INTERNET-BASED ON-DEMAND DIGITAL PROGRAM DELIVERY SYSTEM AND METHOD

摘要

A system and method for providing on demand service to owners of video and/or audio program rights to offer digital versions of those programs to web site visitors. The system is an Application Service Provider (ASP) model, whereby the services are provided to the video and/or audio owners over the World Wide Web where no specific software need reside with the video and/or audio owners. Video or audio programs from the owners, once converted to an appropriate digital form, are streamed over the Internet or other IP networks for viewing in real-time, direct from video and/or audio servers of the system, by viewers who have purchased the right to view them through a web site that does not have rights to the digital programs. E-commerce transaction processing is provided on behalf of the video and/or audio owner, and revenue is appropriately conveyed to the owner and/or the web site.