Abstract: A data server implements a video-on-demand system by providing multiple channels of video and audio on which video programs can play simultaneously and independently. The data server has mass storage containing video programs in the form of compressed digital multimedia data. The data server also has one or more multi-channel decoders which transfer data from mass storage, decompress the data and encode the data into standard video and stereo audio outputs. The data server also utilizes a host which provides video program control commands to the decoders in a manner which emulates a video tape deck.