System for transferring television programs

Abstract

Abstract A system for transferring television programs includes a transmission system (13), a transmitter (12) coupled to the transmission system (13) for sending a television signal thereon, and a downstream video recorder (28) coupled to the transmission system. There is provided means for controlling the video recorder (28) to record the television signal in response to control signals from the transmitter. A stored database represents a predetermined schedule including timing instructions. A computer (15) is programmed to provide real time outputs in response to the database time instructions. A bus has an input coupled to the computer and provides control signals in response to the real time outputs. A recorded medium contains a program in television format. A video player plays the recorded medium, the video player has a control port and is responsive to the control signal. The player has an output providing a television signal coupled to a corresponding channel. A downstream video recorder (28) is coupled to the channel. The video recorder (28) records the television signal in response to downstream control signals. The transmission system (13) may be cable or fiber and the downstream control signals may be sent on cable, fiber, or telephone lines.

Inventors

• 👤 Stephen S. Walker

Bibliographic Details