Method and apparatus for distributing program material

摘要

A communication system includes a distribution center which collects and processes signals from one or more program sources, and distributes these signals in compressed format to one or more airline terminals, each terminal in communication with one or more parked aircraft. An airline issues a program request identifying certain ones of the program sources, and sends this request to the distribution center where a composite signal is prepared including representations of the program source signals and the program request. The composite signal is transmitted to receiver units at subscriber airline terminals of airports where individual program orders are stored and subsequently distributed to the appropriate aircraft for subsequent in-flight playback of the programs.