Abstract: A presentation player is described for use in an interactive digital communications system which may selectively communicate particular multimedia presentations to each of a plurality of subscribers along a CATV cable network, or other communications network. The player is part of a digital interactive system that distributes information representing requested presentations in the form of digital data on distribution channels to a plurality of presentation players located along the communications network. Each of the subscribers has a television set connected to one of these presentation players. The digital data is uniquely addressed to a particular subscriber and is processed by his corresponding presentation player to produce analog TV signals comprising the multimedia presentation.

Abstract: A multiplexing and distribution system is provided for use in a digital data distribution system for multiplexing block data which represent predetermined quantities of information with stream data representative of a continuous flow of information onto a single distribution channel. The multiplexing system utilizes a framing technique in which fixed time intervals, or frames, are provided along the distribution channel. The start of each frame is defined by one or more digital bytes which represent frame synchronization characters. A stream control character is inserted in each frame after the frame synchronization characters. Consecutive stream control characters may be concatenated to provide a control channel which contains information used to select which particular stream data channels are to be multiplexed, and where the data is to be placed within the frame.

Abstract: A system is provided for interactively and selectively communicating particular multimedia presentations to each of a plurality of subscribers along a CATV cable network. The subscriber communicates his selections, both for viewing particular presentations from a menu and for transactions with respect to the information and products being viewed, by entering codes on his Touch-Tone telephone pad. Subscriber input signals are communicated as digital signals through the intercommunications network and response signals are generated, ultimately as analog TV signals for viewing by the subscriber.

Abstract: An audio-video presentation display system based on manipulation of digitized information is disclosed for use in an interactive communications system wherein a subscriber may select for viewing on a television screen a plurality of audio-video presentations consisting of particular sequences of selected video frames and accompanying audio information. The audio-video presentation display system is responsive to commands from a host computer which designates and prepares the presentation for playback to the television of the subscriber who has requested it.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for assembling a network of presentations comprising still video images with associated audio messages. The video images and audio messages are first recorded on separate recording mediums and then combines as a video/audio presentation network recorded on a video disc. The video disc can then be incorporated as part of the data base of an interactive communication system which transmits the presentations to subscriber's of the system.

Abstract: An electronic store is designed in the form a video/audio presentation network stored on a medium from which it can be retrieved by subscriber's to an interactive communication system. The presentations in the network comprise still picture images viewed by the subscriber with accompanying audio. These presentations, for example, can depict the offering of products or services to subscribers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a presentation player which is utilized in a digital, interactive communication system accessible to a plurality of subscribers who can select any of a plurality of pre-recorded video/audio presentations for viewing on their television sets. The presentation player includes a converter which is tuned to a channel for monitoring a digital stream of information including digital packets representative of the video/audio presentations selected by subscribers. These digital packets of information include an address assigned to the particular requesting subscriber. In accordance with this addressing information, a controller distributes the digital packet of information to one of a plurality of subscriber servers housed within the presentation player. The subscriber server receiving the uniquely addressed digital packets converts the packet into an NTSC-compatible analog formatted video/audio presentation for transmission to the requesting subscriber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a digital interactive communication system accessible to a plurality of subscribers who can select by means of their touch-tone telephones any of a plurality of pre-recorded video presentations representative of products and services for sale. In this system, the subscriber requests are received by a voice network interface which is coupled to a local area network. A plurality of data processors, typically single-board computers, capable of various tasks are operatively connected to the local area network. A number of these data processors are each dedicated to serving one subscriber during a requesting session. Other data processors coupled to the local area network provide either navigational, subscriber, or purchase information during a subscriber session. Also coupled to the local area network is a large-scale data base which stores digital information representing the video presentations which are requested by subscribers for viewing on their televisions sets.