V) system, generally designated  40 . The A/V system  40  includes an audio/video (A/V) signal receiver  42 . The A/V signal receiver  42  has first video input circuitry/logic  44  that is adapted to receive a video signal from a first video input  48 . The first video input  48  is a component video input and thus is comprised of three conductors, represented by the dashed oval with the number “3.” Preferably, a YUV component video format signal source  50  is coupled to the first video input  48 . The first video input circuitry/logic  44  is operative to receive three components of the input video signal. The first video input circuitry/logic  44  is in communication with first video signal processing circuitry/logic  46 . The first video signal processing circuitry/logic  46  is operative to process the first video output signal from the first video input circuitry/logic  44  and provide a first video output on a first video output line  47 . The first video output line  47  is coupled to one input of a switch  62 .  
         [0032]    The A/V signal receiver  42  has second video input circuitry/logic  52  that is adapted to receive a video signal from a second video input  56 . The second video input  56  is a component video input and thus is comprised of three conductors, represented by the dashed oval with the number “3.” In accordance with an aspect of the subject invention, either an RGB component video format signal source  58  or a YUV component video format signal source  60  is coupled to the second video input  56 . The RGB source  58  is coupled to the second video input  56  via a three-conductor cable  59 , when provided. Likewise, the YUV source  60  is coupled to the second video input  56  via a three-conductor cable  61 , when provided.  
         [0033]    The second video input circuitry/logic  52  is operative to receive three components of the input video signal regardless of the video format. The second video input circuitry/logic  52  is in communication with second video signal processing circuitry/logic  54 . The second video signal processing circuitry/logic  54  is operative to process the second video output signal from the second video input circuitry/logic  52  and provide a second video output on a second video output line  55 . The second video output line  55  is coupled to another input of the switch  62 .  
         [0034]    The switch  62  is operative to allow one of the two output video signals (output Video  1  from the first video signal processing circuitry/logic  46  or output Video  2  from the second video signal processing circuitry/logic  54 ) to output thereby. An output of the switch is provided as a component video output  64 . The component video output  64  is in a format compatible with whatever component (not shown) is coupled thereto. Thus, the A/V signal receiver  42  has two video inputs for the coupling thereof of two external video signal sources. The A/V signal receiver  42  is operative to supply either one of the first and second video signals (from the video  1  signal processing circuitry/logic  46  and the video  2  signal processing circuitry/logic  54 ) to a coupled component.  
         [0035]    It should be understood, that while both the RGB source  58  and the YUV source  60  are shown coupled to the second video input  56 , the second video input  56  can only support connection with one of the RGB source  58  and the YUV source  60 . However, in accordance with an aspect of the subject invention, the A/V signal receiver  42  is operative to accept either video signal format (RGB or YUV) from the single, second video input  56 .  
         [0036]    The second video signal processing circuitry/logic  54  is operative to process either one of the video signals from the RGB source  58  (which is an RGB format video signal) and the YUV source  60  (which is a YUV format video signal). The second video signal processing circuitry/logic  54  outputs a video format signal that is compatible with the video format of the component coupled thereto (not shown). This is typically a display and/or display circuitry/logic that utilizes the YUV video format. The second video signal processing circuitry/logic  54  is further operative to determine the video format of the second video signal from the second video input circuitry/logic  52 . If the video format of the second video signal from the second video input circuitry/logic  52  is compatible with the video format of coupled component, minor processing of the received second video signal may be accomplished by the second video signal processing circuitry/logic  54  before being output to the switch  62 . If the video format of the second video signal from the second video input circuitry/logic  54  is not compatible with the video format of the coupled component, the received second video signal is converted into the video format of the coupled component.  
