Abstract: For broadcasting purposes a multi-channel audio encoder board has been designed. A requirement for such encoders is that they are able to operate with different encoding parameters. It may happen that encoding parameters change during encoding operation. In order to avoid the output of invalid data the encoding parameters required for a specific processing path are added to the input streams for the audio channels and become linked with the associated audio data and are stored in various buffers together with its audio data, i.e. the corresponding encoding parameters are kept linked with the audio data to be encoded throughout the encoding processing.

Abstract: A remote control unit, particularly for a television receiver or a video tape recorder, having a limited number of keys which have different functions that are identified by lettering presented on display elements corresponding to the keys, depending upon which appliance is selected for control. The remote control unit employs a microprocessor which cooperates with plug-in memories for the various appliances, the memories defining the key usages and corresponding lettering, etc. The remote control unit includes an additional display element for providing brief instructions to the user or displaying information received from the controlled appliance via a return channel.