Connection device

A connection device, comprising:

• a single first port to which is connected, via a bidirectional type cable, a transmitter which transmits image data or audio data;
• a plurality of second ports to which are connected, via respective bidirectional type cables, a plurality of receivers which receive the image data or audio data and output the image data or audio data as a replay signal;
• and
• a transmission control unit which links together the first port and any one of the plurality of the second ports;
• and wherein the transmission control unit comprises:
• a first acquisition means which acquires from the transmitter, via the first port, transmitter function information which specifies at least one of the functions of the transmitter during image output and the functions of the transmitter during audio output;
• a second acquisition means which acquires from each of the plurality of receivers, via its respective second port, receiver function information which specifies at least one of the functions of the receiver during image processing and the functions of the receiver during audio processing;
• a selection means which selects as an optimum receiver, from among the plurality of receivers, that receiver which is endowed with receiver function information closest to the transmitter function information;
• and
• a link means which links together the first port and that second port, among the plurality of second ports, which is connected to the optimum receiver;
• and wherein the link means relays the image data or the audio data which is transmitted between the transmitter and the optimum receiver.