GB2344715A

GB2344715A - Multiple TV connection apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2344715A
Application number: GB9826725A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Leslie Rylett
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1998-12-05
Filing date: 1998-12-05
Publication date: 2000-06-14
Anticipated expiration: 2018-12-05
Also published as: GB9826725D0; GB2344715B

Abstract

A unit for connecting multiple television sets to a single aerial and video recorder. The unit includes a connector arranged to receive a connection from a frequency multiplexed television signal, such as that received from a terrestrial aerial 202. The unit also includes connectors 211, 212 connectable to a record input of a video recorder and to a playback output of a video recorder and at least two output connectors 213,214 are connectable to inputs of respective television sets TV1, TV2. The unit is configured to provide the record input of the video recorder with the frequency multiplexed TV signal and to provide said output connectors with a signal from the playback output of said video recorder.

Description

Combining Modulated Television Signals The present invention relates to connection apparatus for modulated television signals and to a method of combining modulated television signals.

The use of television receivers in domestic environments has expanded greatly in recent years. Furthermore, in addition to television signals being recevable via conventional terrestrial broadcasting, signals may also be received by orbiting satellites and from local storage devices, such as video tape recorders and disc players. Thus, a television viewer now has access to television material from a multiplicity of sources.

In recent years, the real cost of television receivers has reduced significantly and there is an increasing tendency towards installing two or more receivers being provided within a household. Thus, it is quite common for a smaller television receiver to be fitted in a kitchen and for similar television receivers to be placed in bedrooms. A multiplicity of television receivers allow different programmes to be viewed at different locations. In addition, viewers may prefer to allow the same television material to be made available at the multiplicity of locations. Thus, it is preferable for all of the television material sources to be made available to all of the available television receivers.

As the number of television sources increase, the wiring of such devices in order to make the television programmes accessible becomes a greater challenge. In particular, most devices of this type are configured so as to facilitate connection in a particular way, usually involving the connection to a single television set. Thus, problems can arise in that the equipment itself may not facilitate connecting many sources to many television receiving sets. Thus, a viewer may find it difficult to provide an optimum configuration, based on the equipment available and professional assistance may be required in re-wiring such a configuration. In this respect, equipment manufacturers may prove less than helpful given that their preference would be for a consumer to purchase additional receiving equipment.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided connection apparatus for modulated television signals, comprising input means configured to receive a connection from a terrestrial television aerial ; video connectors connectable to a record input of a video recorder and to a playback output of a video recorder; and at least two output connectors connectable to aerial inputs of respective television sets, wherein said apparatus is configured to (a) combine a modulated output signal from a video recorder with modulated signals received from said aerial connection to form a composite video multiplex ; and (b) supply said composite video multiplex to said output connectors.

Thus, an advantage of the present invention is that it allows television signals derived from an aerial and derived from a video recorder to be supplied to more than one television receiver. Furthermore, the apparatus facilitates the connection of apparatus into this enhanced configuration, such that a viewer may connect the apparatus correctly by following specific instructions without having to work out an appropriate wiring scheme.

In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus is configured to be attached to a wall, wherein the input means is configured to receive a television signal from behind the wall.

Preferably, the multiplex television signal is received from a terrestrial aerial but in an alternative embodiment, the multiplex television signal is received from a cable television system.

Preferably, the apparatus includes means connectable to a decoder to produce a composite multiplex signal including an output from said decoder.

In a preferred embodiment, a first composite multiplex is received from said decoder and supplied to a video recorder and a second composite multiplex signal is received from said video recorder including channels derived from said decoder and said recorder.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of combining modulated television signals, comprising the steps of connecting a terrestrial television aerial to a connection apparatus; connecting video connectors to said connection apparatus, wherein connections are made to a record input of a video recorder and to a playback output of a video recorder; and connecting at least two television sets to said connection apparatus, wherein said connection apparatus combines a modulated output from a video recorder with modulated signals received from said aerial connections to form a composite video multiplex and to supply said composite video multiplex to said output connectors.

