A method and an apparatus for switching input terminals based on a transmitted signal format are disclosed. The method includes issuing a command to a receiver (12) when a format of the signal has changed from digital to analog. The receiver (12) switches to an analog input terminal (122) according to the command. The apparatus includes a transmitter (10) and a receiver (12) connected with each other with a digital interface (14) and an analog interface (16). The transmitter (10) has a command generator (106) that issues the command. The receiver (12) includes a switch (128) to select an input terminal, and a selector to control the switch according to the command provided from the transmitter. The receiver also includes a digital signal processor (124) coupled to the digital interface to decode digital signals.