GB2483982A

GB2483982A - Outlet socket module having demultiplexer and set top box (STB) return socket, allowing switched, selective distribution of a terrestrial signal

Info

Publication number: GB2483982A
Application number: GB201116137A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Peyton
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-09-24
Filing date: 2011-09-16
Publication date: 2012-03-28
Also published as: GB201016081D0; GB201116137D0

Abstract

Outlet socket module having demultiplexer and set top box (STB) return socket, allowing switched, selective distribution of a terrestrial signal An outlet socket module 20 for a television system comprises: a demultiplexer for receiving and demultiplexing a multiplexed signal comprising a satellite antenna 2 signal and a terrestrial signal from antennae 6-10; outlet sockets 24, 30, coupling the demultiplexed satellite signals to a set-top box (STB) 40 (or similar receiver); a return socket 32 for connection to the STB 40 and to further outlets 52, distributing an RF (TV) signal from the STB; and a signal path connected to the demultiplexer, to receive a demultiplexed terrestrial signal, the signal path (terrestrial signal) coupled to the return socket by a switch 34, enabling selective distribution of the terrestrial TV signal to further outlets 52. Switch 34 may be a manual user operable switch, or associated with the return socket 32 so that when an external lead is inserted into the return socket 32, the switch changes state, disabling distribution of the terrestrial signal to further outlets 52. The socket module may comprise a wall mounted socket having a face plate with a frame for receiving plural sub modules, one sub module including the outlet socket 24, 30 and another including the return socket 32 and switch 34.

Description

SATELLITE TELEVISION SYSTEMS

This invention relates to a satellite television system, especially, but not exclusively, for domestic use in the home.

Background Art

Most satellite television systems which are installed in the home comprise a satellite dish mounted at the exterior of the house, which provides a satellite signal, and which generally comprises a reflector and LNB unit. Frequently the home may have additionally one or more further antennae for receiving terrestrial broadcast TV and radio signals (DPI, DAB, etc.). The satellite dish signals are conducted to a set top box (otherwise termed digibox or Net-Top-Box) within the home, which performs the necessary signal decoding, and transmits a television signal to a TV set for display.

Alternatively the TV set may have a built in satellite tuner.

In view of the various signal outputs from the satellite dish and terrestrial antennae, and the requirement for distributing TV and audio signals to various rooms within the home, a distribution system is commonly used, and manufacturers such as Labgear Ltd and Triax Ltd manufacture a range of modules such as multi-switches and outlet sockets or * terminals wh ich enable an appropriate distribution system to be configured for any * specific home. A multiswitch may multiplex the various signal outputs onto a single coaxial line, and this may be connected to a main outlet module. The main outlet module, which is commonly mounted in the wall of for example the lounge of the home, is a key unit, and includes separation or demultiplexing circuits for separating satellite and terrestrial signals. Commonly the module includes coaxial sockets for connecting, via coaxial cables, required satellite signals (commonly known as SATI, SAT2) to a set ****** * top box. Coaxial sockets may also be provided for terrestrial TV and audio signals.

Additionally a so-called return socket may be provided, which is coupled via coaxial cable to a return outlet of a set-top box, which provides an RF TV signal. This return socket is connected via wiring to various subsidiary outlets within otherS rooms of the house, to enable TV sets to be used within these other rooms.

A problem which arises is where a home owner wishes to view terrestrial TV or listen to terrestrial audio signals and has decided, for a variety of possible reasons, not to use the satellite dish signal, and to decouple the satellite television signal from the distribution system. In this situation the main outlet module may not permit distribution of the terrestrial signals to other rooms within the home.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention provides an outlet socket module for use within a satellite television system, the module including a demultiplexer means for receiving and demultiplexing a multiplexed signal, which comprises a satellite signal from a satellite antenna and a terrestrial signal from one or more antennae of terrestrial broadcast systems, the outlet socket module including at least one outlet socket for coupling a demultiplexed satellite signal to a set-top box, the outlet socket module including a return socket, for connection to the set-top box and to further outlets for distribution of an RF signal from the set-top box, and the outlet socket module including a signal path connected to the demultiplexer means, and arranged to receive a demultiplexed terrestrial signal, and the signal path being coupled to said return socket by way of a switch, whereby operation of the switch * enables selective distribution of said terrestrial signal to said further outlets.

