Abstract: A distributed interne protocol television network system is provided which can expand its bandwidth and support an unlimited number of content and program providers because encrypted and packetized video is streamed by the content and program providers directly to the end user through a broadband network and not through a network operations center that is part of the system. The video will appear to the end user as if it came from the network operating center but it does not. The network operating center has a management function that requires less bandwidth. The distributed network structure will include broad-caster servers supplied to each of the content or program providers and acting in cooperation with management software in the network operating center that supports operation of the network.