Signal processing apparatus and methods

• US 10,616,638 B1
• Filed: 05/16/1995
• Issued: 04/07/2020
• Est. Priority Date: 11/03/1981
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Personalized Media Communications, LLC
• Original Assignee: Personalized Media Communications, LLC
• Inventors: Harvey, John Christopher, Cuddihy, James William
• Primary Examiner(s): Asanbayev, Oleg
• Application Number:
  US84/419,96
• Time in Patent Office: 9,093 Days
• Field of Search: 725139, 725136, 725 86, 725104, 455 2, 455 31, 455 32, 455 41, 455 42, 455 151, 348 2, 348 3, 348 6, 348 7, 348 9, 348 10
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 1/071 containing electro-optic elements
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0251 Targeted advertisements
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 20/14 for monitoring programmes
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 20/28 Arrangements for simultaneous broadcast of plural pieces of information
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 20/30 by a single channel
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 2201/70 characterised in that receivers can be addressed
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 40/18 Arrangements characterised by circuits or components specially adapted for receiving
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/13 Arrangements for device control affected by the broadcast information
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/21 Billing for the use of broadcast information or broadcast-related information
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/23 using cryptography, e.g. encryption, authentication, key distribution
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/27 Arrangements for recording or accumulating broadcast information or broadcast-related information
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/31 Arrangements for monitoring the use made of the broadcast services
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/33 Arrangements for monitoring the users' behaviour or opinions
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/37 for identifying segments of broadcast information, e.g. scenes or extracting programme ID
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/40 for identifying broadcast time
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/41 for identifying broadcast space, i.e. broadcast channels, broadcast stations or broadcast areas
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/94 Telephonic networks for accessing the Internet H04H60/84
• CPC Class Codes: H04K 1/00 Secret communication
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/00 Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD] real-time bi-directional transmission of motion video data H04N7/14 ; broadcast or conference over packet switching networks H04L12/18
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/20 Servers specifically adapted for the distribution of content, e.g. VOD servers; Operations thereof
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/21 : Server components or server architectures
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/21815 : comprising local storage units
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/222 : Secondary servers, e.g. proxy server, cable television Head-end provisioning of proxy services in data packet switching networks H04L67/56
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/235 : Processing of additional data, e.g. scrambling of additional data or processing content descriptors
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/2351 : involving encryption of additional data arrangements using cryptography for the use of broadcast information or broadcast-related information H04H60/23
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/236 : Assembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. transport stream, by combining a video stream with other content or additional data, e.g. inserting a URL [Uniform Resource Locator] into a video stream, multiplexing software data into a video stream; Remultiplexing of multiplex streams; Insertion of stuffing bits into the multiplex stream, e.g. to obtain a constant bit-rate; Assembling of a packetised elementary stream multiplexing of data packets for data networks, e.g. RTP/UDP H04L65/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/23892 : involving embedding information at multiplex stream level, e.g. embedding a watermark at packet level
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/2407 : Monitoring of transmitted content, e.g. distribution time, number of downloads arrangements for monitoring programmes for broadcast or for distribution combined with broadcast H04H20/14
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/25 : Management operations performed by the server for facilitating the content distribution or administrating data related to end-users or client devices, e.g. end-user or client device authentication, learning user preferences for recommending movies maintenance or administration in data networks H04L41/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/2541 : Rights Management protecting software against unauthorised usage in a vending or licensing environment G06F21/10; security in data switching network management H04L41/28; security management or policies for network security H04L63/20; access security in wireless networks H04W12/08
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/2543 : Billing , e.g. for subscription services payment schemes, architectures or protocols G06Q20/00; e-commerce G06Q30/00; arrangements for billing for the use of broadcast information or broadcast-related information H04H60/21
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/41 : Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4117 : for generating hard copies of the content, e.g. printer, electronic paper interfaces to printers G06F3/12; printing data G06K15/02
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4131 : home appliance, e.g. lighting, air conditioning system, metering devices home automation data switching networks exchanging configuration information on appliance services H04L12/2807
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4135 : external recorder interface circuits between an apparatus for recording television signals and a television receiver H04N5/775
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/41415 : involving a public display, viewable by several users in a public space outside their home, e.g. movie theatre, information kiosk
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4143 : embedded in a Personal Computer [PC]
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4184 : providing storage capabilities, e.g. memory stick
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/426 : Internal components of the client ; Characteristics thereof H04N5/44 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/42684 : Client identification by a unique number or address, e.g. serial number, MAC address, socket ID network arrangements, protocols or services for addressing or naming H04L61/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4307 : Synchronising the rendering of multiple content streams or additional data on devices, e.g. synchronisation of audio on a mobile phone with the video output on the TV screen
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/43072 : of multiple content streams on the same device