*s**** * * * * ***** * In an embodiment, the switch is a mechanical switch manual switch, e.g. a slide switch, *:::. or toggle switch, operable by the user. In a preferred arrangement, the switch is mounted together with the return socket, so that when an external lead from the set-top box is inserted into the return socket, the switch is caused to change state and disable *:::: distribution of said terrestrial signal to said further outlets. *

*..*.* * In an embodiment, the module comprises a wall socket to be mounted in a wall, and having a face plate comprising a frame for receiving a plurality of sub-modules, one sub-module including said at least one outlet socket for coupling the demultiplexed satellite signal to the set-top box, and another sub-module including said return socket and said switch.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accOmpanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic view of a Satellite Television system for a domestic residence, incorporating a main outlet socket module according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is an enlarged view of the front face of the outlet module of Figure 1, designed to be wall mounted; Figure 3 is a rear view of the outlet module of Figure 2; Figure 4 is a more detailed view of the electrical components of the outlet socket module; and Figure 5A to 5D form a schematic of the front face of an outlet socket module, being an alternative and preferred embodiment of the invention,

Description of the Embodiments

Referring to Figure 1, a satellite dish 2, comprising reflector and LNB, is mounted at the exterior of a domestic home. The dish provides four downconverted satellite polarised output signals HL, HH, VL and VH to respective inputs of a multiswitch 4. In addition various antennae are mounted on the house for receiving terrestrial broadcast signals, namely an FM aerial 6, a DAB aerial 8, and a Digital TV aerial 10. These terrestrial S.....

* signals, being of different frequencies, are combined in a combiner 12, and applied to a S.....

* single multiswitch input TV. A multiswitch is a commercially available unit, which is available with different functionalities, but the particular multiswitch depicted here incorporates a multiplexer for multiplexing the various inputs HL.. . .T\/ to provide a single signal at output SAT 1. In addition the satellite inputs HL...VH are combined to provide a signal at SAT2. Since the input signals are at different widely spaced frequencies, * namely 950 -2300 MHZ for the downconverted satellite signal, TV (UHF) 470 -862 * Mhz, and FM/DAB 85-230 MHz, it is possible to frequency multiplex the signals to a single output. The outputs SAT1, SAT2 are connected by respective coaxial leads 14, 16 to an outlet module 20.

Referring to Figures 1 to 3, it may be seen that leads 14, 16 are connected to a demultiplexer unit 22 mounted to the rear of a faceplate of the module. Demultiplexer unit 22 demultiplexes the signal on lead 14, and provides respective signal outputs to coaxial sockets 24 (SAT 1), 26 (N/UHF) and 28 (FM&DAB). In addition unit 22 couples the signal on lead 16 to coaxial socket 30 (SAT 2). A further coaxial socket 32 (RETURN IN) is provided, and a manual slide switch 34, together with a telephone extension point 36.

As may be seen in Figure 1, sockets 24 and 30 are coupled by coaxial leads to respective SAT I and SAT 2 terminals of a set-top box 40. Socket 26 is connected to the "Aerial in" terminal of the box, for TV/UHF signals. Box 40 has output terminals providing RF output signals, namely a first "RF out" terminal provides a TV signal to a N set 42, which is situated nearby to the box 40 and module 20. A second "RF out 2" terminal provides a N signal via a coaxial lead to return socket 32 in module 20. As shown in Figure 3, a coaxial lead 50 is coupled to the rear of socket 32, and this conducts, as schematically indicated in Figure 1, the TV signal to subsidiary outlets 52 elsewhere in the house.

The electrical components of the outlet module are shown in more detail in Figure 4. A demultiplexing circuit 54 is operative to separate the multiplexed signals on line 14, and to provide the separated satellite signal to coaxial socket 26 (SAT 1), the separated terrestrial N signal to socket 26, and the separated audio signal to socket 28 (FM & DAB). The SAT2 signal on line 16 is coupled directly to socket 30. The separated * terrestrial TV signal at socket 26 is also coupled, via a shielded conductive path 56, to * ** * ** * microswitch 34, and thence to return socket 32. **es * S S S. S

In the situation where the home owner does not wish to use the Satellite Television service, and may for example have disconnected the set-top box, and instead wishes to use the terrestrial broadcast signals, a problem arises when the home owner wishes to view or listen to the signal in other rooms served by subsidiary distribution points 52.

*sS SsS * Thus in operation, should the set-top box not be in use, then the user slides switch 34 to a first position in which the terrestrial TV may be conducted to subsidiary outlets 52.

Alternatively, in the case where the set-top box is operative, then the user slides switch 34 to a second position in which the terrestrial TV signals are disconnected from subsidiary outlets 52, but that TV satellite signals at return socket 32 may be viewed.

