By Gary H. Arlen, Arlen Communications Inc.
Teledistribution of video and data software will become an increasingly important part o.f the cable TV and communications industry. Video-on-demand systems, including hybrid facilities, are being introduced and tested. This paper describes downloading services as well as ones which use constant cycling of data or video, to be retrieved via a home terminal/receiver. Newly installed addressable cable equipment and headend computer/control devices will accelerate the growth of teledistribution, as cable operators seek ways to use facilities for revenue-generating services. This paper also reviews broadcasting and telephone industry activities to develop teledistribution services, notably for games and information.
The success of teledelivery depends on a trade-off between the cost of communications versus the cost of memory. As memory and storage devices drop in price, teledistribution becomes more feasible.