Abstract: A method for selectively and multiply routing a media stream input to a media appliance is provided. The method includes receiving the media stream. Further, the method includes distributing the media stream onto a plurality of individual media paths within the media appliance. Furthermore, the method includes routing the media stream on at least a first one of the media paths to a first media processor within the media appliance, while simultaneously routing the media stream on at least one other of the media paths to at least one additional media processor within the media appliance.

Abstract: A method for selectively and multiply routing a media stream input to a media appliance is provided. The method includes receiving the media stream. Further, the method includes distributing the media stream onto a plurality of individual media paths within the media appliance. Furthermore, the method includes routing the media stream on at least a first one of the media paths to a first media processor within the media appliance, while simultaneously routing the media stream on at least one other of the media paths to at least one additional media processor within the media appliance.

Abstract: A video information appliance (104) for facilitating routing of a plurality of independent video signals is provided. The video information appliance includes a plurality of video signal input interfaces (202), a signal router (204), a plurality of video output ports (206) and a processor (208). Each of the plurality of video signal input interfaces is adapted to facilitate reception of the plurality of independent video signals. The signal router is coupled to the plurality of video signal input interface. The plurality of video output ports are coupled to the signal router. The processor is adapted to control the signal router to selectively direct at least one of the received independent video signals to at least a first video output port. The processor is also adapted to direct at least one other of the received independent video signals to at least a second video output port.

Abstract: A composite video multiplexing arrangement for allowing a plurality of low bit rate video signals to be multiplexed into a single coded signal to be transmitted to an associated receiver. For use with arrangements such a security system, each video “source” (such as a camera) includes a coder module for forming a digital representation of the video, including both “source” and “line” information. Each coder module includes a FIFO buffer for holding this data until multiplexed onto the single output signal. An associated decoder is capable of extracting the “source” and “line” information and regenerating each separate video signal.

Abstract: Interface apparatus is provided for enabling a digital video recorder to function as a universal data recorder. A random input data stream provided at a first data rate is converted to a format that emulates a video signal. The converted input data is input, at a video signal data rate, to a digital video recorder for storage. The stored converted data is played back from the video recorder at the video signal data rate. The retrieved data is then converted back to the original format of the input data stream at the first data rate.

Abstract: The scrambling security of a sync suppressed television signal is enhanced by eliminating the fixed time relationship between the normal color burst component and synchronization information in successive lines of the television signal. Transmission of a first plurality of television lines is delayed to achieve a cumulative delay corresponding at least to the duration of a color burst component of the television signal. The transmission of a second plurality of television lines is subsequently accelerated to reduce the cumulative delay. By repeating the delaying and accelerating steps, the location of the color burst component is varied within the television signal over time. Derivation of a substitute horizontal synchronization pulse from the color burst component is thereby prevented.

Abstract: Multiple asynchronous signals are transmitted and received through a digital link. Each of a plurality of information signals is digitized at a digitizing rate derived from a component of the signal. For example, the color subcarrier of a television signal can be used to establish the digitizing rate for video and audio signal portions. Each digitized signal is packetized for communication at a transmission rate greater than and asynchronous with its digitizing rate. A variable time interval results between successive transmitted packets for each signal. The time interval between each successive packet for each signal is filled with a variable number of pad bits to provide a continuous data stream. The data streams for all of the signals are multiplexed to provide a combined data stream for transmission. Each packet for each of the signals contains a fixed number of data bits digitized over a fixed time interval related to the digitizing rate for the signal.