Importance

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Abstract

A system and method for multiplexing a plurality of digital programs for transmission to a plurality of remote locations is claimed. An encoder is provided that first generates a plurality of subframe data streams each comprising a continuous sequence of subframes. Each subframe in each subframe data stream comprises at least a transport layer region and a program data region. For each subframe data stream, portions of the program data region of each of the subframes in that subframe data stream are allocated to selected ones of the plurality of programs. Mapping information is provided in the transport layer region of each subframe for use by a decoder in extracting a selected program from each subframe. A multiplex data stream is then generated at the encoder that comprises a continuous sequence of superframes. Each superframe comprises a superframe transport layer region and a subframe data region. A portion of the subframe data region of each superframe is allocated to at least one subframe from each of the plurality of subframe data streams. A superframe map is then generated and transmitted with each superframe that specifies at least the location of each subframe within the superframe. The multiplex data stream is then transmitted to the plurality of remote locations. According to one embodiment, at an intermediate location, subframe data streams may be extracted from one multiplex data stream for re-routing within other multiplex data streams.

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First Claim