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/432 : Content retrieval operation from a local storage medium, e.g. hard-disk details of retrieval of video data and associated meta data in video databases G06F16/739
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4325 : by playing back content from the storage medium reproduction of recorded television signals H04N5/76; reproduction of recorded television signals H04N9/79
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/434 : Disassembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. demultiplexing audio and video streams, extraction of additional data from a video stream; Remultiplexing of multiplex streams; Extraction or processing of SI; Disassembling of packetised elementary stream demultiplexing of data packets for data networks, e.g. RTP/UDP H04L65/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4353 : involving decryption of additional data arrangements using cryptography for the use of broadcast information or broadcast-related information H04H60/23
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/43615 : Interfacing a Home Network, e.g. for connecting the client to a plurality of peripherals home Audio Video Interoperability [HAVI] data switching networks H04L12/2805
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4363 : Adapting the video stream to a specific local network, e.g. a Bluetooth® network
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4382 : Demodulation or channel decoding, e.g. QPSK demodulation analog front ends or means for connecting modulators, demodulators or transceivers to a transmission line H04L27/0002
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4385 : Multiplex stream processing, e.g. multiplex stream decrypting
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4405 : involving video stream decryption
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/44227 : Monitoring of local network, e.g. connection or bandwidth variations; Detecting new devices in the local network configuring of peripheral devices in general G06F9/4411; monitoring connectivity in data switched networks H04L43/0811
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4432 : Powering on the client, e.g. bootstrap loading using setup parameters being stored locally or received from the server resetting in general G06F1/14; program loading or initiating in general G06F9/445; bootstrapping in general G06F9/4401; secure boots of computer platforms G06F21/57
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/45 : Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies, resolving scheduling conflicts
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4532 : involving end-user characteristics, e.g. viewer profile, preferences monitoring of user activities for profile generation for accessing a video database G06F16/739; user profiles in network data switching protocols H04L67/306; processing of user preferences or user profiles in wireless networks H04W8/18
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/454 : Content or additional data filtering, e.g. blocking advertisements
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/458 : Scheduling content for creating a personalised stream, e.g. by combining a locally stored advertisement with an incoming stream; Updating operations, e.g. for OS modules ; time-related management operations arrangements for replacing or switching information during the broadcast or during the distribution H04H20/10
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4622 : Retrieving content or additional data from different sources, e.g. from a broadcast channel and the Internet web site content organization and management for information retrieval from the Internet G06F16/958; transmission by internet of broadcast information H04H60/82; stock exchange data over packet-switching network H04L12/1804; push services including data channel over packet-switching network H04L12/1859
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/47 : End-user applications
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/472 : End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or services; End-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification, for manipulating displayed content end-user interfaces for retrieving video data from a database G06F16/739; network services for supporting unicast streaming H04L65/612
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/488 : Data services, e.g. news ticker systems specially adapted for using meteorological information in broadcast systems H04H60/71
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4888 : for displaying teletext characters
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/63 : Control signaling related to video distribution between client, server and network components; Network processes for video distribution between server and clients or between remote clients, e.g. transmitting basic layer and enhancement layers over different transmission paths, setting up a peer-to-peer communication via Internet between remote STB's; Communication protocols; Addressing real-time session protocols H04L65/1101; distributed application using peer-to-peer [P2P] networks H04L67/104
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/633 : Control signals issued by server directed to the network components or client management of faults, events, alarms in data networks H04L41/06
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/6543 : for forcing some client operations, e.g. recording remote booting in general G06F9/4416
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/6582 : Data stored in the client, e.g. viewing habits, hardware capabilities, credit card number arrangements where receivers interact with the broadcast H04H20/38
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/818 : OS software
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/8352 : involving content or source identification data, e.g. Unique Material Identifier [UMID]
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/8355 : involving usage data, e.g. number of copies or viewings allowed
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/46 : for receiving on more than one standard at will deflecting circuits of multi-standard receivers H04N3/27
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/782 : on tape
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/08 : Systems for the simultaneous or sequential transmission of more than one television signal, e.g. additional information signals, the signals occupying wholly or partially the same frequency band , e.g. by time division H04N7/007 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/084 : with signal insertion during the horizontal blanking interval only
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/14 : Systems for two-way working H04N7/12, H04N7/173 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/173 : with two-way working, e.g. subscriber sending a programme selection signal
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/24 : Systems for the transmission of television signals using pulse code modulation H04N21/00 takes precedence

Abstract

A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc. At receiver stations, signals in received transmissions and from local inputs (225, 218, 22) cause control processors (200) and computers (205) to automate connection and operation of converters (201), tuners (215), decryptors (224), recorder/players (217), computers (205), furnaces (206), etc. Processors (71, 200) meter and monitor availability and usage of programming.

