Abstract: The invention provides a central location for receiving voice, video, and data signals. A plurality of user locations are connected to a single central location. Each user location is connected to the central location by means of a single coax wire, and voice, video and data are all multiplexed over the coax, so that increased data capabilities can be added to individual user locations without the need to rewire existing user locations. This is particularly advantageous where such user locations have already been wired, and where rewiring would be a difficult and expensive process, e.g., passenger cabins on board a cruise ship.

Abstract: A system which makes use of existing coax wiring to provide video-on-demand to individual subscribers. IP addressable, bi-directional video switches are used to replace traditional set-top cable boxes. The video switches are controlled by a network server which communicates with them over the existing coax wiring by using one of the frequencies previously used to transmit a VHF channel. The network server also controls video servers and a video head end, and it interfaces with the coax by means of a head end IP tap. Consequently, the network server can receive the subscriber's request for particular video programming, and it can order a video server to provide such programming to the subscriber, coordinating the programming, any desired frequency shifting, and the selection of the frequency on which the programming should be transmitted by the video head end and received by the subscriber's video switch.