Multi-user, on-demand video server system including independent, concurrently operating remote data retrieval controllers

摘要

A plurality of movies are distributively stored in digital form on a mass storage unit such as a Redundant Array of Inexpensive Drives (RAID) disk drive system such that they can be viewed on demand by multiple users. A master controller receives movie requests from users, and generates designation commands through a Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) bus that designates a retrieval controller at the requesting user's facility, and locations of the requested movie data in the RAID system. Successive designation commands are generated for successive blocks of the movie data. A designated retrieval controller reads a designated block of data from the RAID system through the SCSI bus, and converts the retrieved data into video picture and audio format to show the movie on a television receiver at the requesting user's facility. The movie data is preferably compressed on the RAID system in Motion Picture Experts Group (MPEG) format, and decompressed by the retrieval controllers.