Claims

1. A method of processing signals at an automated storage device, said automated storage device having automatic control apparatus, a digital detector operatively connected to said automatic control apparatus, a receiver for receiving a transmission, a selective transfer device operatively connected to said automatic control apparatus and said receiver, and a plurality of storage locations each operatively connected to said automatic control apparatus and said selective transfer device, each of said plurality of storage locations capable of selectively storing and transferring programming under control of said automatic control apparatus, said automated storage device capable of individually selecting at least two of said plurality of storage locations and communicating said programming from at least a first of said plurality of storage locations to one or more selected ones of said at least two of said plurality of storage locations, said method comprising the steps of:

receiving an information transmission including programming comprising at least one of television, radio, video, audio, and processor instructions, said information transmission including an embedded control signal;

demodulating said information transmission;

detecting, at said digital detector, said control signal embedded in said information transmission;

inputting said detected control signal to said automatic control apparatus;

selecting, under control of said automatic control apparatus and based on said detected control signal, a first storage location of said plurality of storage locations, said first storage location being one of said at least two of said plurality of storage locations;

storing, under control of said automatic control apparatus and based on said detected control signal, said programming at said at least a first storage location of said plurality of storage locations;

selecting, under control of said automatic control apparatus and based on said detected control signal, a second storage location of said plurality of storage locations, said second storage location being one of said at least two of said plurality of storage locations;

causing said selective transfer device, under control of said automatic control apparatus and based on said detected control signal, to transfer said programming stored at said first storage location to said selected second storage location of said plurality of storage locations; and

storing, under control of said automatic control apparatus and based on said detected control signal, said programming at said selected second storage location to enable said automated storage device, under control of said automatic control apparatus, to transfer said programming from said selected second storage location to a receiver at a specific time or on a specific frequency.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of:

storing programming storage information indicating that said programming is stored in said first storage location; and

and updating said programming storage information when said programming has been transferred to said second storage location.

3. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of embedding in said programming a control signal identifying said programming, and said steps of storing including storing said programming with said embedded control signal.

4. The method of claim 3 further comprising the steps of:

communicating said programming and said embedded control signal from said second storage location to an output device;

detecting said control signal in said programming; and

recording information indicating that said programming was communicated.

5. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of receiving and identifying a control signal instructing a station to communicate said programming to an output device.

6. The method of claim 5 further comprising the step of communicating, in response to said control signal, said programming from said second storage location to said output device.

7. A method of communicating signals in a network, said network including an origination station, at least one intermediate station that receives and transmits said signals, and at least one subscriber station, said network having automatic control apparatus and one or more detectors operatively connected to said automatic control apparatus, said method comprising the steps of:

receiving an information transmission that includes television programming and a first embedded identifier;

detecting, at said one or more detectors, said first identifier embedded in said information transmission;

inputting said detected first identifier to said automatic control apparatus;

storing, under control of said automatic control apparatus and based on said detected first identifier, said television programming at a first storage location, said first storage location at a selected one of said at least one intermediate station, said television programming including video and audio;

transferring, under control of said automatic control apparatus and based on said detected first identifier, said television programming from said first storage location to a second storage location at said at least one intermediate station, based on information about a storage device;

storing said television programming at said second storage location to enable said at least one intermediate station to communicate said television programming from said second storage location to said at least one subscriber station;

communicating a second identifier from said origination station to said at least one intermediate station, said second identifier identifying said television programming stored at said second storage location;

detecting, at said at least one intermediate station, said second identifier communicated from said origination station; and

communicating said television programming from said second storage location to said at least one subscriber station based on said second identifier.

