| 摘要 |
<p>The present invention teaches methods and systems (Fig. 8) for providing ful l digital services such as VOD, digital broadcast, as well as a universal set- top-box (STB) (600) capable of handling this variety of digital services. A plurality of hardware architectures and complimentary data transmission methods identifying the distinct services through an electronic program guid e enable such transmission. The universal STB (600) of the present invention i s capable of distinguishing the different services based upon information received in the electronic program guide, and is designed with unique hardwa re architecture including a large buffer. The present invention further provide s viewing options such as multiple broadcasts and virtual VCR time-shifting features including pause, recording, and freeze-framing a broadcast without suffering the volatility and poor quality of an Internet streaming broadcast . Still further, this variety of digital services is provided via a uni- directional communication link.</p> |
