Method and apparatus for receiving digital television signals from a plurality of independent channels

A receiver for a digital video service network, the receiver comprising:

• an input for receiving an input signal representing a first digital television signal from a first transmission channel and a second digital television signal from a second transmission channel;
• first means for decoding the first digital television signal be selectively extracting a bit stream from the input signal describing the first digital television signal;
• second means for decoding the second digital televison signal by selectively extracting a bit stream from the input signal describing the second digital television signal;
• and
• means for providing an output signal reflective of a television program contained within either the first digital television of the second digital television signal.

A method for receiving digital television signals, the method comprising the steps of:

• receiving an input signal representing a first digital television signal from a first transmission channel and a second digital television signal from a second transmission channel;
• decoding at least the first digital television signal or the second digital television signal by selectively extracting bit streams from the input signal describing first or second digital television signal;
• and
• providing an output signal reflective of a television program contained within either the first digital television signal or the second digital television signal.

A method for receiving digital television signals, the method comprising the step of:

• receiving an input signal representing a first digital television from a first transmission channel and a second digital television signal from a second transmission channel;
• decoding the first digital television signal by selectively extracting a bit stream from the input signal describing the first digital television signal;
• decoding the second digital television signal by selectively extracting a bit stream from the input signal describing the second digital television signal;
• and
• providing an output signal reflective of a television program contained within either the first second digital television or the second digital television signal.