A transmission system for providing information to be transmitted to remote locations, the transmission system comprising: library means for storing items containing information; identification encoding means for retrieving the information in the items from the library means and for assigning a unique identification code to the retrieved information; conversion means, coupled to the identification encoding means, for placing the retrieved information into a predetermined format as formatted data; ordering means, coupled to the conversion means, for placing the formatted data into a sequence of addressable data blocks; compression means, coupled to the ordering means, for compressing the formatted and sequenced data blocks; compressed data storing means, coupled to the data compression means, for storing as files the compressed, sequenced data blocks received from the data compression means with the unique identification code assigned by the identification encoding means; and transmitter means, coupled to the compressed data storing means, for sending at least a portion of one of the files to one of the remote locations. view more

A transmission system as recited in claim 1, wherein the transmitter means includes: transmission format means for placing the compressed, sequenced data blocks onto a communication path.

A transmission system as recited in claim 1, wherein the information in the items includes analog signals, and wherein the conversion means further comprises: converting means, coupled to the identification encoding means, for A/D converting the analog signals of the information into a series of digital bytes; and formatting means, coupled to the converting means, for converting the series of digital data bytes into formatted data with a predetermined format. view more

A transmission system as recited in claim 1, wherein the information in the items includes digital signals, and wherein the conversion means further comprises: digital input receiver means, coupled to the identification encoding means, for converting the digital signals of the information into predetermined voltage levels; and formatting means, coupled to the digital input receiver means, for converting the predetermined voltage levels into formatted data witha predetermined format. view more

A transmission system as recited in claim 3, wherein the information in the items includes digital signals, and wherein the conversion means further comprises: digital input receiver means, coupled to the identification encoding means, for converting the digital signals of the information into predetermined voltage levels; and voltage levels adjusting means, coupled to the digital input receiver means, for converting the predetermined voltage levels into formatted data with the predetermined format. view more

A transmission system as recited in claim 2, wherein the compressed data storing means further comprises: compressed data library means for separately storing a plurality of files, each including at least one compressed, sequenced data block.

A transmission system as recited in claim 6, further comprising: system control interface means, coupled to the transmission format means, for generating a listing of available items; and p1 library access interface means, coupled to the transmission format means, for receiving transmission requests to transmit items, and for retrieving formatted data blocks stored in the compressed data library means corresponding to the requests from subscribers. view more

A transmission system as recited in claim 1, further comprising: precompression data processing means, coupled to the ordering means, for storing the formatted data blocks.

A transmission system as recited in claim 1, wherein the information in the items includes analog audio information, and wherein the conversion means further comprises: audio converting means, coupled to the identification encoding means, for converting the analog audio signals into streams of digital audio data. view more

A transmission system as recited in one of claims 1 or 9, wherein the information in the items includes analog video information, and wherein the conversion means further comprises: video converting means, coupled to the identification encoding means, for converting the analog video signals into streams of digital video data. view more

A transmission system as recited in one of claims 1 or 9, wherein the information in the items includes partially encoded information, and wherein the conversion means further comprises: digital input means, coupled to the identification encoding means, for receiving partial encoded information in the items. view more

A transmission system as recited in claim 1, wherein the data compression means comprises: means for performing a multi-channel analysis of the formatted data for inclusion in a predetermined algorithm; and compression processors for running the predetermined algorithm and for compressing the formatted data. view more

A transmission system as recited in claim 1, wherein the compression means comprises: means for identifying patterns in the formatted data for inclusion in a predetermined algorithm; and compression processors for running the predetermined algorithm and for compressing the formatted data. view more

A transmission system as recited in claim 12, wherein the multi-dimensional analysis means includes means for performing the multi-dimensional analysis in the horizontal dimension.

A transmission system as recited in claim 12, wherein the multi-dimensional analysis means includes means for performing the multi-dimensional analysis in the vertical dimension.

A transmission system as recited in claim 12, wherein the multi-dimensional analysis means includes means for performing the multi-dimensional analysis in the time dimension.

A transmission system as recited in claim 12, wherein the multi-dimensional analysis means includes means for performing the multi-dimensional analysis in the zig-zag dimension.

