Patent ID: 8713620

Claim:
A content distribution system, the system comprising: a video on demand server; an IP business management device configured to perform at least one of a billing function and an authorization function relating to content delivery requests initiated by an IP customer premise device which supports a first protocol; a second business management device configured to perform billing functions relating to services provided by said video on demand server, said second business management device supporting a second protocol which is different from said first protocol; and a protocol converter device in communication with said second business management device, said IP business management device, said IP customer premise device and said video on demand server, said protocol converter device being configured to convert command signals which are in accordance with the first protocol which is used by said IP customer premise device, but which is not supported by said video on demand server, to command signals in accordance with the second protocol to which said video on demand server is responsive; wherein, said protocol converter device is further configured to convert signals from said IP business management device directed to said second business management device from said first protocol to said second protocol and to convert signals sent from said second business management device to said IP business management device from said second protocol to said first protocol thereby allowing said IP business management device and said second business management device to interoperate using said first and second protocols.