As used herein, the term"video multiplex"relates to television broadcast type signals modulated by different carrier frequencies, thereby allowing said frequencies to be conveyed over coaxial cable as a frequency division multiplex. Furthermore, at least one additional signal derived from a video tape recorder is added to the standard multiplex derived from a broadcast receiver aerial.

The invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which; Figure 1 shows a domestic environment in which a viewer has access to a television receiver ; Figure 2 shows a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of the embodiment shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 shows an enhanced front panel similar to the front panel shown in Figure 1 ; Figure 5 shows an embodiment implementing the front panel identified in Figure 4; Figure 6 shows an alternative embodiment for using the front panel of Figure 4; Figure 7 shows a schematic representation of the embodiment shown in Figure 5; Figure 8 shows a second alternative embodiment using the front panel of Figure 4; and Figure 9 shows the schematic representation of the embodiment shown in Figure 8.

A domestic environment is shown in Figure 1, in which a viewer has access to a television receiver 101, a video recorder 102, a satellite decoder 103 and an audio system 104. A mains electricity supply for powering the equipment is provided by means of a socket 105 and a similar socket 106 is connected to the conventional terrestrial aerial, configured to receive modulated UHF television broadcasts.

The viewer has had a satellite system fitted and an input dish aerial connection 107 is received from the satellite dish, which would normally be connected directly into the satellite decoder 103. When propedy connected, the viewer may view television signals on television receiver 101 derived from conventional broadcasts via socket 106, from satellite transmission, via connection 107 or from the video recorder 102. The video recorder 102 and the satellite decoder 103 include connections so as to allow all of these sources to direct signals to the television receiver 101.

However, in addition to this, the viewer wishes to supply all of these signals to another television receiver in another room via a coaxial cable 108.

The output from socket 106 could be split so as to supply television signals to both television set 101 and to distribution cable 108. However, with a modification of this type in place, it is only possible for the broadcast signals to be supplied to cable 108 with signals derived from decoder 103 and video tape recorder 102 only being available locally. Alternative configurations may be possible in which additional signals are supplied over cable 108 but the exercise of working out an appropriate cable run becomes demanding, particularly for viewers who not regularly exposed to problems of this type.

The present invention seeks to provide assistance when connecting television related apparatus of the type shown in Figure 1. In particular, there is provided a connection apparatus for modulated television signals in which a connection box receives a connection from a terrestrial television aerial.

This is in itself known and is equivalent to socket 106 shown in Figure 1.

However, in addition to providing a single television output, the connection apparatus includes video connectors connectable to a record input of a video recorder and to a playback output of a video recorder (normally the same video recorder). The connection apparatus also provides at least two output connectors connectable to aerial inputs of respective television sets. The apparatus itself is configured to combine modulated outputs from the video recorder with modulated signals received from the aerial connection so as to form a composite video multiplex. This composite video multiplex is then supplied to the output connectors for the two or more television sets.

As used in herein, a composite video multiplex refers to a frequency multiplexed arrangement in which a plurality of channels received from a terrestrial broadcast have additional channels included within the multiplex. In this way, it is possible for conventional television receivers to receive additional channels in a substantially similar to that provided for receiving broadcast channels. Thus, by using the standard broadcast frequency multiplexing approach, K is possible to readily combine signals from different sources, given that these signals will not mutually interfere if they occupy different frequency bands within the overall transmission spectrum.

A first embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 2. A house has been built such that a cable 201 from a terrestrial television aerial is located behind a wall and then made accessible through socket 106. In a preferred embodiment, socket 106 is removed and is replace by a connection unit, as shown in Figure 2, having a mounting box 202 and a front panel 203. Aerial cable 201 is removed from socket 106 and connected to the back of front panel 203, through mounting box 202. Mounting box 202 is attached to the wall and front panel 203 is then secured to mounting box 202 by means of screws 204.