A transmission system as recited in claim 1, wherein the information in the items includes digital signals, and wherein the conversion means further comprises formatting means for converting the digital signals of the information into formatted data with a predetermined format. view more

A distribution method responsive to requests from a user identifying items in a transmission system containing information to be sent from the transmission system to receiving systems at remote locations, the method comprising the steps of: storing, in the transmission system, information from items in a compressed data form, the information including an identification code and being placed into ordered data blocks; sending a request, by the user to the transmission system, for at least a part of the stored information to be transmitted to the one of the receiving systems at one of the remote location selected by the user; sending at least a portion of the stored information from the transmission system to the receiving system at the selected remote location; receiving the sent information by the receiving system at the selected remote location; storing a complete copy of the received information in the receiving system at the selected remote location; and playing back the stored copy of the information using the receiving system at the selected remote location at a time requested by the user. view more

The distribution method as recited in claim 19, wherein the information in the items includes analog and digital signals, and wherein the step of storing the information comprises the steps, performed by the transmission system, of: converting the analog signals of the information to digital components; formatting the digital signals of the information; ordering the converted analog signals and the formatted digital signals into a sequence of addressable data blocks and; compressing the ordered information. view more

The method of claim 19 wherein the step of storing the items includes the substep of storing the items in a plurality of compressed audio and video libraries in the transmission system.

The method of claim 19 further comprising the steps, performed by the transmission system, of: storing a list of items available to the user from at least one compressed data library; and providing the user with the list so that the user may remotely select a particular item for transmission. view more

The distribution method as recited in claim 19, wherein the step of storing includes the step of storing the received information at the head end of a cable television reception system.

The distribution method as recited in claim 19, wherein the step of storing includes the step of storing the received information in an intermediate storage device.

A method of transmitting information to remote locations, the transmission method comprising the steps, performed by a transmission system, of: storing items having information in a source material library; retrieving the information in the items from the source material library; assigning a unique identification code to the retrieved information; placing the retrieved information into a predetermined format as formatted data; placing the formatted data into a sequence of addressable data blocks; compressing the formatted and sequenced data blocks; storing, as a file, the compressed, formatted, and sequenced data blocks with the assigned unique identification code; and sending at least a portion of the file to one of the remote locations. view more

A transmission method as recited in claim 41, wherein the step of placing further includes the steps of: A/D converting analog signals of the retrieved information into a series of digital data bytes; and converting the series of digital data bytes into formatted data with a predetermined format. view more

A transmission method as recited in claim 41, wherein the step of placing further includes the steps of: converting digital signals of the retrieved information into predetermined voltage levels; and converting the predetermined voltage levels into formatted data with a predetermined format. view more

A transmission method as recited in claim 41, wherein the step of placing further includes the step of converting digital signals of the retrieved information into formatted data with a predetermined format.

A transmission method as recited in claim 41, wherein the storing step further comprises the step of: separately storing a plurality of files, each including compressed, sequenced data blocks.

A transmission method as recited in claim 45, further comprising the steps, performed by the transmission system, of: generating a listing of available items; receiving transmission requests to transmit available items; and retrieving stored formatted data blocks corresponding to requests from users. view more

A distribution system including a transmission system and a plurality of receiving systems at remote locations, the transmission system being responsive to requests identifying items containing information to be sent from the transmission system to the receiving systems at the remote locations, the distribution system comprising: storage means in the transmission system for storing information from the items in a compressed data form, in which the information includes an identification code and is placed into ordered data blocks; requesting means in the transmission system, coupled to the storage means, for receiving requests from a user for at least a part of the stored information to be transmitted to the receiving system at one of the remote locations selected by the user; transmission means in the transmission system, coupled to the requesting means, for sending at least a portion of the stored information to the receiving system at the selected remote location; receiving means in the receiving system for receiving the transmitted information; memory means in the receiving system, coupled to the receiving means, for storing a complete copy the received information; and playback means in the receiving system, coupled to the memory means, for playing back the stored copy of the received information at a time requested by the user. view more

A distribution system as recited in claim 47, wherein the information in the items includes analog and digital signals, and wherein the storage means further comprises: conversion means, for converting the analog signals of the information to digital components; formatting means, coupled to the conversion means, for formatting the digital signals of the information; ordering means, coupled to the formatting means, for ordering the converted analog signals and the formatted digital signals into a sequence of addressable data blocks and; compression means, coupled to the ordering means, for compressing the ordered information. view more

A distribution system as recited in claim 47, wherein the memory means includes means for receiving information at the head end of a cable television reception system.

