Video signal distribution system

Abstract

A signal distribution system is disclosed for distributing television program signals from a central location to a plurality of subscriber locations via respective optical fibers. At the central location, 4 of 64 signals are selected and multiplexed for delivery to each subscriber location. At each subscriber location, an interface unit selects any 2 of the 4 signals for delivery to each of a plurality of video port controllers, for supply to an associated television receiver and video cassette recorder. Requests for program signals initiated by a subscriber at a video port controller are handled by the interface unit, being granted, denied, or fowarded to the central location as appropriate. The system facilitates the provision of pay-per-channel and pay-per-view television program signals.