Abstract: A re-multiplexer module for use in a packet processing system used in cable television headend devices generates two or more output streams from two or more MPEG input transport streams. The re-multiplexer module includes an input processing portion that receives a plurality of input data streams containing packet data, a plurality of packet buffers to store the packet data, an output processor that selectively multiplexes the data packets in the packet buffers, and a host processor that controls the operation of the input processing portion and the output processing portion.

Abstract: A packet identifier table for use in conjunction with an input processor in a re-multiplexing module is divided into an active table and a pending table. Both tables conduct PID filter values used to filter incoming packet data. The active table contains PID values that are used by the re-multiplexer module, while the pending table contains PID values that can be modified while the active table is in use. A host processor switches the status of the active table and the pending table so that the modified values can be used by the input processor. Because the PID values in the active table are kept separate from the PID values that are being modified, PID value modification can occur without interrupting the re-multiplexing operation.

Abstract: An input filter for use in a re-multiplexing module to process input packet data, includes an input interface that receives the input packet data, an input processor that is designed to write data to a packet buffer, and a packet identifier table containing PID values for filtering the input packet data. The input filter is implemented as hardware, thereby eliminating the limitations encounted in software filtering of data packets.

Abstract: A re-multiplexer module for use in a packet processing system used in cable television headend devices generates two or more output streams from two or more MPEG input transport streams. The re-multiplexer module includes an input processing portion that receives a plurality of input data streams containing packet data, a plurality of packet buffers to store the packet data, an output processor that selectively multiplexes the data packets in the packet buffers, and a host processor that controls the operation of the input processing portion and the output processing portion.