A distribution system as recited in claim 49, wherein the head end of the cable television reception system includes means for distributing compressed signals.

A distribution system as recited in claim 49, wherein the head end of the cable television reception system includes means for decompressing the received signals and for distributing the decompressed received signals and compressed received signals. view more

A distribution system as recited in claim 47, wherein the memory means is an intermediate storage device.

A distribution method responsive to requests from a user identifying items in a transmission system containing information to be sent from the transmission system to receiving systems at remote locations, the method comprising the steps of: storing, in the transmission system, information from items in a compressed data form, the information including an identification code and being placed into ordered data blocks; sending a request, by the user to the transmission system, for at least a part of the stored information to be transmitted to a reception system associated with a receiving system at one of the remote locations selected by the user; sending at least a portion of the stored information from the transmission system to the reception system; receiving the sent information by the reception system; storing a complete copy of the received information in the reception system; and playing back the stored copy of the information from the reception system to the receiving system at the selected remote location at a time requested by the user. view more

A distribution method responsive to requests from a user identifying items in a transmission system containing information to be sent from the transmission system to receiving systems at remote locations, the method comprising the steps of: storing, in the transmission system, information from items in a compressed data form, the information including an identification code and being placed into ordered data blocks; sending a request, by the user to the transmission system, for at least a part of the stored information to be transmitted to a reception system associated with a receiving system at one of the remote locations selected by the user; sending at least a portion of the stored information from the transmission system to the reception system over an optical fiber communication path; receiving the sent information by the reception system; storing a complete copy of the received information in the reception system; and playing back the stored copy of the information sent over a cable communication path from the reception system to the receiving system at the selected remote location at a time requested by the user. view more

A method of distributing audio/video information comprising: transmitting compressed, digitized data representing a complete copy of at least one item of audio/video information at a non-real time rate from a central processing location; receiving the transmitted compressed, digitized data representing a complete copy of the at least one item of audio/video information, at a local distribution system remote from the central processing location; storing the received compressed digitized data representing the complete copy of the at least one item at the local distribution system; in response to the stored compressed, digitized data, transmitting a representation of the at least one item at a real-time rate to at least one of a plurality of subscriber receiving stations coupled to the local distribution system; and decompressing the compressed, digitized data representing the at least one item of audio/video information after the transmission step wherein the decompressing step is performed in the local distribution system to produce the representation of the at least one item for transmission to the at least one subscriber station; wherein the transmitting step comprises: inputting an item having information into the transmission system; assigning a unique identification code to the item having information; formatting the item having information as a sequence of addressable data blocks; compressing the formatted and sequenced data blocks; storing, as a file, the compressed, formatted, and sequenced data blocks with the assigned unique identification code; and sending at least a portion of the file at the non-real time rate to the local distribution system. view more

A method as recited in claim 14, wherein the inputting step comprises inputting the item having information as blocks of digital data.

A method as recited in claim 14, wherein the inputting step comprises: inputting the item having information as an analog signal; and converting the analog signal to blocks of digital data.

A method of distributing audio/video information comprising: formatting items of audio/video information as compressed digitized data at a central processing location; transmitting compressed, digitized data representing a complete copy of at least one item of audio/video information from the central processing location; receiving the transmitted compressed, digitized data representing a complete copy of the at least one item of audio/video information, at a local distribution system; storing the received compressed, digitized data representing the complete copy of the at least one item at a local distribution system; and using the stored compressed, digitized data to transmit a representation of the at least one item to at a plurality of subscriber receiving stations coupled to the local distribution system; wherein the formatting step comprises: inputting an item having information into the transmission system; assigning a unique identification code to the item having information; formatting the item having information as a sequence of addressable data blocks; and compressing the formatted and sequenced data blocks. view more

A method as recited in claim 17, wherein the inputting step comprises inputting the item having information as blocks of digital data.

A method as recited in claim 17, wherein the inputting step comprises: inputting the item having information as an analog signal and converting the analog signal to blocks of digital data.

