Video-on-demand service, transmits encoded series of video films for storage in user unit with input for film selection and credit card number entry

摘要

Video films are transmitted successively, as encoded data over channel(s). Each film has an associated key. Film identities are transmitted to enable selection. A corresponding receiver stores the transmission in a form of memory. The user selects film(s) from the identities using a video terminal; the selection is transmitted to a remote terminal. This returns decoding information which is stored. The film is decoded and displayed there and then. An Independent claim is included for a corresponding video-on-demand client unit, in the form of a set-top-box incorporating the functions described.