METHOD FOR PROVIDING VIDEO PROGRAMMING NEARLY ON DEMAND

摘要

A method for providing video programming in a nearly on demand basis is disclosed. A video network (10) includes a video server (11) that operates several video recorders (17) to simultaneous ly exhibit video performances or programs on a plural- ity of channels. The video server (11) is controlled in real time in accordance with data presented to it in an exhibition plan (19). The exhibition plan (19) calls for two or more channels to show the same program on a time offset basis. Due to the offset in exhi- biting a given program, a subscriber may view a program at any time, from th e beginning of a program, by waiting for a period of time that is no longer than the offset.