Abstract: The invention is an audio mixer (100) for prioritizing audio channels. The mixer can include a plurality of audio channels (110)—in which each channel can be capable of carrying an audio signal—and can include at least one output (114). The number of outputs can be less than the number of channels and the stage (116) immediately following the output is an output stage. Each channel can include an audio shaper (122) that modifies the audio signals of the channels and can include a priority database (126). The channels can be ranked in the priority database based on their priority in relation to one another. Control logic (128) of a highest ranked channel (N) can signal the audio shapers to modify the audio signals on at least some of the lower ranked channels (1, 2) in accordance with a predetermined priority response.

Abstract: A method of managing a receiver. The method (300) includes the steps of selectively converting (326) a first communications channel (168) to a second communications channel (170), transmitting (328) data over the second communications channel (170) to a communications unit (128, 130) in which the data includes an information header (174) and reading (330) at least a portion of the information header (174) transmitted over the second communications channel (170). The method (300) can also include the step of selectively deactivating (332) a receiver (148, 158) of the communications unit (128, 130) in response to the reading step (330).