Patent ID: 6880036

Claim:
An apparatus for receiving audio-visual programs comprising a circuit for communication with means of connection to a bi-directional communication network, wherein the apparatus comprises: a first connector of a communication bus with a master apparatus, the first connector comprising at least one conductor for the transmission of a supply voltage (VBUS) originating from the master apparatus, at least one second connector of said communication bus, each second connector allowing the connection of at least one peripheral device, a splitter connected on the one hand to the first connector and the at least one second connectors through a switching circuit and on the other hand to a controller, means of detection of the presence of the supply voltage (VBUS) in the first connector, the means of detection being linked to the first connector and generating a switching control signal to the switching circuit, in response to the presence of the supply voltage so as to switch the apparatus from a first mode of operation to a second mode of operation where the switching circuit establishes communications between the master apparatus connected to the first connector and said at least one peripheral device connected to said at least one second connector.