Abstract: Transmitting a bidirectional, virtual differential signal in addition to other differential signals over physical communication channels. Thus, four signal lines can provide three differential signals, where the virtual differential signal is bidirectional. The virtual differential signal can be provided over one or more of the other physical communication channels. Additional configurations allow for providing a bidirectional DC power supply. Additional configurations allow for providing DC power in addition to data over a reduced number of lines. Selective switching of signal lines can allow backward and forward interoperability with other standard interfaces.

Abstract: Techniques and mechanisms for determining an operation mode of an audio-video (AV) device. In an embodiment, communication logic of the AV device may be configured at different times for different ones of a plurality of operation modes including an AV source operation mode for providing AV information to another device and an AV sink operation mode for receiving AV information from another device. In response to a detected event, control logic initializes the communication logic of the AV device into a default mode which prevents operation of the communication logic as an AV source.

Abstract: Transmitting a bidirectional, virtual differential signal in addition to other differential signals over physical communication channels. Thus, four signal lines can provide three differential signals, where the virtual differential signal is bidirectional. The virtual differential signal can be provided over one or more of the other physical communication channels. Additional configurations allow for providing a bidirectional DC power supply. Additional configurations allow for providing DC power in addition to data over a reduced number of lines. Selective switching of signal lines can allow backward and forward interoperability with other standard interfaces.

Abstract: Techniques and mechanisms for determining an operation mode of an audio-video (AV) device. In an embodiment, communication logic of the AV device may be configured at different times for different ones of a plurality of operation modes including an AV source operation mode for providing AV information to another device and an AV sink operation mode for receiving AV information from another device. In response to a detected event, control logic initializes the communication logic of the AV device into a default mode which prevents operation of the communication logic as an AV source.

Abstract: An electrical connector device for use in providing selectively switchable electrical connections between respective terminals of two circuit elements, comprising a unitary housing of electrically insulating material carrying a plurality of first socket terminals open to one face of the housing for receipt of terminals of a first circuit element, and carrying a plurality of second terminals projecting from a second face of the housing opposite to said one face, for connection to the second circuit element, and a plurality of individually operable switching elements each having an associated conductive portion which projects beyond said one face of the housing and each being selectively operable between a conductive state providing an electrical connection between said conductive portion and respective first and second terminals, a first non-conductive state in which said conductive portion is connected only to the associated first socket terminal, and a second non-conductive state in which said conductive por