A digital audio/video communication network comprising: a reception system in data communication with a plurality of subscriber selectable receiving stations, the reception system comprising, means for receiving compressed, digitized data representing at least one item of audio/video information at a non-real time rate, means for storing a complete copy of the received compressed, digitized data, and means, responsive to the stored compressed, digitized data, for transmitting a representation of the at least one item of audio/video information at a real-time rate to at least one of the plurality of subscriber selectable receiving stations, wherein said means for receiving, said means for storing, and said means for transmitting are positioned at the same location, and wherein the at least one of the plurality of subscriber selectable stations is located at a premises geographically separated from the location of the reception system. view more

A digital audio/video communication network as recited in claim 4, further comprising a processing station for formatting items of audio/video information as compressed, digitized data and transmitting the compressed, digitized data representing at least one item of audio/video information at the non-real time rate to the means for receiving. view more

A digital audio/video communication network as recited in claim 6, wherein the processing station comprises: means for inputting items of audio/video information; conversion means for placing each input item of audio/video information into a predetermined format as formatted data; compression means for compressing the formatted data; and transmitter means for sending compressed formatted data for the at least one item of audio/video information at the non-real time rate to the reception system. view more

A method of distributing audio/video information comprising: transmitting compressed, digitized data representing a complete copy of at least one item of audio/video information at a non-real time rate from a central processing location to a local distribution system remote from the central processing location; receiving, into a receiving means, the transmitted compressed, digitized data representing a complete copy of the at least one item; storing, in a storing means, the received compressed, digitized data representing the complete copy of the at least one item at the local distribution system; and in response to the stored compressed, digitized data, transmitting, using a transmitting means, a representation of the at least one item at a real-time rate to at least one of a plurality of subscriber selectable receiving stations coupled to the local distribution system, wherein the receiving means, the storing means, and the transmitting means are positioned at the same location, and wherein the at least one of the plurality of subscriber selectable stations is located at a premises geographically separated from the local distribution system. view more

A method of distributing audio/video information comprising: formatting items of audio/video information as compressed digitized data at a central processing location; transmitting compressed, digitized data representing a complete copy of at least one item of audio/video information from the central processing location; receiving, into a receiving means, the transmitted compressed, digitized data representing a complete copy of the at least one item of audio/video information at a local distribution system; storing, in a storing means, the received compressed, digitized data representing the complete copy of the at least one item at the local distribution system; and using the stored compressed, digitized data to transmit using a transmitting means a representation of the at least one item to at least one of a plurality of subscriber selectable receiving stations coupled to the local distribution system, wherein the receiving means, the storing means, and the transmitting means are positioned at the same location, and wherein the at least one of the plurality of subscriber selectable stations is located at a premises geographically separated from the location of the local distribution system. view more

A communication system comprising: a transmission system at a first location in data communication with a reception system at a second location, wherein said transmission system comprises a sequence encoder, an identification encoder, and a compressed data library in data communication with said identification encoder, wherein said identification encoder gives items in said compressed data library a unique identification code; and wherein said reception system comprises a transceiver in data communication with said transmission system, a storage device in data communication with said transceiver, user playback controls in data communication with said storage device, a digital compressor in data communication with said storage device, and a playback device in data communication with said digital decompressor. view more

A communication system as recited in claim 1, wherein said transmission system further comprises: a source material library storing a portion of at least one data file.

A communication system as recited in claim 2, wherein said transmission system further comprises: a converter having a data input in data communication with said source material library and a digital data output.

A communication system as recited in claim 3, wherein said transmission system further comprises: a data compressor in data communication with said digital data output of said converter.

A communication system as recited in claim 1, wherein said transmission system further comprises: a compressed data formatting device in data communication with said identification encoder.

A communication system as recited in claim 1, wherein said identification encoder allows entry of a popularity code.

A communication system as recited in claim 1, wherein said sequence encoder transforms digital data blocks into a group of addressable data blocks.

A communication system as recited in claim 1, wherein said transmission system further comprises: a transmitter in data communication with said compressed data library, wherein said transmitter sends at least a portion of a compressed data file to said reception system. view more

A communication system as recited in claim 1, further comprising: a user request interface in data communication with said transmission system, wherein said user request interface enables a user to make a request for at least a portion of a data file. view more

A communication system as recited in claim 9, wherein said reception system comprises said user request interface.

A communication system as recited in claim 1, wherein said reception system further comprises: a receiver format converter in data communication with said transceiver, wherein said receiver format converter converts at least a portion of a data file into a format suitable for playback by a user. view more

A communicatioin system as recited in claim 1, wherein said reception system further comprises: an output data converter in data communication with said digital decompressor.