         [0037]    As an example of the above, assume that the coupled component is a display that utilizes the YUV video format. When a YUV video signal source  60  is provided to the second input  56 , the second video signal processing circuitry/logic  52 , after determining that the second input signal is in the YUV video format, performs minor signal processing before being output to the switch  62  via second signal output  55 . When an RGB video signal source  58  is provided to the second input  56 , the second video signal processing circuitry/logic  54 , after determining that the input signal is in the RGB video format, performs format conversion processing before being output to the switch  62  via the second signal output  55 . More particularly, the RGB video format is converted to the YUV video format before being transmitted to the switch  62 . Of course, it should be appreciated that if the video format of the display were RGB, the second video signal processing circuitry/logic  54  would pass RGB video format signals (with minor processing thereof) and convert YUV video format signals into the RGB video format. It should also be appreciated that the component video inputs may be different than RGB or YUV. The above description would change accordingly.  
         [0038]    Thus, in summary, the A/V signal receiver  42  is operative to accept a YUV video signal from a YUV signal source  50  via the first video input  48 , and an RGB video signal from an RGB signal source  58  or a YUV video signal from a YUV signal source  60  via a second, single video input  56  and output any one of the three video signals in one video format signal. Stated in broader terms, the A/V signal receiver  42  has two video inputs, wherein one video input (input  56 ) is operative to accept multiple video signals from one or more video signal sources and output a single video format signal if selected by the switch  62 .  
         [0039]    It should be appreciated that the switch  62  is operative to select which one of the first video signal and the second video signal is output to the video output  64 . If the switch  62  of the A/V signal receiver  42  is set to provide the first video signal from the output  47 , the second video signal processing circuitry/logic  54  may not process any signals. If the switch  62  is set to provide the second video signal from the output  55 , the second video signal processing circuitry/logic  54  is active.  
         [0040]    Referring to FIG. 3, the A/V system  40  is depicted having various modifications thereto. In particular, the A/V signal receiver  42  includes an audio processor  68  for audio processing from the various video signals. More particularly, the YUV signal source  50  includes an audio line  76  that is coupled to an audio input  70 . The audio input  70  is in communication with the audio processor  68 . The RGB signal source  58  includes an audio line  78  that is couplable to the audio input  70  (when present), while the YUV signal source  60  likewise includes an audio line  80  that is couplable to the audio input  70  (when present). The audio processor  68  obtains the audio from the respective audio signal and provides the processed audio to a speaker  74  (or speakers) via an audio output line  72 . The speaker(s)  74  may be external or internal to the A/V signal receiver  42 .  
         [0041]    The video output  64  of the A/V signal receiver  42  is transmitted to a display  66 . While the display  66  is shown as being external to the A/V signal receiver  42 , the display  66  may be integral with or internal to the A/V signal receiver  42 . The display  66  is also preferably compatible with the YUV video format. However, other video format displays may be used.  
         [0042]    Referring now to FIG. 4, the A/V system  40  is depicted having various modifications thereto. In particular, the A/V signal receiver  42  includes a control signal source  84  that is in communication with the switch  62  via a control line  86 . The control signal source  84  is operative to provide a control signal or control signals via the control line  86  to the switch  62  in order to select which video signal to output to the video output  64 . The switch  62  is thus operative to the control signal(s) to select one of the two video inputs (first video line  47  or second video line  55 ). The control signal source  84  may itself be controlled by a user via a user interface (not shown) to the A/V signal receiver. The user interface may include a remote control system (not shown) that includes a video source selection.  
         [0043]    In FIG. 5, the A/V system  40  is depicted having various modifications over the embodiment of FIG. 4. In particular, the A/V signal receiver  42  includes a 2-input to 1-input (2-1 or 2 to 1) component  82  instead of the switch  62  (see FIG. 4). The 2-input to 1-input component  82  is operative to allow whichever video signal appears on either one of the first video output line  47  and the second video output line  55 .  
