Dual-mode encoder, system including same, and method for generating infra-red signals
A dual-mode encoder. The encoder includes a logic device. The logic device includes a first input terminal for receiving a signal associated with an audio source, a second input terminal for receiving a mode instruction signal, and an output terminal for outputting an encoded signal. The logic device is configured to operate in a first mode by encoding the received associated signal according to a first protocol, and to operate in a second mode by encoding the received associated signal according to a second protocol.
1. An apparatus, comprising:
a dual-mode encoder, wherein the dual-mode encoder comprises:
a logic device, wherein the logic device comprises:
a first input terminal for receiving a signal associated with an audio source;
a second input terminal for receiving a mode instruction signal; and
an output terminal for outputting an encoded infra-red signal,
and wherein the logic device is configured to:
operate in a first mode by encoding the received associated signal according to a first protocol; and
operate in a second mode by encoding the received associated signal according to a second protocol.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the logic device comprises one of the following:
an application specific integrated circuit;
a complex programmable logic device;
a digital signal processor; and
a field-programmable gate array.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the logic device further comprises a plurality of input terminals, wherein different input terminals are for receiving different signals associated with different audio sources.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the logic device further comprises a plurality of output terminals, wherein different output terminals are for outputting different encoded infra-red signals.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein:
the encoded infra-red signal is decodable by an analog headphone if the encoded infra-red signal was encoded according to the first protocol; and
the encoded infra-red signal is decodable by a digital headphone if the encoded infra-red signal was encoded according to the second protocol.
6. A system, comprising:
a dual-mode encoder, wherein the dual-mode encoder comprises:
a logic device, wherein the logic device comprises:
a first input terminal for receiving a signal associated with an audio source;
a second input terminal for receiving a mode instruction signal; and
an output terminal for outputting an encoded signal,
and wherein the logic device is configured to:
operate in a first mode by encoding the received associated signal according to a first protocol; and
operate in a second mode by encoding the received associated signal according to a second protocol; and
an infra-red emitter connected to the dual-mode encoder.
7. The system of claim 6 , wherein the logic device comprises one of the following:
an application specific integrated circuit;
a complex programmable logic device;
a digital signal processor; and
a field-programmable gate array.
8. The system of claim 6 , wherein the infra-red emitter is configured to generate an infra-red signal based on the encoded signal output by the dual-mode encoder.
9. The system of claim 8 , wherein the generated infra-red signal is decodable by an analog headphone if the encoded signal was encoded according to the first protocol.
10. The system of claim 8 , wherein the generated infra-red signal is decodable by a digital headphone if the encoded signal was encoded according to the second protocol.
11. A method for generating an infra-red signal, the method comprising:
operating dual-mode encoder in a first mode of operation;
operating the dual-mode encoder in a second mode of operation if a mode instruction signal is received at the dual-mode encoder; and
generating an infra-red signal with an infra-red emitter based on an encoded signal received from the dual-mode encoder, wherein the generated infra-red signal is decodable by:
an analog headphone if the encoded signal was encoded while the dual-mode encoder was operating in the first mode; and
a digital headphone if the encoded signal was encoded while the dual-mode encoder was operating in the second mode.
12. The method of claim 11 , wherein operating the encoder in the first mode comprises encoding first signals according to a first protocol.
13. The method of claim 12 , wherein operating the encoder in the second mode comprises encoding second signals according to a second protocol.
14. The method of claim 11 , further comprising receiving the mode instruction signal at the encoder.
15. The method of claim 14 , wherein receiving the mode instruction signal comprises receiving a mode instruction signal generated by a remote control transmitter.
16. The method of claim 15 , wherein receiving the mode instruction signal generated by the remote control transmitter comprises receiving the mode instruction signal via a remote control receiver.
17. The method of claim 14 , wherein receiving the mode instruction signal comprises receiving a mode instruction signal generated by an audio source.
18. The method of claim 17 , wherein receiving the mode instruction signal generated by the audio source comprises receiving the mode instruction signal via an audio interface.