Socket 106 is provided with a single television output. Similar sockets are known in which two outputs may be provided, usually a first intended for UHS television signals and a second intended for VHF radio signals. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the connection unit has four coaxial connections. A first connection 211 is marked"TO: Video In"and this is connected to the record input of video recorder 102. A second coaxial connection 212 is marked"FROM: Video Out"and this is connected to the video output of the video recorder 102. A third connection 213 provides a composite output to a first television set, marked"TO : TV1"and a fourth connection 214 provides a composite output to a second television set, marked"TO : TV2". Thus, television set 101 may be connected to output 213 with cable 108 being connected to output 214. In this way, both television set 101 and the remote television set receive a composite multiplex, such that all of the terrestrial broadcast signals may be supplied to both television sets and, in addition, output signals from video recorder 102 may also be supplied to both television sets.

The embodiment shown in Figure 2 and the more sophisticated embodiments disclosed subsequently, operate in accordance with two fundamental configuration principles. First of all, when installing the apparatus, a viewer should initiate the process from the bottom left socket.

From this bottom left socket, the viewer progresses upwards vertically until all sockets in that particular vertical section have been attached. The viewer then moves on to the next vertical section to the right, again starting from the bottom and working up. In this way, the connections are made correctly, to achieve correct operation of the system and, at the same time, a construction of appropriate instructions to the viewer is facilitated. Thus, the apparatus would be included with a simple to follow instruction leaflet explaining how the apparatus is to be configured.

Secondly, the indications applied to each socket are consistent with similar wording at the other end of the appropriate cable being connected.

Each socket is identifie as a signal going to other equipment or as a signal coming from other equipment. Thus, socket 211 is the socket which requires a cable to go to the input of the video, ie video in. In this way, the viewer does not have to think in terms of an output from one apparatus going to the input of another apparatus. Legends placed on the unit are consistent, such that "video in"of the connection unit goes to the video input of the video machine.

Typical instructions for assembly would be set out as follows: "Attach plug 221 to video in socket 211. Attach the other end of the cable to the aerial input of the video equipment. Attach socket 222 to video out socket 212. Attach the other end of this cable to the output (normally to television) from the video recorder.

Attach plug 223 to socket 213 (TO TV1) and attach the other end of this cable to the local television set. Connect plug 224 to socket 214 and attach the other end of this cable to a second television set".

Thus, in addition to providing the required functionality, the unit is configured so as to facilitate its actual connection by inexperienced viewers, thereby avoiding the necessity for employing expensive technicians to connect the apparatus.

The wiring of front panel 203 is detailed in Figure 3. TV aerial cable 201 is connected to video output socket 211 via an intemal cable 301, resulting in the aerial output being supplied to the video recorder 102. The video signal from tape is then included within the multiplex and the resulting composite is retumed from the video recorder to video input 212. This signal is then distributed to output sockets 213 and 214 via an intemal cable 302, such that both television sets connected to the box receive the complete composite multiplex.

An alternative embodiment is shown in Figure 4 that is also configured to receive connections for the satellite decoder 103. In this way, signals from the satellite decoder 103 are also added to the television frequency multiplex such that, from both television receiver 101 and from the remote television receiver connected to cable 108, it is possible to view terrestrial television signals, satellite television signals and signals derived from the video recorder 102. In addition, the unit need not receive an aerial cable from behind a wall and sockets are provided to facilitate front panel connection.

The front panel is divided into four sections the first of which is labelle "FOR AERIAL", a second of which is labelled"DECODER", a third of which is labelled"VIDEO"and the fourth of which is labeled"TV/AUDIO". Following the philosophy of the first embodiment, connections are established working from the bottom left comer upwards to the top right comer. Thus, aerial connections are made first, followed by connections for the satellite decoder, followed by connections for the video tape recorder, followed by connections for the television sets and a VHF radio set.