8. A method of processing signals at an automated storage device comprising the steps of:

receiving one of a broadcast and cablecast transmission, said one of a broadcast and cablecast transmission including an embedded signal;

demodulating said one of a broadcast and cablecast transmission;

detecting said embedded signal on said one of a broadcast and cablecast transmission;

inputting said detected signal to automatic control apparatus that controls said automated storage device;

selecting information stored at a first storage location, under control of said automatic control apparatus and in response to said detected signal;

selecting a second storage location of a plurality of storage locations under control of said automatic control apparatus and based on said detected signal and information about said automated storage device, said plurality of storage locations being at said automated storage device; and

transferring said selected information from said first storage location to said second storage location based on said embedded signal and information about said automated storage device, thereby providing a remote computer access to said selected information, said first storage location and said second storage location being capable of being controlled by said automatic control apparatus to store and output said selected information.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein said information includes at least one of television and radio programming, wherein said step of selecting said information includes selecting said at least one of television and radio programming stored at said first storage location in response to said detected signal, wherein said step of transferring said information includes transferring, under control of an automatic control apparatus, said selected at least one of television and radio programming from said first storage location to said second storage location, and said method further comprising the step of:

communicating, under control of said automatic control apparatus, said selected at least one of television and radio programming stored at said second storage location to an output device in response to a second detected signal on said one of a broadcast and cablecast transmission.

10. Automated storage apparatus for storing and communicating programming, said automated storage apparatus comprising:

a receiver for receiving and communicating an information transmission, said information transmission including said programming and an identifier;

a first storage device for storing and communicating said programming and said identifier;

a second storage device for storing and communicating said programming and said identifier;

a transmitter for communicating said programming to a plurality of remote subscriber stations;

a switch with inputs operatively connected to said receiver, said first storage device and said second storage device and outputs operatively connected to said first storage device, said second storage device, and said transmitter;

detector apparatus operatively connected to said receiver, said first storage device and said second storage device and said inputs of said switch for detecting said identifier;

an input device for inputting a programming requirement signal; and

automatic control apparatus operatively connected to said input device, said first storage device, said second storage device, said switch, and said detector apparatus for controlling said first storage device to store and communicate said programming and said identifier, controlling said second storage device to store and communicate said programming and said identifier, and controlling said switch to communicate said programming and said identifier from one or more of said inputs to one or more of said outputs, said automatic control apparatus being programmed to;

respond to said programming requirement signal;

select a storage device from a plurality of storage devices to store said programming, said plurality of storage devices including said first storage device and said second storage device;

control said switch to transfer said programming to said selected storage device; and

control said selected storage device to store said programming at a location based on information about the storage device and communicate said programming and said identifier; and

control said switch to communicate said programming to said transmitter based on said programming requirement signal.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising:

a signal encoder connected to said automatic control apparatus for encoding an identification signal on said programming;

a channel modulator connected to said switch and to a cable network, said channel modulator modulating said programming, said programming output by said second storage device through said switch, said cable network communicating said modulated programming to a subscriber; and

a verification circuit connected to at least one of said switch, said cable network, and said channel modulator for verifying at least one of a time, channel, and frequency of transmission of said programming, said verification circuit comprising a signal decoder for decoding said encoded identification signal, said verifying said at least one of said time, channel, and frequency of transmission of said programming based on said encoded identification signal.

12. A method for identifying television programming at an automated storage device having automatic control apparatus that controls a selection and storage of a television signal at said automated storage device and is capable of identifying said television programming on a basis of information stored at said storage device, said automated automatic control apparatus operatively connected to a digital detector, said method comprising the steps of:

inputting to said automatic control apparatus a programming requirement signal that identifies said television programming;

receiving said television signal, said television signal containing said television programming and embedded digital data identifying said television programming and identifying at least one of a beginning and an end of said television programming;

detecting, at said digital detector, said embedded digital data identifying said television programming and identifying at least one of a beginning and an end of said television programming in said received television signal;

inputting from said digital detector to said automatic control apparatus said detected embedded digital data identifying said television programming and identifying at least one of a beginning and an end of said television programming in said received television signal;

selecting, under control of said automatic control apparatus, said television signal by comparing at least a portion of said detected embedded digital data to information contained in said programming requirement signal;

communicating, under control of said automatic control apparatus, said television signal to said automated storage device based on said step of selecting said television signal;

storing, under control of said automatic control apparatus, said television signal at said automated storage device, said stored television signal containing said television programming and said embedded digital data identifying said television programming and identifying said at least one of a beginning and an end of said television programming; and

enabling said automated storage device to identify said television programming on said basis of information stored with said television programming at said automated storage device.

13. The method of claim 12 further comprising storing, under control of said automatic control apparatus, information that identifies a selected one of at least two storage locations where said television programming is stored.

