WO2008114936A1

WO2008114936A1 - Mdu broadcasting signal distribution system with common set-top box

Info

Publication number: WO2008114936A1
Application number: PCT/KR2008/000906
Authority: WO
Inventors: Do-Hong Kwon
Original assignee: Kaonmedia Co Ltd
Current assignee: Kaonmedia Co Ltd
Priority date: 2007-03-20
Filing date: 2008-02-15
Publication date: 2008-09-25
Anticipated expiration: 2009-09-20
Also published as: EP2123029A1; KR100803396B1; EP2123029A4

Abstract

Provided is an MDU broadcasting signal distribution system that receives a broadcasting signal through a single broadcasting receiving antenna in a multiplex house or building where an IP network is provided and then transmits the broadcasting signal to each MDU set-top box through IP network. In a user side, a set-top box is connected to a broadcasting signal converting device so as to receive a broadcasting signal through the broadcasting signal converting device such that broadcasting can be provided. According to the invention, when an IP network is provided in a multiplex house or building, a set-box is connected to IP network through a broadcasting signal converting device without a dish-shaped antenna or cable being separately installed. Therefore, broadcasting signals are more effectively distributed to each home, and users can watch desired broadcasting. Further, as IGMP is applied, broadcasting can be selectively provided to set-top boxes belonging to a specific group.

Description

MDU BROADCASTING SIGNAL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM WITH COMMON SET-TOP BOX

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to an MDU (Multi-Dwelling Unit) broadcasting signal distribution system, and more specifically, to a broadcasting signal distribution system that receives a broadcasting signal through a single broadcasting receiving antenna in a multiplex house or building where an IP network is provided and then transmits the broadcasting signal to each MDU set-top box through IP network. In a user side, a set- top box is connected to a broadcasting signal converting device so as to receive a broadcasting signal through the broadcasting signal converting device such that broadcasting can be provided. Background Art

[2] MDU is an Internet connection device used in a large-scale residence, MDU being capable of connecting users to the Internet by using an existing telephone line or an IP network installed in a multiplex house or building.

[3] Recently, the number of apartments and houses provided with the Internet environment is gradually increasing. Therefore, although an Internet line is not separately installed in each home, the Internet can be used once a computer is connected to a line which has been already provided in the home.

[4] As such, the Internet can be used by using IP network within the multiplex house.

However, in order to receive satellite broadcasting, DMB (Digital Multimedia Broadcasting), and cable broadcasting, a broadcasting receiving antenna needs to be installed separately from IP network, or a coaxial cable line is separately needed.

[5] Recently, an MDU set-top box has been developed, which can receive a broadcasting signal through IP network. However, when the MDU set-top box is connected to an Internet line installed in each home so as to receive broadcasting, a broadcasting signal distribution system, which can effectively receive a broadcasting signal and distribute and manage the broadcasting signal, is needed in order to watch satellite broadcasting, DMB, and cable broadcasting in each home through IP network installed in a multiplex house.

[6] Further, since set-top boxes which receive broadcasting frequency signals through a tuner are widely spread rather than IP set-top boxes which can receive broadcasting signals through an IP network, there is demand for a system which can receive broadcasting provided through IP network while utilizing existing set-top boxes which receive broadcasting signals through a tuner. Disclosure of Invention

Technical Problem

[7] An advantage of the present invention is that it provides a broadcasting signal distribution system which receives broadcasting signals through a single antenna, effectively distributes the broadcasting signals to set-top boxes installed in a multiplex house or building where an IP network is provided, and receives broadcasting signals provided through IP network by using general frequency signal receiving set-top boxes. Technical Solution

[8] According to an aspect of the invention, an MDU broadcasting signal distribution system comprises a broadcasting signal receiving unit that receives a broadcasting signal; an MDU module that divides multi-channel signals included in the broadcasting signal into broadcasting signals for respective channels, packetizes the broadcasting signals for the respective channels by applying UDP (User Datagram Protocol), allocates IP addresses to the respective channels of the broadcasting signals so as to generate an IP mapping table, and then packetizes the IP mapping table to transmit in a multicast manner together with the packetized broadcasting signals; a switch unit that receives the packet signal from the MDU module and distributes the packet signal as one or more signals to transmit; a broadcasting signal converting unit that receives the IP mapping table from the switch unit to store, acquires an IP address corresponding to a broadcasting channel by referring to the IP mapping table when the broadcasting channel is selected by an external manipulation, is connected to the IP address corresponding to the broadcasting channel so as to receive the packet signal, extracts the broadcasting signals from the packet signal, and modulates the extracted broadcasting signals into broadcasting frequency band broadcast waves to transmit; and a set-top box that receives the broadcasting frequency band signals from the broadcasting signal converting device through an internal tuner, demultiplexes/decodes the broadcasting frequency band signals so as to extract broadcasting A/V data, and then converts the broadcasting A/V data into A/V signals to output to the outside.