Front panel 401 may be used in a wall mounted configuration, as shown in Figures 5 and 6 or in a free standing configuration as shown in Figure 8.

A viewer is instructed to connect coaxial cable to the sockets of the front panel in a methodical manner, thereby assisting the viewer and ensuring that correct connections are made. Satellite dish output 107 is connected to the satellite dish input 402, labelled"FROM : Satellite Dish".

When required, this is then followed by the terrestrial aerial coaxial cable being connected to socket 403 labelled"FROM : TV Aerial"After this connection has been made, the coaxial cable from a radio antenna may be connected up to socket 404 labelled"FROM : Radio Antenna". In altemative configurations, these aerial input signals may be received from behind the unit and sockets 402,403 and 404 may be blocked off by means of respective blocking caps, as appropriate.

Satellite decoder 103 is provided with three coaxial connections, a first for the satellite input, a second for receiving a terrestrial input and a third for providing an output to a video recorder. These three sockets are replicated by sockets 415,416 and 417 in the front panel 401, thereby allowing the three sockets of the satellite decoder to be connected directly to substantially equivalent sockets within the front panel 401. Thus, the satellite in socket of the decoder is connected to satellite in socket 415 labelled TO : Decoder Input."Similarly the TV aerial in socket of the decoder is connected to socket 416 labelled"TO : TV Input"and the video output socket of the decoder is connected to socket 417 labelled"FROM : Video In".

The connections to sockets 421 and 422 for the video recorder are substantially similar to sockets 211 and 212 shown in Figure 2 and sockets 423 and 424 for the TV/Audio sets are substantially similar to sockets 213 and 214 shown in Figure 2. Additional socket 425 is provided for a connection to a VHF radio, possibly contained within audio unit 104.

An embodiment using panel 401 is shown in Figure 5. The front panel 401 is mounted onto a mounting box 501, including an insert portion 502 configured to be received within a single socket orifice 503. Thus, mounting block 501 may be used to replace an existing socket, such as socket 106, in a configuration substantially similar to that shown in Figure 2, but with enhanced functionality. In this configuration, terrestrial aerial wire 201 is received from behind and socket 403 is then obscured by a blanking plug 504.

A second embodiment using front panel 401 is shown in Figure 6. In this embodiment, a full size mounting block 601 is used, configured to be received within a wider wall orifice 602. This arrangement is designed for applications in which all of the aerial inputs are received from behind, in the form of terrestrial cable 201, satellite cable 601 and an FM radio cable 602.

Consequently, sockets 402,403 and 404 are covered by blanking plus 605, 606 and 607. These plugs may be removed as required, as shown by blanking plug 607. In this configuration, no connections are required to the front panel sockets in the AERIAL section and sockets of the remaining sections are connected in a way substantially similar to that described with reference to Figure 4.

A schematic representation of the unit shown in Figures 5 and 6, when connected to co-operating equipment, is detailed in Figure 7. Socket 404 receiving an input from a radio antenna is connected to socket 425, providing a signal to a radio set, via an intemal cable 701. Socket 402 from the satellite dish is connected by an intemal cable 702 to the decoder input socket 415.

The satellite signal is thereby conveyed by an extemal cable 703 to the satellite decoder 103. The satellite decoder 103 also receives terrestrial television signals via an extemal cable 704 connected to socket 417.

Intemally, socket 417 is connected by an intemal cable 705 to socket 403, which in tum receives an input from the terrestrial aerial via cable 201.

Satellite decoder 103 provides an output over an external cable 706 to socket 416. Intemally, socket 416 is connected by intemal cable 707 to socket 422, providing an output to video tape recorder 102 over an extemal cable 708. An output from video tape recorder 102 is provided over extemal cable 709 to socket 421. Intemally, socket 421 is connected to television output sockets 424 and 425 by means of an intemal cable 710.

