Abstract: A system and method for interfacing legacy analog audiovisual signal sources with a digital data network allows distribution over that network of audiovisual programming to a number of output devices. Preferably, the digital data network is a fiber optic network installed inside a vehicle. In one particular application, the interface is between the digital data network and an optical disc drive that outputs an analog signal. The analog output is preferred, in part, to support copyright protection measures. An additional interface for a digital video camera allows a signal from the camera to be carried on the in-vehicle digital data network.

Abstract: A multi-format decoder board interfaces with a digital data network, preferably a fiber optic digital data network. Because data can be transmitted over the data network in a wide variety of formats, the decoder board of the present invention is able to decode data streams of audiovisual programming in a variety of formats so that the data can then be output by the board to various output devices including speakers, headphones, video monitors and other display devices. The data network is preferably on-board a vehicle in which the use of multiple playback devices for various audiovisual data formats would be limited by space and power constraints.