System and method for switching signals over twisted-pair wires

Abstract

A method and system for switching signals over conductors is disclosed. The method and system comprises a plurality of encoders for receiving signals from a plurality of sources. The system further comprises a crosspoint switching matrix means for receiving encoded signals from the plurality of encoders and for providing decoded signals to a plurality of receivers. The crosspoint switching matrix means in a preferred embodiment includes a control system for controlling multiple remote receivers.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A system for switching signals over conductors comprising: 
 a plurality of encoders for receiving a signals from a plurality of sources; and    a crosspoint switching matrix means for receiving encoded signals from the plurality of encoders and for providing signals to a plurality of receivers.    
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the plurality of sources comprises a plurality of audio/video sources.  
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the conductors comprise a twisted cable pair cable.  
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the crosspoint matrix means comprises: 
 a crosspoint switching matrix;  
 a local control coupled to the crosspoint switching matrix; and  
 a display coupled to the crosspoint switching matrix.  
 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1  which includes a control system coupled to crosspoint switching matrix.  
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5  wherein the control system comprises: 
 control circuitry coupled to the crosspoint switching matrix;  
 interface circuitry coupled between the crosspoint switching matrix and the conductors; and  
 a modem coupled between the crosspoint switching matrix.  
 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 6  wherein the control system includes a computer interface coupled to the control circuitry; and local control coupled to the control circuitry.