Abstract: A method for providing video programming in a nearly on demand basis is disclosed. A video network includes a video server that operates several video recorders to simultaneously exhibit video performances or programs on a plurality of channels. The video server is controlled in real time in accordance with data presented to it in an exhibition plan. The exhibition plan calls for two or more channels to show the same program on a time offset basis. Due to the offset in exhibiting a given program, a subscriber may view a program at any time, from the beginning of a program, by waiting for a period of time that is no longer than the offset. Preferably, this offset is substantially shorter than the run time of the program. The channels carrying this program are unscrambled prior to the beginning of the program and for a predetermined duration into the program so that subscribers may preview the program. However, the channels are scrambled for the remainder of the exhibition of the program.

Abstract: The improved film clamp comprises a base plate having an aperture defined therethrough and over which a film strip is positioned in a plane; a platen having a flat surface and an aperture defined therein and mounted to said base plate with the apertures of said base plate and said platen aligned with each other when the platen is clamped to the base plate; and flexible gripping means positioned around the periphery of the aperture of either said platen, said base plate or both, each of said flexible gripping means including a locating section arranged so as to be inserted into locating slots provided around the periphery of the aperture of either said platen, said base plate or both, said locating slots being, when said base plate and said platen are clamped together, substantially perpendicular to the plane of the film strip and a gripping section angled with respect to said locating section outward from the aperture(s) so as to grip and tension said film strip between said base plate and said platen when th