Television signal converter providing separate stereo sound outputs

Claim 1

A television signal converter box for processing a television signal having a video portion and a stereo sound portion in standard broadcast frequency and format, comprising; an external input connection for receiving said television signal coupled to a tuner, said tuner receiving said television signal and receiving channel selection information, said tuner transmitting an intermediate frequency signal to an intermediate frequency amplifier, said intermediate frequency amplifier amplifying said intermediate frequency signal and transmitting said signal to a modulator, said modulator converting said amplified intermediate frequency signal to a standard television format signal on a predetermined frequency and transmitting said standard television format signal to an external video output terminal, said standard television format signal at said external video output terminal being suitable for direct connection as input to a standard television set having a video display tube and monaural sound capability, a sound section coupled to said intermediate frequency amplifier, said sound section separating said stereo sound portion into a plurality of sound signals on a plurality of electrical conductors, said sound section amplifying and transmitting said plurality of sound signals to a plurality of external sound output connections, said sound section providing sufficient amplification of said plurality of sound signals to allow direct connection and acceptable performance of commercially-available sound speakers to said plurality of external sound output connections, an external box enclosing said tuner, said intermediate frequency amplifier, said modulator, and said sound section, said external box providing structural mounting support for said external input connection, said external video output terminal, and said plurality of external sound output connections, said external box being separate from said standard television set.