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Remote channel switching for video on demand service

  • US 5,206,722 A
  • Filed: 12/28/1990
  • Issued: 04/27/1993
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/28/1990
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method for delivering from a head end of a television system selected VOD television programs to television subscribers, each having an assigned set top box for selecting any of a plurality of first TV channels of different frequency, comprising the steps of:

  • dedicating a plurality of second TV channels of different frequency to VOD programs, the second TV channels being different from the first TV channels;

    providing each subscriber with a set top box that includes a single channel designation for VOD reception;

    providing each set top box with remotely controlled switching apparatus for selectively making said single channel designation to be receptive of any of the second TV channels;

    providing a plurality of programs on the second TV channels including the step of providing a first selected program on a first one of the second TV channels during a first selected time period specified by a first subscriber;

    prior to the first selected time period, actuating from the head end the remotely controlled switching apparatus of the first subscriber so as to make the single channel designation of the set top box assigned to the first subscriber receptive of said first one of the second TV channels carrying the selected program;

    and after the first selected time period, actuating the remotely controlled switching apparatus to make the VOD channel of the set top box assigned to the first subscriber substantially unreceptive of any of said second TV channels.

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