Multimedia cable with dedicated infrared channel

An assembly comprising:

• a first logic block configured to electrically couple with a proximal end of a cable, the cable comprising at least one channel configured for sending a control signal;
• a second logic block configured to electrically coupled with a distal end of the cable;
• a receiver electrically coupled to the first logic block, the receiver configured to receive an external signal;
• a transmitter electrically coupled to the second logic block, the transmitter configured to transmit the external signal,
• wherein each of the first logic block and the second logic block configured to switch the at least one channel between an inline mode and a bypass mode,
• wherein each of the first logic block and the second logic block configured to:
• sense the external signal,
• switch the at least one channel to the bypass mode,
• transmit the external signal,
• upon transmitting the external signal, switch the at least one channel to the inline mode.