In operation, several television channels will be received by means of the terrestrial aerial and supplied, as a frequency division multiplex, to socket 417. The satellite decoder 103 tunes into a specific satellite channel and then re-modulates this onto an unused television channel thereby creating a composite frequency multiplex, in which the decoded signals appears to a television set in a manner substantially similar to a conventional broadcast signal. This decoding and re-modulating process my also be performed with other types of decoders, such as those configured to de-modulate digitally encoded television signals.

The satellite plus terrestrial composite multiplex is conveyed over internal cable 707 to socket 422 and is then conveyed to the input of video tape recorder 402. At video tape recorder 402 a further channel is exploited for conveying a modulated version of the video output signal. Thus, a composite multiplex is supplied to socket 421 consisting of the terrestrial broadcast signal, an output from the satellite decoder 103 and an output from the video tape recorder 102. These signals are then made available to both Television 1 and Television 2 via output sockets 423 and 424 respectively. In this way, both of the television sets receive the complete composite multiplex.

Thus, in practice, by using the tuning controls available to the television sets themselves, it is possible for both of the television sets to tune in to all of the terrestrial signals, an output from the satellite decoder and an output from the video tape recorder.

A third embodiment using front panel 401 is shown in Figure 8. Front panel 401 is attached to a free-standing moulded block 801 and all aerial connections are made via front panel sockets 402,403 and 404. The block is connected in a manner substantially similar to connections for the embodiment shown in Figure 6. In addition, mains wire 802 is connected to a mains supply in order to provide power to an intemal amplifying circuit. Power to the intemal amplifying circuit is controlled via a switch 803 and an LED 804 is illuminated when power is being received. The intemal amplifier amplifies signals provided to the television sets and the gain of the amplifier is controllable by means of a gain control 805.

A schematic representation of the embodiment shown in Figure 8 is detailed in Figure 9. The connections of Figure 9 are substantially similar to those described with respect to Figure 7. However, the composite multiplex supplied to input socket 421 is conveyed to output sockets 423 and 424 via amplifier 901 of the type used for amplifying signals received from terrestrial aerials. The amplifier, including operational amplifier chips, includes variable resistance negative feed back devices allowing the gain of the amplifier to be controlled by means of gain control device 805.

Claims

Claims 1. Connection apparatus for modulated television signals, comprising input means configured to receive a connection from a frequency multiplexed television signal ; video connectors connectable to a record input of a video recorder and to a playback output of a video recorder; and at least two output connectors connectable to inputs of respective television sets, wherein said apparatus is configured to: (a) combine a modulated output from a video recorder with modulated signals received from said television multiplex to form a composite video multiplex ; and (b) supply said composite video multiplex to said output connectors.
2. Connection apparatus according to claim 1, configured to be attached to a wall, wherein said input means is configured to receive said television signal from behind said wall.
3. Connection apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said multiplex television signal is received from a terrestrial aerial.
4. A connection apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said multiplex television signal is received from a cable television system.
5. Connection apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 4, including means connectable to a decoder to produce a composite multiplex signal including an output from said decoder.
6. Connection apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a first composite multiplex is received from said decoder and supplied to a video recorder and a second composite multiplex is received from said video recorder including channels derived from said decoder and said recorder.
7. Connection apparatus according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein said decoder decodes satellite signals.
8. Connection apparatus according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein said decoder decodes digitally encoded television signals.
9. Connection apparatus according to any of claims 5 to 8, including means configured to receive an aerial cable and a satellite cable from behind a wall.
10. Connection apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 9, including a socket for a VHF aerial input and a socket for a VHF radio output.
11. Connection apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 10, including amplifying means of amplifying said composite multiplex signal.
12. A method for combining modulated television signals, comprising the steps of connecting a terrestrial television aerial to a connection apparatus ; connecting video connectors to said connection apparatus, wherein connections are made to a record input of a video recorder and to a playback output of a video recorder, and connecting at least two television sets to said connection apparatus, wherein said connection apparatus combines a modulated output from a video recorder with modulated signals received from said aerial connections to form a composite video multiplex and to supply said composite video multiplex to said output connectors.
13. A method according to claim 12, including steps of attaching the connection apparatus to a wall and receiving said television signal from behind said wall.
14. A method according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein said multiplex signal is received from a terrestrial aerial.
15. A method according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein said multiplex television signal is received from a cable television system.
16. A method according to any of claims 12 to 15, wherein a connection means is connected to a decoder configured to produce a composite multiplex signal including an output from said decoder.
17. A method according to claim 16, wherein a first composite multiplex is received from said decoder and supplied to a video recorder and a second composite multiplex is received from said video recorder including channels derived from said decoder and said recorder.
18. A method according to claim 16 or claim 17, wherein said decoder decodes satellite signals.
19. A method according to claim 16 or claim 17, wherein said decoder encodes digitally encoded television signals.
20. A method of distributing a television signal to a plurality of television sets substantially as herein described, with reference to Figures 2 to 9.

