| 摘要 |
<p>A download server at a headend of a cable system transmits a command to a digital set-top terminal causing it to operate in one of a background tune mode, a foreground tune mode, and a featured tune mode of operation. The background tune mode of operation configures the set-top terminal to accept the offered download of software or data objects to the set-top terminal when acceptance of the download would not affect a subscriber's primary service to thereby allow uninterrupted viewing of a subscriber selected program. The foreground tune mode of operation configures the set-top terminal to immediately accept a download from the download server by tuning to the download channel irrespective of any effect on the subscriber's primary service. In the featured tune mode of operation the set-top terminal is configured to attempt to download the objects in the background, without affecting the primary service, before a sepcified start time. Thereafter, the set-top terminal is reconfigured to immediately accept the download of the objects, wherein, through the foregoing, downloading via an inband channel may be made with minimal subscriber impact.</p> |