         [0044]    In order to avoid signal confusion at the 2 to 1 component  82 , the control signal source  84  is in communication with the first video signal processor  46  via a first control line  90 , and in communication with the second video signal processor  92  via a second control line  94 . The first video signal processor  46  includes an output enable/disable (Output En/Dis) input  88 , while the second video signal processor  54  includes an output enable/disable (Output En/Dis) input  92 . The first output enable/disable input  88  is operative to enable or disable output to the first video output  47  in accordance with a received signal or signals. In particular, the first output enable/disable input  88  is operative when a proper control signal is received via the first control line  90  from the control signal source  84  to select, allow, or enable the first video output  47 . Enabling the first video output  47  allows the first video signal to be provided to the 2 to 1 component  82  that thereafter provides the first video signal to the video output  64 . The first enable/disable input  88  is operative, on the other hand, when a proper control signal is received via the first control line  90  from the control signal source  84  (or the de-application of the enable signal) to de-select or disable the output of the first video signal via the first video output  47 .  
         [0045]    In like manner, the second output enable/disable input  92  is operative when a proper control is operative when a proper control signal is received via the second control line  94  from the control signal source  84  to select, allow, or enable the second video output  55 . Enabling the second video output  55  allows the second video signal to be provided to the 2 to 1 component  82  that thereafter provides the second video signal to the video output  64 . The second enable/disable input  92  is operative, on the other hand, when a proper control signal is received via the second control line  94  from the control signal source  84  (or the de-application of the enable signal) to de-select or disable the output of the second video signal via the second video output  55 .  
         [0046]    When one video signal (i.e. either the first or second video signal) is selected/enabled, the other video signal (or output of the video signal processor) is disabled. In this manner, only one video signal is provided to the 2 to 1 component  82  for output to the video output  64 .  
         [0047]    Referring now to FIG. 6, an alternative embodiment of the A/V signal receiver  42  is shown in accordance with the principles of the subject invention. The A/V signal receiver of FIG. 6 includes two video inputs  48  and  56  each of which accepts video signals of various video formats. In particular, each video input is operative to receive video signals irrespective of the video signal format. More particularly, each video input processes an input video signal, performs any necessary video format conversion, and outputs either the original incoming video signal, depending on its video format, or the format converted video signal. The A/V signal receiver  42  is operative to provide as an output video signal either one of the two input video signals from the two video inputs. It should be appreciated that each video input has only one component coupled thereto that provides video signals of a particular video format (without the use of an external switch or other component coupling device).  
         [0048]    The A/V signal receiver  42  includes a first video processing unit or processor  43  for first video signals provided (input) to the first video input  48 , and a second video processing unit or processor  49  for second video signals provided (input) to the second video input  56 . The first video processing unit  43  is operative to receive the first video signal, process and/or condition the first video signal, perform any necessary video format conversion, and provide a first video signal for use by the A/V signal receiver  42  and/or selection as a video output of the A/V signal receiver  42 . The second video processing unit  49  is operative to receive the second video signal, process and/or condition the second video signal, perform any necessary video format conversion, and provide a second video signal for use by the A/V signal receiver  42  and/or selection as a video output of the A/V signal receiver  42 .  
         [0049]    The first video processor  43  includes the video signal processing circuitry/logic (processor)  46 , a video format converter  96 , and a selector or switch  98 . The video signal processor  46  (video  1  signal processing) processes the various component video format signals, such as RGB and YUV, and provides two video outputs. The particular video format signal that is provided to the two video outputs is dependent upon the desired video format of the output video signal of the A/V signal receiver  42 . An input video signal undergoes format conversion when the video format of that input video signal is not compatible with the desired video format of the output video signal of the A/V signal receiver. This could be an RGB or YUV component.  
         [0050]    The first video output of the video  1  signal processing  46  is provided to the video  1  format converter  96  to convert the video format into a video format compatible with the desired video format of the output video signal of the first video processor  43 . The format converted video signal is then provided as an input to the switch  98 . The second video output of the video  1  signal processing  46  is provided directly to the switch  98 .  
