AUTOMATIC TRANSCODER MODE SELECTOR

摘要

There is described an automatic transcoder mode selector (200) including an input (210) for receiving an input data stream and an output (220) for outputting a corresponding output data stream. The selector (200) includes two signal paths therein coupled from the input (210) to a switch (70), said switch (70) being switch able between the signal paths to generate the output data stream, one of the signal paths being without transcoder therein for providing a substantially direct connection from the input (210) to the switch (70). A transcoder (40) is included in one of the signal paths, said transcoder (40) thereby being interposed between the input (210) and the switch (70). The selector (200) further includes a controller (80) for monitoring the output data stream and being operable to control the switch (70) so as to automatically select amongst the signal paths so as to ensure that the output data stream is compatible with one or more data recording standards.