Video communications system having a remotely controlled central source of video and audio data

Patent 4949187 Issued on August 14, 1990. Estimated Expiration Date:

December 16, 2008. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

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Computer memory back-up with automatic tape positioning Patent #: 4789961
Issued on: 12/06/1988
Inventor: Tindall

Inventor

Cohen, Jason M.

Application

No. 285214 filed on 12/16/1988

US Classes:

386/69, Track searching348/96, Film, disc or card scanning360/15, RECORD COPYING386/96, Audio signal725/1, BILLING IN VIDEO DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM725/86, USER-REQUESTED VIDEO PROGRAM SYSTEM725/134Having particular storage feature

Examiners

Primary: Richardson, Robert L.
Assistant: Swayze, W. Daniel

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Kroll; Michael I.

International Classes

H04M 011/00
H04N 007/10

Abstract

A video communications system is provided that makes it possible for home viewers to download a movie in digital format from a large archive library, store the digital movie file locally, and view the movie at any convenient time. The system may limit access to particular movies and provides an accounting system that is used to bill downloads to the viewer's account as well as to post royalty payments to movie providers. Frequently viewed movies are quickly accessible via random access mass storage while infrequently viewed movies may be called up from a streaming tape archive. The digitalization of the program source allows for playback at various speeds, as well as pause, with no distortion or loss in picture quality.