[9] According to another aspect of the invention, an MDU broadcasting signal distribution system comprises a broadcasting signal receiving unit that receives a broadcasting signal; an MDU module that divides multi-channel signals included in the broadcasting signal into broadcasting signals for respective channels, packetizes the broadcasting signals for the respective channels by applying UDP, allocates IP addresses to the respective channels of the broadcasting signals so as to generate an IP mapping table, and then packetizes the IP mapping table to transmit in a multicast manner together with the packetized broadcasting signals; a switch unit that receives the packet signal from the MDU module and distributes the packet signal as one or more signals to transmit; a broadcasting signal converting unit that receives the IP mapping table from the switch unit to store, acquires an IP address corresponding to a broadcasting channel by referring to the IP mapping table when the broadcasting channel is selected by an external manipulation, is connected to the IP address corresponding to the broadcasting channel so as to receive a packet signal, and extracts MPEG-encoded broadcasting signals from the packet signal to output to the outside; and a set-top box that receives the MPEG-encoded broadcasting signals from the broadcasting signal converting device through a built-in MPEG port, decodes the MPEG-encoded broadcasting signals so as to extracts broadcasting A/V data, and converts the extracted broadcasting A/V data into A/V signals to output to the outside.

Advantageous Effects

[10] According to the present invention, when an IP network is provided in a multiplex house or building, a set-box is connected to IP network through a broadcasting signal converting device without a dish-shaped antenna or cable being separately installed.

Therefore, broadcasting signals are more effectively distributed to each home, and users can watch desired broadcasting. [11] Further, as IGMP is applied, broadcasting can be selectively provided to set- top boxes belonging to a specific group.

Brief Description of the Drawings [12] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an MDU broadcasting signal distribution system according to an embodiment of the invention. [13] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of an MDU module according to the invention. [14] FIGS. 3 A and 3B are block diagrams showing the internal configuration of a broadcasting signal converting device according to the invention. [15] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a set-top box according to the invention. [16] FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing an operation between the MDU module and an L3 switch according to the invention. [17] FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing an operation between the L3 switch and a broadcasting signal converting device according to the invention. [18] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the structure of UDP data including MPEG-2 TS according to the invention.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention [19] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [20] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an MDU broadcasting signal distribution system according to an embodiment of the invention.

[21] As shown in FIG. 1, the MDU broadcasting signal distribution system includes a broadcasting signal receiving unit 100, an MDU module 200, a switch 300, a plurality of broadcasting signal converting devices 400, and a plurality of set-top boxes 500.

[22] The broadcasting signal receiving unit 100 is a device for receiving a broadcasting signal transmitted from outside, and a dish-shaped antenna or the like for receiving a satellite signal may be used as the broadcasting signal receiving unit 100. The broadcasting signal receiving unit 100 can receive satellite-broadcasting such as DVB- S or DVB-S2, terrestrial, and cable broadcasting signals.

[23] The MDU module 200 receives a broadcasting signal from the broadcasting signal receiving unit 100 and then divides multi-channel signals, included in the broadcasting signal, into broadcasting signals for respective channels. Further, the MDU module 200 allocates IP addresses to the divided broadcasting signals for the respective channels and generates an IP mapping table such that the broadcasting signals for the respective channels and information on the IP addresses corresponding to the broadcasting signals can be grasped.

[24] The MDU module 200 packetizes the broadcasting signals for the respective channels by applying UDP (User Datagram Protocol). Further, since a set-top box receiving broadcasting signals select a broadcasting channel by referring to the IP mapping table, the MDU module 200 should transmit the IP mapping table to the set- top box. For this, the MDU module 200 packetizes the IP mapping table.

[25] Finally, the MDU module 200 outputs the packetized broadcasting signals and the packetized IP mapping table to the outside. In this case, the MDU module 200 transmits the packet signals in a multicast manner such that only set-top boxes belonging to a specific group which has joined the service can receive the packet signals.

