1. A system for providing control information derived from a plurality of input signals within a transmission path, the system comprising: means for monitoring data in each of said plurality of input signals; means for deriving signal status information for each of said plurality of input signals based on said monitored data; means for individually encoding said signal status information for each of said plurality of input signals; means for embedding said individually encoded signal status information with said data in each of said plurality of input signals; means for decoding said individually encoded signal status information in each of said plurality of input signals; and means for actuating a control decision based on said decoded signal status information, wherein said individually encoded signal status information is retained in each of said plurality of input signals for propagation through said transmission path, and wherein said signal status information is directly extractable at any subsequent selection point within said transmission path.