In a modification, the FM & DAB audio signals at socket 28 may also be coupled to switch 34. In further modifications, the manual slide switch may be replaced by a toggle switch, a switch which is operable by remote IR, or alternatively by a switch, e.g. relay, which is operable to electronically sense the presence of a satellite signal at return socket 32, in order to selectively enable/ disable the terrestrial outputs at the return socket.

In a preferred embodiment as shown in Figures 5A to 5D, an automatic manual employed. Similar parts to those in the preceding Figures have the same reference numeral. The face plate 60 of the module (Fig. 5A) is formed as frame for containing sub-modules 62 (Fig. 5B), 64, 66 (Fig. 5C), or 68, 70 (Fig. SD). Frame 60 is sized to accept a sub-module 62, containing the coaxial sockets similar to Fig. 1, together with a blank 68 or telephone socket 70 sub-module. Alternatively, frame 60 may contain a sub-module 64 containing the demultiplexed signal output sockets 24-30, together with a sub-module 66 containing the return socket 32, and one of sub-modules 68, 70.

In this embodiment, a switch is mounted on the rear side of module 66, within socket 32, and arranged so as to be operable when a return lead is plugged into the socket, this movement is transmitted to the switch, to alter the state of the switch. Thus, when there is no lead plugged into socket 32, the terrestrial TV signal from socket 28 is transmitted to subsidiary outlets. When however there is a lead is plugged into the socket, the state of the switch is changed, the terrestrial TV signal is decoupled from the return socket, *.fle.

* and a TV signal from the set-top box is coupled to the subsidiary outlets.

*** *** * . **** * S * S. S *555 * . . S. S S.. ISS

S S

For Figures 3 and 4 A. Micro switch capable of allowing the UHF TV Signal to be Split across to the return module sending the TV signal down the return cable.

B. Cable 2 is a direct connection to SAT 2 C. lncoming signals from multiswitches carrying TV/FM/DAB and Satellite Frequencies (Combined signals).

D. Circuit board connecting cable 2 to the SAT 2 on the socket.

E. Circuitry capable of uncombining [separating] the TV/FM/DAB and Satellite Signals, sending them to each individual tap.

F. The UHF Signal is permanently connected to the TV Tap along with the microswitch. (SI

6. Connections for telephone extension.

H. Connections for coaxial cable for return socket.

For Figure 5 I. Double module 2 gang grid.

J. The switch will now be on a spring in the IEC socket, it will break the connection to the TV. When there is no cable plugged in, it comes back on again.

K. ln the Double module 2 gang grid there is room for 4 x single grids, 3 x gouble grids or 1 x double & 1 x single grid. Therefore to fill the double module you would usually insert a blank plate or telephone grid.

L. Outlets that insert into the above module grid. This will be a triple grid.

(Sati, Sat2, TV, Radio and non isolated male on one grid, they are currently separate as shown).

Claims

CLAIMS1. An outlet socket module for use within a satellite television system, the module including a demultiplexer means for receiving and demultiplexing a multiplexed signal, which comprises a satellite signal from a satellite antenna and a terrestrial signal from one or more antennae of terrestrial broadcast systems, the outlet socket module including at least one outlet socket for coupling a demultiplexed satellite signal to a set-top box or the like, the outlet socket module including a return socket, for connection to the set-top box and to further outlets for distribution of an RF signal from the set-top box, and the outlet socket module including a signal path connected to the demultiplexer means, and arranged to receive a demultiplexed terrestrial signal, and the signal path being coupled to said return socket by way of a switch, whereby operation of the switch enables selective distribution of said terrestrial signal to said further outlets.
2. A module according to claim 1, wherein the switch is coupled between a signal take off point in the demultiplexer means for a terrestrial TV signal, and said return socket.
3. A module according to claim 2, wherein said switch is a user operable manual * .* *e* * switch. * *
4. A module according to claim 2, wherein said switch is associated with said return ° 25 socket, so that when an external lead is inserted into said return socket, the switch is caused to change state and disable distribution of said terrestrial signal to said further outlets. * * * *S SS

***..* *
5. A module according to claim 1, wherein the module comprises a wall socket to be mounted in a wall, and having a face plate comprising a frame for receiving a plurality of sub-modules, one sub-module including said at least one outlet socket for coupling the demultiplexed satellite signal to the set-top box, and another sub-module including said return socket and said switch.
6. Outlet socket modules substantially as described with reference to the accompanying drawings. * .*..... * * * * * ** S *5S* * * S S. S* S. O*S S