System and method for transmitting and distributing audio or video data over a network system having multiple receivers

Abstract

A system for transmitting and distributing audio or video information. The system includes a multi-channel input module and multiple receivers arranged along at least one chain of high speed serial data links where each receiver can tap into a common set of digital channels generated by a transmitter. Each receiver can create its own user adjustable mix based on one or more signals from the common set of digital channels.

1 . A system for transmitting and distributing audio or video information, the system comprising:
 a multi-channel input module; and   a plurality of receivers,   wherein the multi-channel input module and the plurality of receivers are arranged along at least one chain of serial data links,   wherein each receiver is configured to tap into a common set of digital channels generated by a transmitter, and   wherein each receiver creates its own user adjustable mix based only on one or more signals from the common set of digital channels.   
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the signals include data signals that are in Ethernet format and are repeated along the receivers in a daisy-chained topology. 
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein each receiver includes a power supply with an isolated ground. 
   
   
       4 . A method for transmitting and distributing audio or video information using a multi-channel input module and a plurality of receivers arranged along at least one chain of serial data links, the method comprising:
 tapping into, at each receiver, a common set of digital channels generated by a transmitter; and   creating, at each receiver, a user adjustable mix based only on one or more signals from the common set of digital channels.   
   
   
       5 . A system for transmitting and distributing audio or video information, comprising:
 a multi-channel input module; and   a plurality of receivers,   wherein the multi-channel input module and the plurality of receivers are arranged in a daisy-chained topology using a plurality of serial data links,   wherein each receiver is configured to tap into a common set of digital channels generated by a transmitter, and   wherein each receiver is configured to create a user adjustable mix based only on one or more signals from the common set of digital channels.   
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the signals include data signals that are in Ethernet format. 
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein each receiver includes a power supply with an isolated ground. 
   
   
       8 . A system for transmitting, and distributing audio or video information, comprising:
 a multi-channel input module; and   a plurality of receivers,   wherein the multi-channel input module and the plurality of receivers are arranged in a star topology using a plurality of serial data links,   wherein each receiver is configured to tap into a common set of digital channels generated by a transmitter, and   wherein each receiver is configured to create a user adjustable mix based only on one or more signals from the common set of digital channels.   
   
   
       9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the signals include data signals that are in Ethernet format. 
   
   
       10 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein each receiver includes a power supply with an isolated ground.