Television – Two-way video and voice communication – User positioning
Patent
1994-12-29
1997-08-05
Peng, John K.
Television
Two-way video and voice communication
User positioning
348 5, 348 10, 455 2, 455 51, 455 62, 455 63, H04N 710, H04N 714
Patent
active
056547471
ABSTRACT:
A method and apparatus for effectuating the reception and local storage of source information signals representative of a media program transmitted from a source information network preferably over a cable television channel on a pay-per-view basis is disclosed. A local intelligent set-top control unit communicates with a remote information network and a local storage device to coordinate the transmission of customer ordered media programs from the information network for storage on the local storage device. The local storage device is preferably a standard video cassette recorder (VCR) providing full VCR control functionality when presenting a stored media program on a television. A digital or optical data storage disk drive system may alternatively be employed to store source information signals downloaded from the remote information network. The intelligent set-top control unit communicates a pay-per-view billing signal to the information network upon playing of a downloaded media program, and provides protection against unauthorized copying. In an alternative configuration, a set-top control card is installed into a host computer system to coordinate the reception and local storage of downloaded media programs, and preferably provides a platform for interfacing with other home communication and electronic systems.
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Ottesen Hal Hjalmar
Smith Gordon J.
VanLeeuwen George Willard
Hollingsworth Mark A.
International Business Machines - Corporation
Miller John W.
Peng John K.
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