PURPOSE: To transfer a indication code to another channel during the period a program is prepared on the channel side, by disconnecting a indication code transfer controlling circuit at the time of reception of the indication code by the channel.

CONSTITUTION: After selecting a channel, a microprogram sets up the output 103 of the indication code transfer controlling circuit 57 to send a indication 100. After receiving the channel indication 100, a control circuit 3 inputs a indication permission 109 to the indication code transfer controlling circuit 57, which sets up an output 106 and sends a tag-in 107 to the selected channel. The selected channel starts the preparation of a program and sends a tag-out 108 to hold a flip-flop 52. The indication code transfer controlling circuit 57 resets outputs 106, 103, but holds the sending status of the indication 100. At that point the circuit 57 switches the channel to make it possible to transfer a indication code to another channel.