14. A method for identifying television programming at an automated storage device, wherein said automated storage device has automatic control apparatus operatively connected to a digital detector and is capable of identifying programming stored at said automated storage device by processing identification information associated with said programming stored at said automated storage device, said method comprising the steps of:

inputting to said automatic control apparatus a programming requirement signal that specifies said television programming;

receiving a television signal, said television signal containing said television programming and embedded digital data identifying said television programming and identifying a beginning and an end of said television programming;

detecting, at said digital detector, said embedded digital data identifying said television programming and identifying the beginning and the end of said television programming in said received television signal;

inputting from said digital detector to said automatic control apparatus said detected embedded digital data identifying said television programming and identifying the beginning and the end of said television programming in said received television signal;

identifying and selecting, under control of said automatic control apparatus, said television signal by comparing at least a portion of said detected embedded digital data to information contained in said programming requirement signal;

processing information stored at said automated storage device in order to locate available storage space at which to store said identified and selected television signal;

locating said available storage space based on said step of processing;

communicating, under control of said automatic control apparatus, said television signal to said located available storage space based on said step of identifying and selecting; and

storing, under control of said automatic control apparatus, said television signal at said available storage space based on information stored at said automated storage device, said stored television signal containing said television programming and said embedded digital data identifying said television programming and identifying the beginning and the end of said television programming, thereby to enable said automated storage device to identify said television programming stored in said automated storage device on a basis of identification information stored in said automated storage device.

15. An automated storage apparatus for processing signals, said automated storage apparatus comprising:

a programming storage device capable of storing

     1) at least one of audio programming and video programming and

     2) an identifier signal;

a first input device for inputting said at least one of audio programming and video programming and said identifier signal;

a second input device for receiving a programming requirement signal;

a selective transfer device operatively connected to at least one of said first input device and said second input device and said programming storage device;

a first signal detector operatively connected to said programming storage device for detecting signals stored in said programming storage device;

a second signal detector operatively connected to said first input device for detecting said identifier signal;

a communicator, operatively connected to said programming storage device, for communicating said at least one of audio programming and video programming to a subscriber;

an automatic control apparatus operatively connected to said first input device, said first signal detector, said second signal detector, and said communicator, wherein said automatic control apparatus is programmed to perform the following steps;

receiving said identifier signal from said second signal detector;

receiving said programming requirement signal from said first input device;

selecting said at least one of audio programming and video programming based on said step of receiving said identifier signal;

receiving storage information from said first signal detector, said storage information designating programming stored at said programming storage device;

selecting at least one of a plurality of storage locations at said programming storage device based on said step of receiving said storage information;

controlling said selective transfer device to transfer said at least one of audio programming and video programming to said selected at least one of a plurality of storage locations at said programming storage device and controlling said programming storage device to store said at least one of audio programming and video programming at said selected at least one of a plurality of storage locations at said programming storage device;

controlling said programming storage device to store said identifier signal;

causing said first signal detector to detect said identifier signal;

processing said identifier signal received from said first signal detector as part of said storage information; and

controlling said programming storage device to output said stored at least one of audio programming and video programming from said selected at least one of a plurality of storage locations at said programming storage device to said communicator based on said step of receiving said programming requirement signal, and whereby said communicator is caused to communicate said at least one of audio programming and video programming to said subscriber.

16. The automated storage apparatus of claim 15, wherein said first input device further comprises:

a receiver for receiving and demodulating a carrier transmission including said at least one of audio programming and video programming.

17. The automated storage apparatus of claim 16, said apparatus further comprising:

a second detector operatively connected to said receiver and said automatic control apparatus for detecting signals in said carrier transmission.

18. The automated storage apparatus of claim 17, wherein said second detector detects a signal instructing said automatic control apparatus to store said received at least one of audio programming and video programming, and wherein a computer performs said step of controlling said selective transfer device in response to said second detector detecting said signal instructing said automatic control apparatus to store said received at least one of audio programming and video programming.

19. The automated storage apparatus of claim 17, wherein said second detector detects a signal instructing said automatic control apparatus to communicate said stored at least one of audio programming and video programming to said subscriber, and wherein said automatic control apparatus performs at least one of said steps of controlling said programming storage device in response to said second detector detecting said signal instructing said automatic control apparatus to communicate.

20. The automated storage apparatus of claim 15, said apparatus further comprising a programming storage/playback device for receiving at least one of tapes and discs including prerecorded portions of said at least one of audio programming and video programming.

21. The automated storage apparatus of claim 15, wherein said programming storage device further comprises a plurality of programming storage devices, and wherein said step of selecting at least one of a plurality of storage locations further comprises the step of:

selecting a first at least one of said plurality of programming storage devices for storing said at least one of audio programming and video programming.

22. The automated storage apparatus of claim 21, said automated storage apparatus further comprising:

a switch operatively connected between said plurality of programming storage devices and said communicator for selectively connecting a second at least one of said plurality of programming storage devices to said communicator, and wherein said automatic control apparatus is programmed to further perform the step of;

at least one of configuring and controlling said switch to connect said second at least one of said plurality of programming storage devices to said communicator to allow said at least one of audio programming and video programming to be communicated to the subscriber.

