Video distribution system allowing viewer access to time staggered

Abstract

System for distributing video programs includes a transmission system having a plurality of channels, includes a stored database representing a predetermined schedule including timing instructions. A computer is programmed to provide real time outputs in response to the database time instructions. A bus has an input coupled to the computer and providing control signals in response to the real time outputs. A recorded media contains programs in television format. A plurality of video players are used for playing the recorded media, each video player having a control port coupled to the bus and responsive to the control signals. Each video player has an output providing television signals for coupling to a separate corresponding channel, and at least two of the video players loaded with duplicate recorded media and controlled to play at staggered overlapping time intervals. A character generator is coupled to the computer for providing to a channel a menu in television format representing a programming schedule. Scrambling means are interposed between the output of a video player and the corresponding channel for scrambling the television signal. Access means provides downstream access to a channel and unscrambles a television signal on an accessed channel. The access means provides access to the first and second channels thereby allowing return to the same point of a program after a pause equal to the staggered time interval.