[26] The switch unit 300 receives the packet signal from the MDU module 200 to distribute as one or more signals. The switch unit 300 includes a plurality of L3 switches 310 and a plurality of L2 switches 320.

[27] Each of the L3 switches 310 is directly connected to the MDU module 200 and receives a packet signal from the MDU module 200 to distribute to the L2 switches 320. Each of the L2 switches 320 is directly connected to a plurality of set-top boxes 500 through an Ethernet network and receives the packet signal from the L3 switch to transmit to the respective broadcasting signal converting devices 400.

[28] In this case, when the L3 switch 310 receives an IGMP (Internet Group

Management Protocol) customer registration signal from a broadcasting signal converting device 400 through the L2 switch 320, the L3 switch 300 transmits a cor- responding packet signal to the L2 switch connected to the broadcasting signal converting device 400, with a destination being set to the broadcasting signal converting device 400.

[29] IGMP is a communication protocol for implementing IP multicast. A router receiving a multicast packet transmits the packet to only an LAN segment connected to a PC which has declared the reception through IGMP. That is, the L3 switch 310 serving as a router transmits a packet signal to only a broadcasting signal converting device 400 which has sent an IGMP customer registration signal.

[30] When the L3 switch 310 transmits a packet signal in a multicast manner, an additional load does not occur except that IGMP control signals are transmitted and received between the L3 switch 310 and the broadcasting signal converting device 400, because the multicast IP is fixedly used. Therefore, the load is not larger than when RTSP (Real-Time Streaming Protocol) is used.

[31] The broadcasting signal converting device 400 receives an IP mapping table from the switch unit 300 and the stores the IP mapping table. When a broadcasting channel is selected by an external manipulation of a remote control or the like, the broadcasting signal converting device 400 acquires an IP address corresponding to the broadcasting channel by referring to the IP mapping table. Further, the broadcasting signal converting device 400 is connected to the IP address so as to receive a packet signal and then extracts an MPEG-encoded broadcasting signal from the packet signal.

[32] Then, the broadcasting signal converting device 400 provides the extracted broadcasting signal to the set-top box 500. In the present invention, two embodiments are implemented to provide the broadcasting signal to a set-top box 500 which is not directly to an IP network.

[33] According to a first embodiment, a broadcasting signal received/extracted through

IP network is converted into a broadcasting frequency band signal which a general set- top box 500 can receive through a tuner. To implement this configuration, the broadcasting signal converting device 400 modulates the extracted broadcasting signal into a broadcast wave with a broadcasting frequency band and then transmits the modulated broadcast wave to the set-top box 500.

[34] According to a second embodiment, the broadcasting signal converting device 400 outputs a broadcasting signal received/extracted through IP network to the outside as it is, the broadcasting signal being an MPEG-encoded broadcasting signal. Further, a set- top box 500 is provided with a separate MPEG port through which the MPEG-encoded broadcasting signal is received from the broadcasting signal converting device 400. The set-top box 500 directly delivers the MPEG-encoded broadcasting signal to video and audio encoders within the set-top box 500 so as to reproduce an A/V signal.

[35] As described above, the set-top box 500 receives a broadcasting signal from the broadcasting signal converting device through the tuner mounted therein or receives an MPEG-encoded broadcasting signal through the MPEG port.

[36] Further, the set-top box 500 demultiplexes/decodes or directly decodes the broadcasting signal so as to extract broadcasting A/V data. Then, the set-top box converts the extracted broadcasting A/V data into an A/V signal such that a user can watch broadcasting.

[37] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the MDU module according to the invention.

[38] As shown in FIG. 2, the MDU module 200 includes a plurality of distribution modules 210, a plurality of TS-to-IP processing modules 220, a control module 230, and a switch module 240.

[39] A broadcasting signal received through the broadcasting signal receiving unit 100 is distributed to the respective distribution modules 210. In a case of satellite broadcasting, each transponder transmits a broadcasting signal separately. To process a signal transmitted from each transponder, a distribution module 200 corresponding to the transponder separately processes the signal.

[40] The TS-to-IP processing modules 220 are connected to the respective distribution modules 210 and receive broadcasting signals from the distribution modules 210. Each of the TS-to-IP processing modules 220 includes a demultiplexer 221 which extracts a multi program transport stream (MPTS) from a broadcasting signal input through the distribution module 210 and then demultiplexes the MPTS into single program transport streams (SPTS); an IP mapping table generating section 222 which imparts IP addresses to the respective channels of the demultiplexed broadcasting signals so as to generate an IP mapping table; and a protocol processing section 223 which applies UDP to the demultiplexed broadcasting signals for the respective channel and the IP mapping table so as to generate a packet signal.

