Asymmetric data communications system

摘要

Apparatus for and a method of asymmetric communication is disclosed wherein, in a programme subsystem (10) is equipped to receive television and/or data content from various sources (12,14) and provide received content in an appropriate form (18) for transmission, a transmitter subsystem (20) is operatively connected to the programme subsystem and including transmission equipment for generating one or more signals to reach a set of subscribers (30), receiving (131) and processing (100) equipment at subscriber premises (32) enables subscribers to select from among the variety of content carried by the signals and an asymmetric return path facility (50) is linked to the processing equipment by a communication network (40, 45) separate and distinct from the transmitter subsystem and to the programme subsystem for reception of subscriber communications.