20. A method according to any of claims 16 to 19, wherein an aerial cable and a satellite cable are received from behind a wall.

21. A method according to any of claims 12 to 20, including the step of connecting a VHF radio to the device.

22. A method according to any of claims 12 to 21, wherein said composite multiplex signal is amplifie.

23. Connection apparatus for modulated television signals substantially as herein described, with reference to Figures 2 to 9.

24. A method of combining modulated television signals substantially as herein described, with reference to Figures 2 to 9.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows

1. Apparatus for distributing television signals comprising a box-like housing having a plurality of connection means, said connection means including input means configured to receive a connection from a frequency multiplexed television signal ; video connectors connectable to a record input of a video recorder and to a playback output of a video recorder; and at least two output connectors connectable to inputs of respective television sets, wherein said apparatus is configured to: (a) provide said record input of a video recorder with a signal from said frequency multiplexed television signal source, and (b) provide said output connectors with a signal from said playback output.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, configured to be attached to a wall, wherein said input means is configured to receive said television signal from behind said wall.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said multiplexed television signal is received from a terrestrial aerial.

4. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said multiplexed television signal is received from a cable television system.

5. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said multiplexed television signal is received from a satellite decoder

6. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said multiplexed television signal is received from a digital television signal decoder.

7. Apparatus according to claim 2, including means configured to receive an aerial cable and a satellite cable from behind said wall.

8. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 7, including a socket for a VHF aerial input and a socket for a VHF radio output.

9. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 8, including amplifying means for amplifying said signal from said playback output

10. A method of distributing a television signal to a plurality of television sets, including the steps of providing apparatus for distributing television signals comprising a box-like housing having a plurality of connection means, said connection means including input means, video connectors and output connectors; supplying a frequency multiplexed television signal to said input means ; connecting said video connectors to a record input of a video recorder and to a playback output of a video recorder; and connecting at least two output connectors to inputs of respective television sets, wherein said apparatus is configured to (a) provide said record input of a video recorder with a signal from said frequency multiplexed television signal source, and (b) provide said output connectors with a signal from said playback output.

11. A method according to claim 10, including steps of attaching said box-like housing to a wall and receiving said television signal from behind said wall.

12. A method according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein said multiplexed signal is received from a terrestrial aerial.

13. A method according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein said multiplexed television signal is received from a cable television system.

14. A method according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein said multiplexed television signal is received from a satellite decoder.

15. A method according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein said multiplexed television signal is received from a digital television signal decoder.

16. A method according to claim 11, wherein an aerial cable and a satellite cable are received from behind a wall.

17. A method according to any of claims 10 to 16, wherein said apparatus includes a socket for a VHF radio output and said method includes the step of connecting a VHF radio to said VHF radio output.

18. A method according to any of claims 10 to 17, wherein said apparatus includes amplifying means and said signal from said playback output is amplified.

19. Apparatus for distributing television signals substantially as herein described, with reference to Figures 2 to 9.