23. A method of communicating at least one of video signals and audio signals in a network including an origination automated storage device that transmits signals, at least one intermediate automated storage device that receives and selectively transmits signals and operates automatically under control of processor apparatus, and a subscriber automated storage device that receives signals from said at least one intermediate automated storage device, said method comprising the steps of:

storing at least one of video programming and audio programming at a first storage location in said network;

transferring, automatically under control of said processor apparatus, said at least one of video programming and audio programming from said first storage location to a second storage location based on a detected first identifier;

storing, automatically under control of said processor apparatus, said at least one of video programming and audio programming at said second storage location to enable a selected one of said at least one intermediate automated storage device to communicate said stored at least one of video programming and audio programming from said second storage location to said subscriber automated storage device;

communicating a programming identification signal from said origination automated storage device to said selected one of said at least one intermediate automated storage device, said programming identification signal identifying said at least one of video programming and audio programming stored at said second storage location;

detecting, at said selected one of said at least one intermediate automated storage device, said programming identification signal communicated from said origination automated storage device; and

communicating, automatically under control of said processor apparatus, said at least one of video programming and audio programming identified by said programming identification signal from said second storage location to said subscriber automated storage device based on said step of detecting said programming identification signal.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein said step of storing, automatically under control of said processor apparatus, said at least one of video programming and audio programming at said second storage location further comprises the steps of:

identifying said at least one of video programming and audio programming; and

storing said at least one of video programming and audio programming in a computer readable file with identification information identifying said at least one of video programming and audio programming at said second storage location to enable subsequent identification of said stored at least one of video programming and audio programming.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein said step of storing said at least one of video programming and audio programming in a file further comprises the step of:

embedding said identification information in said at least one of video programming and audio programming prior to said step of storing said at least one of video programming and audio programming with said identification information.

26. The method of claim 24, wherein said step of identifying further comprises the step of:

comparing said identified at least one of video programming and audio programming to previously stored information identifying a plurality of said at least one of video programming and audio programming.

27. The method of claim 23, further comprising:

receiving said at least one of video programming and audio programming from a remote location.

28. The method of claim 23, wherein said step of storing said at least one of video programming and audio programming at said first storage location further comprises the step of:

loading said at least one of video programming and audio programming on a programming storage device.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein said step of loading further comprises:

loading a tape including pre-recorded material including said at least one of video programming and audio programming onto a video tape player/recorder.

30. The method of claim 28, wherein said step of loading further comprises:

at least one of loading and storing said at least one of video programming and audio programming on a video disk storage unit.

31. The method of claim 23, wherein said step of storing said at least one of video programming and audio programming at said first storage location comprises the steps of:

receiving said at least one of video programming and audio programming at said selected one of said at least one intermediate automated storage device;

selecting a first storage location at said selected one of said at least one intermediate automated storage device; and

storing said at least one of video programming and audio programming at the selected first storage location of said at least one intermediate automated storage device.

32. The method of claim 23, wherein said step of storing at a storage location in said network further comprises the steps of:

receiving said at least one of video programming and audio programming at said selected one of said at least one intermediate automated storage device;

selecting a first of a plurality of storage devices at said selected one of said at least one intermediate automated storage device; and

storing said at least one of video programming and audio programming on said first of said plurality of storage devices.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein said step of transferring further comprises the steps of:

selecting a second of said plurality of storage devices at said selected one of said at least one intermediate automated storage device; and

transferring, under control of said processor apparatus, said at least one of video programming and audio programming from said first of said plurality of storage devices to a second storage location at said selected one of said at least one intermediate automated storage device.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein said step of storing said at least one of video programming and audio programming at said second storage location under control of said processor apparatus and based on detected first identifier further comprises the step of:

storing said at least one of video programming and audio programming at said second of said plurality of storage devices to enable said selected one of said at least one intermediate automated storage device to communicate said stored at least one of video programming and audio programming from said second of said plurality of storage devices to said subscriber automated storage device.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein said step of communicating said at least one of video programming and audio programming further comprises the step of:

communicating said at least one of video programming and audio programming identified by said programming identification signal from said second of said plurality of storage devices to said subscriber automated storage device based on detecting said programming identification signal.

36. The method of claim 23 further comprising:

logging said step of communicating said at least one of video programming and audio programming.

37. The method of claim 23, wherein said step of communicating said at least one of video programming and audio programming further comprises the step of:

communicating identification information identifying said at least one of video programming and audio programming with said at least one of video programming and audio programming from said second storage location to said subscriber automated storage device.