A communication system as recited in claim 1, wherein said storage device stores at least a portion of a data file.

A communication system as recited in claim 13, wherein said storage device is a temporary storage device.

A communication system as recited in claim 1, wherein said storage device stores an entire data file.

A communication system as recited in claim 15, wherein said storage device is a temporary storage device.

A communication system comprising: a transmission system at a first location in data communication with a reception system at a second location, wherein said transmission system comprises a source material library, an identification encoder in data communication with said source material library, a converter having a data input in data communication with said source material library and a digital data output, a sequence encoder in data communication with said digital data output, a digital data compressor in data communication with said digital data output, a compressed data formatting device in data communication with said digital data compressor, a compressed data library in data communication with said compressed data formatting device, and a transmitter in data communication with said compressed data library; and wherein said reception system comprises a transceiver in data communication with said transmission system, a receiver format converter in data communication with said transceiver, a storage device in data communication with said receiver format converter, user playback controls in data communication with said storage device, a digital decompressor in data communication with said receiver format converter, and an output data converter in data communication with said digital decompressor. view more

A communication system as recited in claim 17, wherein said digital data compressor is in data communication with said sequence encoder.

A communication system as recited in claim 17, wherein said compressed data formatting device is in data communication with said identification encoder.

A communication system as recited in claim 17, further comprising: a user request interface in data communication with said transmission system.

A communication system as recited in claim 20, wherein said reception system comprises said user request interface.

A communication system as recited in claim 17, wherein said storage device stores at least a portion of a data file.

A communication system as recited in claim 17, wherein said storage device stores an entire data file.

A communication system as recited in claim 17, wherein said transceiver transmits a user request for a data file to said transmission system and receives the entire data file as compressed data blocks from said transmission system.

A communication system as recited in claim 17, wherein said transceiver transmits a user request for at least a portion of a data file to said transmission system and receives the portion of the data file as compressed data blocks from said transmission system. view more

A communication system as recited in claim 17, wherein said output data converter is in data communication with said storage device.

A communication system comprising: a transmission system at a first location in data communication with a reception system at a second location, wherein said transmission system comprises: an identification encoder, wherein said identification encoder allows entry of a popularity code; and a compressed data library in data communication with said identification encoder; and wherein said reception system comprises a transceiver in data communication with said transmission system, a storage device in data communication with said transceiver, user playback controls in data communication with said storage device, a digital decompressor in data communication with said storage device, and a playback device in data communication with said digital decompressor. view more

A communication system as recited in claim 27, wherein said transmission system further comprises: a source material library storing a portion of at least one data file.

A communication system as recited in claim 28, wherein said transmission system further comprises: a converter having a data input in data communication with said source material library and a digital data output.

A communication system as recited in claim 29, wherein said transmission system further comprises: a data compressor in data communication with said digital data output of said converter.

A communication system as recited in claim 27, wherein said transmission system further comprises: a compressed data formatting device in data communication with said identification encoder.

A communication system as recited in claim 27, wherein said transmission system further comprises a sequence encoder.

A communication system as recited in claim 32, wherein said sequence encoder transforms digital data blocks into a group of addressable data blocks.

A communication system as recited in claim 27, wherein said transmission system further comprises: a transmitter in data communication with said compressed data library, wherein said transmitter sends at least a portion of a compressed data file to said reception system. view more

A communication system as recited in claim 27, further comprising: a user request interface in data communication with said transmission system, wherein said user request interface enables a user to make a request for at least a portion of a data file. view more

A communication system as recited in claim 35, wherein said reception system comprises said user request interface.

A communication system as recited in claim 27, wherein said reception system further comprises: a receiver format converter in data communication with said transceiver, wherein said receiver format converts at least a portion of a data file into a format suitable for playback by a user. view more

A communication system as recited in claim 27, wherein said reception system further comprises: an output data converter in data communication with said digital decompressor.

A communication system as recited in claim 27, wherein said storage device stores at least a portion of a data file.

A communication system as recited in claim 27, wherein said storage device stores an entire data file.

A communication system as recited in claim 39, wherein said storage device is a temporary storage device.

A communication system as recited in claim 40, wherein said storage device is a temporary storage device.