Video distribution system

Abstract

The disclosed subject matter relates to video distribution systems and, more particularly, to a system that blanket transmits video / audio content such as movies (for example, via satellite downlink transmission) to each customer's recording, storage and playback system. Customers may preselect from a list of available movies or other content in advance using an interactive screen selector, and pay for the video / audio content that is actually viewed.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of Ser. No. 09 / 675,025, filed Sep. 28, 2000, which is a continuation in part of Ser. No. 09 / 385,671, filed Aug. 27, 1999; Ser. No. 09 / 436,281, filed Nov. 8, 1999; Ser. No. 09 / 476,078, filed Dec. 30, 1999; Ser. No. 09 / 502,069, filed Feb. 10, 2000; Ser. No. 09 / 553,524, filed Apr. 20, 2000; and Ser. No. 09 / 645,087, filed Aug. 24, 2000. The disclosures of application Ser. No. 09 / 385,671, filed Aug. 27, 1999; Ser. No. 09 / 436,281, filed Nov. 8, 1999; Ser. No. 09 / 476,078, filed Dec. 30, 1999; Ser. No. 09 / 502,069, filed Feb. 10, 2000; Ser. No. 09 / 553,524, filed Apr. 20, 2000; and Ser. No. 09 / 645,087, filed Aug. 24, 2000; are hereby expressly incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The invention relates to video distribution systems and, more particularly, to a system that blanket transmits video / audio content such as movies (for example, via satellite downlink transmission) to each customer's r...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is a video distribution system that offers benefits to consumers, content providers, and transmission providers. The system allows consumers to preselect movies and access them through a menu-driven interface, with options ranging from thousands of movies to specific genre or category. The movies are transmitted in a compressed form and can be played immediately or at a later time. The system uses high-capacity storage and operating systems with simplified programming to provide a greater selection and convenience to consumers. Content providers receive income every time a movie is played, creating significant residual value. The system also allows content providers to change pricing at any time to optimize demand. The invention provides a secure and efficient way to distribute movies with high security through the use of appropriate encoding technology. The transmission providers realize increased income and opportunities to market other products and services to specific customer profiles. Overall, the video distribution system offers a better experience for consumers, increased revenue for content providers, and improved efficiency for transmission providers."

Problems solved by technology

Video rental stores have provided a sort of “video on demand”, subject, of course, to the high cost of video cassette purchases by the rental stores, as well as the high capital outlay for real estate (land and building) and the cost of labor at the stores.

Even when a title becomes available through video release, the viewer's ability to watch the show at his chosen time is subject to availability of the video at the store, roundtrip transportation to the store and the inevitable problems with late returns, damaged videos, lost videos, etc.

However, this type of video demand system, after years and billions of dollars of investment, has proven to be too complex and expensive and, therefore, has not been implemented.

Both the Replay Networks, Inc. and the '287 systems have severe limitations in terms of storage capability and customer options.

This system attempts to simplify the VCR recording function, but because of its complex nature and limited benefits it has not been implemented.

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