38. The method of claim 37 further comprising the step of:

logging said step of communicating said at least one of video programming and audio programming to said subscriber automated storage device.

39. The method of claim 38, wherein said step of logging comprises the steps of:

detecting said identification information communicated from said second storage location during said step of communicating said at least one of video programming and audio programming; and

recording information indicating that said at least one of video programming and audio programming was communicated to said subscriber automated storage device based on said step of detecting said identification information.

40. A method of communicating at least one of television signals and radio signals in a network including a plurality of in-network automated storage devices, said plurality of in-network automated storage devices including an origination automated storage device that transmits signals, at least one intermediate automated storage device that receives and selectively transmits signals, said plurality of in-network automated storage devices controlled by automatic control apparatus, and a plurality of subscriber automated storage devices that receive signals from said at least one intermediate automated storage device, said method comprising the steps of:

storing, under control of said automatic control apparatus, at least one of television programming and radio programming at a first storage location at a first automated storage device of said plurality of in-network automated storage devices, said at least one of television programming and radio programming including at least audio;

transferring, under control of said automatic control apparatus, said at least one of television programming and radio programming from said first storage location of the first automated storage device to a second storage location of said first automated storage device under control of said automatic control apparatus and based on a detected first identifier that identifies content of said at least one of television programming and radio programming; and

storing, under control of said automatic control apparatus, said at least one of television programming and radio programming at said second storage location, based on said detected first identifier, to enable selective transmission of said at least one of television programming and radio programming from said first automated storage device to a second automated storage device of said plurality of in-network automated storage devices under control of said automatic control apparatus and based on said detected first identifier.

41. The method of claim 40, wherein at least one of said first automated storage device and said second automated storage device further includes a selected intermediate automated storage device, said first storage location and said second storage location including first and second storage locations at said selected intermediate automated storage device, said method further comprising the steps of:

communicating a programming identification signal from said origination automated storage device to said selected intermediate automated storage device, said programming identification signal identifying said at least one of television programming and radio programming stored at said second storage location;

detecting, at said selected intermediate automated storage device, said programming identification signal communicated from said origination automated storage device; and

communicating said at least one of television programming and radio programming identified by said programming identification signal from said second storage location to at least one of said plurality of subscriber automated storage devices in response to detecting said programming identification signal.

42. The method of claim 41, further comprising the step of:

logging that said at least one of television programming and radio programming was communicated from said second storage location to at least one of said plurality of subscriber automated storage devices.

43. The method of claim 42, wherein said step of logging further comprises the steps of:

detecting embedded control and identification data in said communicated at least one of television programming and radio programming; and

recording information indicating that said at least one of television programming and radio programming was communicated based on said step of detecting.

44. The method of claim 40, wherein said step of storing at said second storage location further comprises the steps of:

identifying said at least one of television programming and radio programming;

embedding control and identification data in said at least one of television programming and radio programming, said identification data identifying said at least one of television programming and radio programming;

storing said at least one of television programming and radio programming with said embedded control and identification data at said second storage location; and

enabling communication of said at least one of television programming and radio programming from said second automated storage device to a third automated storage device of said plurality of in-network automated storage devices.

45. The method of claim 40, wherein said step of storing at a first storage location includes storing a first unit and a second unit of said at least one of television programming and radio programming on a first of said plurality of in-network automated storage devices, said step of storing said at least one of television programming and radio programming at a second storage location further comprising the steps of:

reordering said first unit and second unit into a new order; and

storing said first unit and second unit on a second of said plurality of in-network automated storage devices in said new order.

46. A network of automated storage devices comprising:

an origination automated storage device including a transmitter for transmitting at least one of television programming and radio programming with programming control and identification signals, said at least one of television programming and radio programming including at least audio;

a plurality of intermediate automated storage devices for receiving, processing and selectively retransmitting based on embedded control and identification signals said at least one of television programming and radio programming with the programming control and identification signals received from said origination automated storage device, each of said plurality of intermediate automated storage devices including;

(a) a receiver for receiving said at least one of television programming and radio programming with the programming control and identification signals from said origination automated storage device;

(b) a signal detector for detecting the programming control and identification signals;

(c) a plurality of programming storage devices for storing said at least one of television programming and radio programming; and

(d) a computer operatively connected to said receiver, said signal detector and said plurality of programming storage devices, said computer programmed to perform the following steps;

(1) selecting said at least one of television programming and radio programming received by said receiver based on the programming control and identification signals detected by said signal detector;

