Abstract: Installation and method for freezing audiovisual data streams, which installation comprises a video freeze control (2) which in equipped to receive a freeze command signal (FR) to be generated by a user and to detect a predetermined marker in a videosignal read from a memory (1), and, after receipt of the freeze command signal and detection of the marker, to supply a video control signal (VSC) for a video switch (4) and a video stop signal (VS) to interrupt reading of the video signal (VID), which video switch comprises a first input, to which the video signal (VID) read out is fed, and a second input, which is connected to a video stuffing generator which generates a video stuffing signal (VIDSTUFF), wherein the video switch (4) connects its output to the second input if this receives the video control signal (VSC) and otherwise connects its output to the first input; at the point in time when reading of the video signal is interrupted, reading of an associated audio signal (AUD), if applicable, is also inte

Abstract: A coupling device for coupling a videotelephone with a video generation device. The coupling device includes (i) a first device, for detecting at least one code word contained in a signal originating from the videotelephone, (ii) a second device, coupled with the first device, for generating a control signal in response to the detected code word, and (iii) a change-over device. The change-over device is coupled with the first device and with the second device. The change-over device receives, from the video generating device, both a first video signal, coded in a first manner, and a second video signal, coded in a second manner. The change-over device then feeds, in response to a control signal, coded video signals originating from one of a number of video generating devices to the first device via the change-over device. The coupling device is readily applicable in multicast environments.