Video distribution system allowing viewer access to time staggered indentical prerecorded programs
First Claim
1. A system for distributing video programs over a plurality of channels comprising:
- a transmission system having a plurality of channels;
a stored database storing a predetermined schedule including timing instructions;
a computer programmed to provide real time outputs in response to said database time instructions;
a bus having an input coupled to said computer and conveying control signals in response to said real time outputs;
recorded media containing programs in television format;
a plurality of video players for playing said recorded media, each video player having a control port coupled to said bus and responsive to said control signals, each video player having an output providing television signals coupled to a separate corresponding channel, at least two of said video players loaded with duplicate recorded media and controlled to play at staggered overlapping time intervals on first and second channels; and
access means for providing downstream access to a channel, wherein said access means provides access to said first and second channels thereby allowing return to the same point of a program after a pause equal to said staggered time interval.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
System for distributing video programs includes a transmission system having a plurality of channels, includes a stored database representing a predetermined schedule including timing instructions. A computer is programmed to provide real time outputs in response to the database time instructions. A bus has an input coupled to the computer and providing control signals in response to the real time outputs. A recorded media contains programs in television format. A plurality of video players are used for playing the recorded media, each video player having a control port coupled to the bus and responsive to the control signals. Each video player has an output providing television signals for coupling to a separate corresponding channel, and at least two of the video players loaded with duplicate recorded media and controlled to play at staggered overlapping time intervals. A character generator is coupled to the computer for providing to a channel a menu in television format representing a programming schedule. Scrambling means are interposed between the output of a video player and the corresponding channel for scrambling the television signal. Access means provides downstream access to a channel and unscrambles a television signal on an accessed channel. The access means provides access to the first and second channels thereby allowing return to the same point of a program after a pause equal to the staggered time interval.
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Citations
5 Claims
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1. A system for distributing video programs over a plurality of channels comprising:
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a transmission system having a plurality of channels; a stored database storing a predetermined schedule including timing instructions; a computer programmed to provide real time outputs in response to said database time instructions; a bus having an input coupled to said computer and conveying control signals in response to said real time outputs; recorded media containing programs in television format; a plurality of video players for playing said recorded media, each video player having a control port coupled to said bus and responsive to said control signals, each video player having an output providing television signals coupled to a separate corresponding channel, at least two of said video players loaded with duplicate recorded media and controlled to play at staggered overlapping time intervals on first and second channels; and access means for providing downstream access to a channel, wherein said access means provides access to said first and second channels thereby allowing return to the same point of a program after a pause equal to said staggered time interval. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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Specification