[41] Now, the respective sections of the TS-to-IP processing module 200 will be described in more detail.

[42] The demultiplexer 221 receives a broadcasting signal from the broadcasting signal receiving unit 100 and demultiplexes MPTS included in the broadcasting signal into SPTS. That is, the demultiplexer 211 divides a broadcasting signal including several programs into single program signals.

[43] The IP mapping table generating section 222 allocates IP addresses to the respective channels of broadcasting signals so as to generate an IP mapping table. In the analog broadcasting scheme, a broadcasting channel could be selected by specifying a frequency. However, to provide a broadcasting signal through IP network, the IP mapping table is generated, so that a different IP address is allocated to each broadcasting channel and can be referred to. [44] The protocol processing section 223 packetizes the demultiplexed broadcasting signals by applying UDP. UDP is a communication protocol through which a sender one-sidedly transmits data without informing the transmission or reception of signals when the signals are transmitted and received on the Internet. Although UDP is inferior to TCP (transmission Control Protocol) in terms of stability, UDP has a higher rate than TCP. Therefore, it is effective to apply UDP when providing broadcasting signals of streaming type.

[45] The control module 230 performs control to output the packet signal, generated from the TS-to-IP processing module 220, to the outside in a multicast. That is, the control module 230 transmits the packetized broadcasting information signal and IP mapping table to the outside. In this case, the control module 230 transmits the packet signal in a multicast manner such that only broadcasting signal converting devices 400 belonging to a specific group which has joined the service can receive the packet signal.

[46] The switch module 240 is connected to the switch unit 300 through IP network and transmits the packet signal, generated from the TS-to-IP module 220, to the switch unit 300.

[47] FIGS. 3A and 3B are block diagrams showing the internal configuration of the broadcasting signal converting device according to the invention. FIG. 3A shows the internal configuration of the broadcasting signal converting device according to the first embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 3B shows the internal configuration of the broadcasting signal converting device according to the second embodiment of the invention.

[48] As shown in FIG. 3A, the broadcasting signal converting device 400 according to the first embodiment of the invention includes an Ethernet port 410, an IP mapping table recognizing section 420, a central processing section 430, a broadcast wave generating section 440, and a broadcast wave output section 450.

[49] The Ethernet port 410 receives a packet signal from the switch unit 300 through an

Ethernet network.

[50] The IP mapping table recognizing section 420 extracts an IP mapping table from the packet signal received through the Ethernet port 410 and then stores the IP mapping table. When a broadcasting channel is selected by an external manipulation from a user, the IP mapping table recognizing section 420 is connected to an IP address corresponding to the selected broadcasting channel by referring to the IP mapping table and then receives a packet signal including broadcasting signals.

[51] The central processing section 430 extracts the broadcasting signals from the packet signal and then converts the broadcasting signals into signals which can be MPEG- processed. That is, since the packet signal received through the Ethernet network is a signal in which various signals divided by the packet are mixed, the central processing section 430 recovers broadcasting signals which had been packetized. Then, the broadcasting signals can be MPEG-decoded so as to be watched.

[52] The broadcast wave generating section 440 loads the broadcasting signals, converted by the central processing section 430, into a carrier frequency with a broadcasting frequency band so as to generate a broadcast wave. That is, since a general set-top box 500 receives satellite broadcasting, terrestrial, and cable broadcasting signals through a tuner, the broadcasting signals, which are received through IP network so as to be MPEG-decoded, are converted into broadcast waves which can be recognized by the set-top box and are then output.

[53] The broadcast wave output section 450 transmits the broadcast waves, generated from the broadcast generating section 440, to the set-top box.

[54] As shown in FIG. 3B, the broadcasting signal converting device 400 according to the second embodiment of the invention includes an Ethernet port 410, an IP mapping table recognizing section 420, a central processing section 430, and an MPEG signal output section 460.

[55] The MPEG signal output section 460 serves to output MPEG signals to the outside as it is, without converting broadcasting signals, which are received through IP network so as to be MPEG-decoded, into a broadcast wave. That is, when a set-top box 500 is provided with a port through which the MPEG signals can be directly received, the MPEG signal output section 46 is directly connected to the MPEG port of the set- top box 500 such that the set-top box 500 can more simply receive the broadcasting signal.