         [0051]    The A/V signal receiver  42  also includes a processor or processing circuitry/logic  104 . The processor  104  is in communication with memory  106 . The memory  106  contains program instructions for controlling and/or regulating various functions of the A/V signal processor  42  in general, and the various components of the A/V signal receiver  42 , including the processor  104 . The processor  104  is in communication with the various components of the A/V signal receiver  42  and its inputs and outputs (I/O), as represented by the arrow  108 .  
         [0052]    The processor  104 , thus generally under the control of program instructions stored in the memory  106 , provides control signals to the first video processor  43 . The control signals from the processor  104  control the switch  98  to select a video signal of a particular video format (either the pass-through video signal or the format-converted video signal). The selection may be automatic depending on a determination of the video format of the incoming video signal by the video  1  signal processing  46 . Further, this selection may be provided as a set-up feature that determines system configuration. This may be provided as an on-screen display format for user interaction and/or be settable at any time via other means. In any case, the video output of the switch  98  is provided as an input to the video selection switch  62  (the selector for the main video output signal for the A/V signal receiver).  
         [0053]    The second video processor  49  includes the video signal processing circuitry/logic (processor)  54 , a video format converter  100 , and a selector or switch  102 . The video signal processor  54  (video  2  signal processing) processes the various component video format signals, such as RGB and YUV, and provides two video outputs. The particular video format signal that is provided to the two video outputs is dependent upon the desired video format of the output video signal of the A/V signal receiver  42 . An input video signal undergoes format conversion when the video format of that input video signal is not compatible with the desired video format of the output video signal of the A/V signal receiver. This could be an RGB or YUV component.  
         [0054]    The second video output of the video  2  signal processing  54  is provided to the video  2  format converter  100  to convert the video format into a video format compatible with the desired video format of the output video signal of the second video processor  49 . The format converted video signal is then provided as an input to the switch  102 . The second video output of the video  2  signal processing  54  is provided directly to the switch  102 .  
         [0055]    In like manner to the above with respect to the first video processor  43 , the processor  104  provides control signals to the second video processor  49 . The control signals from the processor  104  control the switch  102  to select a video signal of a particular video format (either the pass-through video signal or the format-converted video signal). The selection may be automatic depending on a determination of the video format of the incoming video signal by the video  2  signal processing  54 . Further, this selection may be provided as a set-up feature that determines system configuration. This may be provided as an on-screen display format for user interaction and/or be settable at any time via other means. In any case, the video output of the switch  102  is provided as an input to the video selection switch  62  (the selector for the main video output signal for the A/V signal receiver).  
         [0056]    It should be appreciated that alternative to a switch in the first and second video processors  43  and  49 , the processor  104  may provide control signals to the respective video signal processor and video format converter in each video processor, to enable or disable their respective video output line (i.e. provide or not provide the video signal as an output thereof) as an output of the respective video signal processor  43  and  49 .  
         [0057]    The video selection switch or selector  62  receives the outputs of the first video processor  43  (providing a first video signal) and the second video processor  49  (providing a second video signal). The video format of the two video signals is compatible with the display or other output device or component. The video selection switch  62  is operative to allow one of the two video signals to be provided as A/V video out to the video output  64 . Thus, the switch  62  provides one of the two input signals to the two inputs  48  and  56  as a selected video signal with the video format compatible with the output device.  
         [0058]    The switch  62  is in communication with the processor  104  via a control line  136 . The processor  104  provides control signals via the control line  136  for switch operation. Selection of which video signal to use (e.g. send to a display for viewing thereof) is typically under ultimate control by a user via a remote control system (not shown) and/or via an on-screen menu or selector. The processor  014  may automatically provide the control signals to the selector  62  depending on the program instructions.  
