Encoding system and encoder reallocation method

An encoding system which encodes signals having continuity supplied from a plurality of information sources and transmits the encoded signals onto a communication network, comprising:

• each of a plurality of encoders configured to encode a corresponding one of the signals and generate a packet containing a portion of the encoded signal, where the signals are at least one of video signals and audio signals;
• a matrix switch configured to direct the signals from the plurality of information sources to each of the plurality of encoders;
• and
• a network switch configured to transfer the packet output from any one of the plurality of encoders to another one of the plurality of encoders or to the communication network, wherein:
• the plurality of encoders are each classified as a first encoder which encodes the signal supplied from one of the plurality of information sources, or a second encoder which receives via the network switch the packet output from at least one of the first encoders and transfers the packet to the communication network and which, in the event of failure of one of the first encoders, replaces the failed first encoder, generates the packet by encoding the signal to be encoded by the failed first encoder, and transmits the packet via the network switch onto the communication network;
• when a failure occurs in either one of the first and second encoders through which the signal from a designated one of the plurality of information sources is routed, and the occurrence of the failure is detected by the other of the first and second encoders, the other encoder reallocates the plurality of encoders other than the failed encoder so as to act as the first encoder or second encoder for the respective ones of the plurality of information sources, and notifies each of the plurality of encoders of a result of the reallocation;
• and
• each of the plurality of encoders is set in accordance with the result of the reallocation to act as the first encoder or the second encoder for the signal supplied from one of the plurality of information sources.