[56] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the set-top box according to the invention.

[57] As shown in FIG. 4, the set-top box includes a tuner 510, a demultiplexer 520, a decoder 530, and an A/V output section 540. The set-top box may further include an MPEG port 550.

[58] The tuner 510 directly receives a broadcasting signal from outside. That is, the tuner

510 receives a broadcasting signal, converted into a broadcast wave, from the broadcasting signal converting device 400.

[59] The demultiplexer 520 receives the signal from the tuner 510 and then demultiplexes the signal. In this case, the demultiplexer 520 may receive a signal which is recovered in the form of MPEG2-TS signal.

[60] The decoder 530 MPEG-decodes the broadcasting signals demultiplexed by the demultiplexer 520 so as to obtain pure broadcasting signals.

[61] The A/V output section 540 modulates the decoded A/V broadcasting signals into

A/V signals which can be recognized by people and then outputs the A/V signals to the outside. Then, a MDU set-top box user can watch broadcasting of the selected channel. [62] The MPEG port 550 is connected to the decoder 530. When receiving broadcasting signals which can be MPEG-processed, the MPEG port 550 provides the broadcasting signals to the decoder 530 such that the partially-processed broadcasting signals can be directly provided from outside, not through the tuner 510. [63] FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing an operation between the MDU module and the L3 switch according to the invention. [64] As shown in FIG. 5, the MDU module 200 receives broadcasting signals such as

DVB-S or DVB-S2 signals. [65] Then, the MDU module 200 demultiplexes MPTS included in the broadcasting signals into SPTS so as to divide the broadcasting signals into single program signals. [66] Next, the MDU module 200 encapsulates the demultiplexed and extracted MPEG-

TS signals in accordance with UDP and then converts the encapsulated signals into a packet signal. [67] Finally, as the MDU module 200 transmits the packet signal, which is packetized in accordance with UDP, to the outside in a multicast manner, the operation between the

MDU module 200 and the L3 switch 310 is completed. As for an interface through which the MDU module 200 transmits the packet signal, 1000 BASE-FX is used. [68] FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing an operation between the L3 switch and the broadcasting signal converting device according to the invention.

[69] As shown in FIG. 6, when the L3 switch 310 receives an IGMP customer registration signal from the broadcasting signal converting device 400, an environment is provided in which a corresponding packet signal is transmitted to only the broadcasting signal converting device 400 which has been registered through IGMP. [70] The L3 switch 310 transmits IP mapping data to the broadcasting signal converting device 400 such that the broadcasting signal converting device 400 can select a broadcasting channel. [71] Then, as the L3 switch 310 transmits a packet signal including broadcasting data and information related to broadcasting to the broadcasting signal converting device

400, the operation between the L3 switch 310 and the broadcasting signal converting device 400 is completed. [72] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the structure of UDP data including MPEG-2 TS according to the invention. [73] An MPEG-2 TS signal has a size of 188 byte per one packet, and total 7 MPEG-2

TS packets are loaded on a payload region of one UDP packet. [74] As such, the MDU module 200 binds 7 broadcasting signals by the MPEG packet and then transmits the bound broadcasting signals to the set-top box 500 via the broadcasting signal converting device 400 through IP network. [75] While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

[1] A multi-dwelling unit (MDU) broadcasting signal distribution system comprising: a broadcasting signal receiving unit that receives a broadcasting signal; an MDU module that divides multi-channel signals included in the broadcasting signal into broadcasting signals for respective channels, packetizes the broadcasting signals for the respective channels by applying UDP, allocates IP addresses to the respective channels of the broadcasting signals so as to generate an IP mapping table, and then packetizes the IP mapping table to transmit in a multicast manner together with the packetized broadcasting signals; a switch unit that receives the packet signal from the MDU module and distributes the packet signal as one or more signals to transmit; a broadcasting signal converting unit that receives the IP mapping table from the switch unit to store, acquires an IP address corresponding to a broadcasting channel by referring to the IP mapping table when the broadcasting channel is selected by an external manipulation, is connected to the IP address corresponding to the broadcasting channel so as to receive the packet signal, extracts the broadcasting signals from the packet signal, and modulates the extracted broadcasting signals into broadcasting frequency band broadcast waves to transmit; and a set-top box that receives the broadcasting frequency band signals from the broadcasting signal converting device through an internal tuner, demultiplexes/ decodes the broadcasting frequency band signals so as to extract broadcasting A/ V data, and then converts the broadcasting A/V data into A/V signals to output to the outside.