         [0059]    Referring now to FIG. 7, there is depicted a particular embodiment of the A/V signal receiver  42 . In this embodiment, the first video processor  43  comprises a first switch/video processing (Switch # 1 ), while the second video processor  49  comprises a second switch/video processing (Switch # 2 ). In this embodiment, the first switch/video processing  43  is constrained to accept a video signal from the video  1  IN (video input  48 ) of a particular video format that is compatible with the video format used by any output device coupled to the video output  64  of the A/V signal receiver  42 , since the first switch/video processing  43  does not include format conversion. The second switch/video processing  49  is not constrained in video format input as is the first switch/video processing  43 .  
         [0060]    The first switch/video processing  43  has a first video signal input YUV A  and a second video signal input YUV B /RGB. The first video signal input YUV A  accepts a YUV video format signal from an internal YUV source  114 . The internal YUV source  114  provides a 2.xxH component video signal. The second video signal input YUV B /RGB accepts a video signal of any video format (e.g. YUV or RGB) from the Video  1  In external video input  48 . The first switch/video processing  43  provides either the video signal from the YUV A  input or the YUV B /RGB input. Selection of a first output video signal from the first switch/video processing  43  is under control of the processor  104  via a control signal provided thereto via the control line  116 .  
         [0061]    The second switch/video processing  49  has a first video signal input YUV 1 /RGB and a second video signal input YUV 2 . The first video signal input YUV 1 /RGB accepts as an input video signal the output video signal of the first switch/video processing  43  which may be the YUV A  video signal or either a YUV B  or RGB video signal. The second video input YUV 2  accepts an input video signal from the Video  2  IN video input  56 . The input video signal at the Video  2  IN video input  56  is in the YUV video format and thus is provided from a YUV component or source. Preferably, the external YUV source for the video input  56  provides a 2H or 2.14 H component video signal. This may be provided by a multi-sync component, computer, set-top box, or the like. The second switch/video processing  49  provides either the video signal from the YUV 2  input or the YUV 1 /RGB input. Selection of a second output video signal from the second switch/video processing  49  is under control of the processor  104  via a control signal provided thereto via the control line  124 .  
         [0062]    When a selection signal is received by the second switch/video processing  49  from the processor  104  via the selection line  124 , the second switch/video processing  49  outputs either the video signal from the YUV 2  input or the YUV 1 /RGB input as an output video signal  134  on the video output  64 . When the YUV 2  input video signal is selected (or the video signal that is compatible with any output device or component), it is provided as a pass-through output video signal  134 . When the YUV 1 /RGB input video signal is selected it is determined whether the video format is YUV or RGB. If the video format is YUV, the YUV input video signal is provided as a pass-through output video signal  134 . If the video format is RGB, RGB to YUV video format conversion is performed by the second switch/video processing  49 . Video format conversion is preferably accomplished via matrixing. To this end the processor  104  provides a matrix enable/disable signal via the control line  132  to the RGB matrix enable/disable (En/Dis) input  130 . When an enable signal is received by the RGB matrix enable/disable input  130 , the RGB video signals on input YUV 1 /RGB are converted into YUV format video signals and provided as the video output  64 . When a disable signal is received by the RGB matrix enable/disable input  130 , video format conversion is disabled.  
         [0063]    Referring to FIG. 8, there is depicted a modification to the particular embodiment of the A/V signal receiver  42  as shown in FIG. 7. Particularly, the first and second switches/video processors  43  and  49  are preferably the same component, namely an integrated circuit (I/C) such as a TA1287 YUV/RGB processor video format converter manufactured by Toshiba Semiconductor. The TA1287 accepts two video inputs and outputs a selected one of the two video inputs. Video format conversion is provided to an input signal as necessary. Particularly, the TA1287 provides RGB to YUV conversion while accepting both YUV and RGB video input signals.  
         [0064]    Thus, the first switch/video processing  43  is shown having an RGB matrix enable/disable input  140 . The RGB matrix enable/disable input  140  is disabled as represented by providing a low or logic “0” signal via grounding  142 . In this manner, the first switch/video processing  43  passes any selected input signal regardless of the video format to the second switch/video processing  49 .  
