Patent ID: 6101180
Filing Date: 2000-08-08
Classification: H04B,H04L,H04Q

Abstract:
A method of transmitting digital video or audio content to independent and distal users accessing the Internet via an Internet backbone, the method comprising the steps of:a) predetermining a schedule for streaming transmission of streaming digital content from a head-end; andb) stream transmitting the streaming digital content, in a relatively time-sensitive manner, from the head-end, generally according to the schedule, through a one-way dedicated transmission channel substantially separate from the Internet backbone for receipt by at least one remote Internet service gateway providing relatively time-insensitive data transmission to a plurality of distal Internet users via two-way Internet connections through the Internet backbone,c) whereby the plurality of distal Internet users can receive and play the streaming digital content from the Internet service gateway generally according to the predetermined schedule while maintaining the two-way Internet connection of data for the Internet users,wherein the dedicated transmission channel includes a one-way satellite transmission system with a satellite down link for delivering the streaming digital content to the Internet service gateway.