[2] The MDU broadcasting signal distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the broadcasting signal converting device includes an MPEG signal output section which outputs the extracted broadcasting signals in the form of MPEG- encoded broadcasting signals, and the set-top box includes an MPEG port which receives MPEG-encoded broadcasting signals from outside to provide to video and audio decoders.

[3] The MDU broadcasting signal distribution system according to claim 2, wherein the broadcasting signal converting device further includes: an Ethernet port which receives the packet signal from the switch unit; an IP mapping table recognizing section which extracts the IP mapping table from the packet signal, is connected to an IP address imparted to a broadcasting channel by referring to the IP mapping table when the broadcasting channel is selected by an external manipulation, and receives a packet signal including broadcasting signals; a central processing unit which extracts the broadcasting signals from the packet signal to convert into signals which can be MPEG-processed; a broadcast wave generating section which loads the converted broadcasting signals on a carrier frequency with a broadcasting frequency band so as to generate a broadcast wave; a broadcast wave output section which outputs the broadcast wave to the outside; and an MPEG signal output section which outputs the broadcasting signals, converted into signals which can be MPEG-processed, to the outside.

[4] An MDU broadcasting signal distribution system comprising: a broadcasting signal receiving unit that receives a broadcasting signal; an MDU module that divides multi-channel signals included in the broadcasting signal into broadcasting signals for respective channels, packetizes the broadcasting signals for the respective channels by applying UDP, allocates IP addresses to the respective channels of the broadcasting signals so as to generate an IP mapping table, and then packetizes the IP mapping table to transmit in a multicast manner together with the packetized broadcasting signals; a switch unit that receives the packet signal from the MDU module and distributes the packet signal as one or more signals to transmit; a broadcasting signal converting unit that receives the IP mapping table from the switch unit to store, acquires an IP address corresponding to a broadcasting channel by referring to the IP mapping table when the broadcasting channel is selected by an external manipulation, is connected to the IP address corresponding to the broadcasting channel so as to receive a packet signal, and extracts MPEG-encoded broadcasting signals from the packet signal to output to the outside; and a set-top box that receives the MPEG-encoded broadcasting signals from the broadcasting signal converting device through a built-in MPEG port, decodes the MPEG-encoded broadcasting signals so as to extracts broadcasting A/V data, and converts the extracted broadcasting A/V data into A/V signals to output to the outside.

[5] The MDU broadcasting signal distribution system according to claim 4, wherein the broadcasting signal converting device includes: an Ethernet port which receives the packet signal from the switch unit; an IP mapping table recognizing section which extracts the IP mapping table from the packet signal, is connected to an IP address imparted to a broadcasting channel by referring to the IP mapping table when the broadcasting channel is selected by an external manipulation, and then receives a packet signal including broadcasting signals; a central processing unit which extracts the broadcasting signals from the packet signal to convert into signals which can be MPEG-processed; and an MPEG signal output section which outputs the broadcasting signals, converted into signals which can be MPEG-processed, to the outside.

[6] The MDU broadcasting signal distribution system according to any one of claims

1 to 5, wherein the MDU module includes: a plurality of distribution modules to which the broadcasting signals are distributed; a plurality of TS-to-IP processing modules of which each includes: a demultiplexer which extracts MPTS from the broadcasting signal input through the distribution module and then demultiplexes the MPTS into SPTS; an IP mapping table generating section which imparts IP addresses to the respective channels of the demultiplexed broadcasting signals so as to generate an IP mapping table; and a protocol processing section which generates a packet signal by applying UDP to the demultiplexed broadcasting signals for the respective channels and the IP mapping table; a control module that outputs the packet signal, generated from the TS-to-IP processing module, to the outside in a multicast manner; and a switch module that is connected to the switch unit through an IP network so as to transmit the packet signal to the switch unit.

[7] The MDU broadcasting signal distribution system according to claim 6, wherein the switch unit includes: one or more L3 switches that are directly connected to the MDU module so as to receive a packet signal from the MDU module, and distribute and transmit the packet signal in a state where a set-top box transmitting an IGMP customer registration signal is set to a destination; and one or more L2 switches that are connected to the L3 switches and one or more set-top boxes through an IP network and receive the packet signals distributed from the L3 switches to transmit to set-top boxes which are set to a destination.