(2) routing the selected at least one of television programming and radio programming to a first of said plurality of programming storage devices based on instructions from said detected programming control and identification signals;

(3) controlling said first of said plurality of programming storage devices to store the selected at least one of television programming and radio programming on said first of said plurality of programming storage devices based on instructions from said detected programming control and identification signals;

(4) transferring the selected at least one of television programming and radio programming from said first of said plurality of programming storage devices to a second of said plurality of programming storage devices based on said received programming control and identification signals and information about the first of said plurality of programming storage devices;

(5) controlling said second of said plurality of programming storage devices to store the selected at least one of television programming and radio programming on said second of said plurality of programming storage devices based on instructions from said detected programming control and identification signals; and

(6) communicating the selected at least one of television programming and radio programming from said second of said plurality of programming storage devices to a subscriber automated storage device based on instructions from said detected programming control and identification signals, wherein the subscriber automated storage device comprises a receiver for receiving programming.

47. A method of communicating television program material to at least one receiver station including at least one of a broadcast and cablecast television receiver, a television monitor, a control signal detector, a processor operatively connected to said television monitor, said processor programmed to detect and operate under control of at least one instruct control in at least one of a broadcast and cablecast transmission, said method comprising the steps of:

receiving a television program at a transmitter station and delivering said television program to a transmitter;

receiving at least one control signal at said transmitter station, said at least one control signal at said at least one receiver station operates to select and control communication of a datum which identifies information included in said television program;

transferring said at least one control signal from said transmitter station to a transmitter; and

transmitting said television program and said at least one control signal from said transmitter station to said at least one receiver station.

48. A method of controlling a network, said network comprising a remote intermediate transmitter station and at least one receiver station, with said remote intermediate transmitter station including at least one intermediate transmitter for transmitting a signal, a plurality of selective transfer devices each operatively connected to said at least one intermediate transmitter for communicating said signal, a receiver for receiving said signal from outside said network, an instruction detector, and a controller capable of controlling at least one of said plurality of selective transfer devices, and with said remote intermediate transmitter station adapted to (1) detect at least one instruction, (2) control communication of at least one signal in response to said at least one instruction, and (3) deliver said at least one signal to said at least one intermediate transmitter, said method comprising the steps of:

receiving said signal outside said network, said signal having at least one first instruction that outputs said signal from a first storage location and stores said signal at a second storage location;

receiving at least one second instruction outside said network, said at least one second instruction that controls communication of said signal; and

transmitting said signal and said at least one second instruction to said network before a specific time.

49. A method of controlling a network having a remote intermediate transmitter station and at least one receiver station, with said remote intermediate transmitter station including at least one intermediate transmitter for transmitting at least one signal, a plurality of selective transfer devices each operatively connected to said at least one intermediate transmitter for communicating said at least one signal, a receiver for receiving said at least one signal from outside said network, an instruction detector, and a controller capable of controlling at least one of said plurality of selective transfer devices, and with said remote intermediate transmitter station receiving said at least one signal, at least one first instruction, and at least one second instruction, said at least one detected method comprising the steps of:

programming said remote intermediate transmitter station to control communication of and deliver said at least one signal at said at least one intermediate transmitter in response to at least one detected instruction, said at least one detected instruction instructs a controller to control said selective transfer devices;

programming said remote intermediate transmitter station to detect said at least one first instruction and said at least one second instruction in an embedded signal; and

programming said network to detect and respond to an instruction which is operative in said network to output said at least one signal from a first storage location and store said at least one signal at a second storage location before a specific time.

50. A method of processing signals at at least one station that receives programming, said at least one station including a computer for controlling communication of said programming, said method comprising the steps of:

inputting at least one automation control instruction, said at least one automation control instruction controlling communication of said programming;

inputting identification information and said programming;

storing said programming at said at least one station;

identifying said programming at said at least one station, based on said identification information; and

storing said automation control instruction with said programming at said at least one station, to enable said computer to subsequently control communication of said programming in accordance with said at least one automation control instruction.

51. A method of communicating programming to at least one receiver station, said at least one receiver station including one of a broadcast programming receiver and a cablecast programming receiver, an output device, a control signal detector, a processor operably connected to said output device, and with said at least one receiver station adapted to detect and operate under control of at least one control signal, said method of communicating comprising the steps of:

receiving said programming to be transmitted at a transmitter station and delivering said programming to a transmitter;

receiving and storing said at least one control signal at said transmitter station, said at least one control signal at said at least one receiver station operating to identify and control communication of said programming;

transferring said at least one control signal to said transmitter; and

transmitting from said transmitter station an information transmission including said programming and said at least one control signal.