Abstract: An telephone media processing server is described having clock pulse steering circuit for steering clock pulses to a plurality of digital processors under control of a main processor. Other signals, such as a frame clock, for generating frame pulses, address and data lines are distributed using single conductors connected to output pins of a control processor. Typically, more than eight signal processors partitioned in a plurality of groups are interfaced to a single main processor. Each group of signal processors has a clock input controlled by the clock steering circuit. A main processor has a data port pin, an address port pin, and a switching command output connected to the clock pulse steering means for steering clock pulses to each group of processors. The signal processors set the data pin and address pin to a high impedance when the clock input is inactive. An example using the TMS320C5x processor is detailed.

Abstract: A programmable computerized telephone cost metering device which gives a visual display of the cost (per unit of time) of a call before the user completes dialing his intended number, total cost of call in progress, and total of costs for day or month. Metering device may be programmed for user's telephone exchange and type of service he has contacted with his telephone company, and programing may be inputted and updated by any of several methods including: direct user inputting of information, insertion of an EPROM chip, voice recognition device, and an automatic inputting of data from a remote data bank by means of a built in MODEM. Security of access is assured by use of user programmed access code. The metering device may contain a built in telephone or may be used with existing telephone instruments.