Patent ID: 6634028
Filing Date: 2003-10-14
Classification: H04H,H04N

Abstract:
A CATV method for use with a CATV network and a multiplicity of subscriber units, the method comprising:determining a collision between non-real-time individually addressed information transmitted to a subscriber unit and at least one of the following types of non-real-time non-video data: CATV management data transmitted to the subscriber unit; and subscriber's program viewing data transmitted to the subscriber unit, wherein the individually addressed information does not comprise either of the following: a program ordered by a user of the subscriber unit; and messages and billing data related to programming; and assigning one of the following in accordance with at least one predetermined criterion: a higher priority to the CATV management data and the subscriber's program viewing data than to the individually addressed information; and a lower priority to the CATV management data and the subscriber's program viewing data than to the individually addressed information.