         [0065]    The RGB matrix enable/disable input  130  of the second switch/video processing  49  is provided a high (logic “1”) or enable signal, or a low (logic “0”) or disable signal as appropriate for a selected video input signal via a switch (SW 1 )  146 . The switch  146  when open is coupled to a voltage from a voltage source +V via an appropriate resistance  148  to provide the high or logic “1” signal (enable) for the matrix enable/disable input  130 . When the switch  146  is closed, a low or logic “0” signal (disable) is provided to the matrix enable/disable input. The switch  146  may or may not be controlled by a control signal from the processor  104  via control line  105 .  
         [0066]    Thus, the second switch/video processing  49  regardless of the input video format, provides an output video format signal that is YUV (either original YUV or matrixed RGB). The output YUV video format signal is then provided to a YUV component.  
         [0067]    In this manner, the A/V signal receiver  42  has two external inputs one of which is configured to accept only YUV video format components or signal inputs, while the other of which is configured to accept both YUV and RGB video format signals.  
         [0068]    Referring to FIG. 9, there is depicted a flow chart, generally designated  160 , illustrating an exemplary manner of operation of the various embodiments of the subject invention. In step  162 , the A/V signal receiver receives a video signal or video signals depending on the number of external video inputs. The A/V signal receiver then selects, in step  164 , which video input signal to eventually output. Selection of which video signal to use is typically accomplished by a user via a remote control system associated with the A/V signal receiver. Such selection is typically provided to the processor of the A/V signal receiver. The processor then sends a control signal to the appropriate circuitry/logic to make the selection.  
         [0069]    In step  166 , it is determined whether the selected video signal requires video format conversion. Video format conversion of the selected video signal is necessary if the video format of the selected video signal is not compatible with the video format utilized by an external video component that is to receive the output video signal. In step  168 , if it is determined that the selected video signal requires video format conversion, then video format conversion is performed on the selected video signal. For example, if the external video component that is to receive the output video signal requires the YUV video format, a selected video signal that is in the RGB video format needs to undergo video format conversion, and vice versa. In step  170 , after any video format conversion, the video signal is provided as an output video signal of the A/V signal receiver.  
         [0070]    It should be appreciated that various aspects of the subject invention have been presented within various embodiments of the A/V signal system and/or the A/V signal receiver. Such depiction is not intended to limit various combinations of aspects whether or not they appear with each other in a particular embodiment (Figure). Therefore, various combinations of the aspects of the subject invention not particularly shown together in the Figures are contemplated.  
         [0071]    It should further be appreciated that while the subject invention has been described in connection with an audio/video device, the subject invention pertains mainly to video signals. Therefore, the subject invention is operative and contemplated for use in video only devices that do not process or accept audio. The video only device may thus accept video signals of different video formats via a single set of component video inputs.  
         [0072]    While this invention has been described as having a preferred design, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, of adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.  
         [0073]    Modern Television monitors must be able to display a wide variety of signal formats because of all the conversions from analog to digital signal sources. Two signal sources, RGB (Red, Green and Blue) and YUV are used quite often and even though of different formats can be connected through special cables to the same type (VGA) of signal connector. The RGB formated signal has sperate Horizontal and Vertical Synchronization signals where the YPrPb has the Horizontal (H) and Vertical (V) synchronization (sync) embedded on the Green (G) signal. If the RGB source is applied, then the separate H sync and V sync will have format timing information that can be measured to determine the signal format. In this case the Television Display device will route the RGB signals and H sync and V sync through appropriate video and sync processing to display a correctly formated raster. For the YPrPb signal sources the H sync and V sync lines will have no format timing information and the Television Display device will derive the H Sync and V Sync timing information from the Green signal (Y). These internally created H Sync and V Sync signals along with the video information derived from the YUV lines is used to provide a correctly formated raster.