Abstract: A system and method for distributing real-time, compressed, digital video data from a video library composed of multiple mass storage devices through a digital video data server to large numbers of viewers via distribution networks is provided. The server obtains selected frames of video data for viewer-requested programs from high-speed memory using a buffering strategy, replicates the data via a multi-cast technique for each viewer listed in an assigned synchronization group and forwards the data to each viewer's site where it is decompressed, decoded, and converted for display on a television monitor or computer display. Each viewer maintains interactive control over the transmission of the digital video data.