Abstract: A system for redistributing a multiple input audio/video and data signals having a redistributing device equipped to receive signals in a multiple formats and redistribute a selected signal to a user's premises over conductors, preferably existing twisted-pair telephone wire. The redistributing device is in interactive communication with a communications interface located in the user's premises which receives user-input control signals and contains switching circuitry which routes the selected signal to the user's premises where it is received by the receiving unit such as a television receiver. A single redistributing device services an entire multi-user network from a common distribution point, and services multiple users independently. The system of the invention does not interfere with normal use of the telephone network, so users can interactively access services provided by the system and use the telephone at the same time.

Abstract: A point-to-multipoint communications network connecting multiple subscribers to a single communications line. A plurality of subscriber communications interfaces are connected in parallel to form a local group in which one communications interface serves as a master communications interface and the other communications interfaces serve as slaves. Each communications interface may be capable of serving as the master communications interface according to a demand division multiplexing technique, which assigns master status based on upstream data demands. As a communications interface is switched to master status, the communications interface previously holding master status is switched back to slave status. A plurality of communications interfaces can thus be connected to a single communications port without increasing the upstream transmission bandwidth requirements.