An integrated front end filter for a tuner provides an array of from
several to a multitude of passbands, each for passing at least one but
less than all channels designated in a band of frequencies. Each passband
is exclusively selectable. The integrated front end filter can include at
least one active filter unit with an active reactance element in either
of fixed and variable filter configurations and a decoder coupled to said
at least one active filter unit and being responsive to a control signal
for selecting a one of the passbands. In one example, a multitude of
active filter units of fixed filter configuration provide the multitude
of passbands. In another example, a plurality of data corresponds to a
like plurality of selectable passbands in combination with a filter
element of the variable filter configuration. Each data is stored at a
predetermined location and reproduced in response to a corresponding
control data signal from a tuner controller. Each data characterizes one
of the plurality of passbands. The filter element is switchable from one
passband to another in response to the control data signal. Lower power
dissipation and lesser requirements of an on-following integrated
circuitry tuner permit a reduction of "off chip" connections and cost.