초록 ▼

A method of multicasting digital data to a user accessing an Internet connection is disclosed. The method includes placing digital data that is to be multicast in IP protocol to generate IP digital data. The IP digital data is transmitted from a transmission site to a remote Internet point of presen

A method of multicasting digital data to a user accessing an Internet connection is disclosed. The method includes placing digital data that is to be multicast in IP protocol to generate IP digital data. The IP digital data is transmitted from a transmission site to a remote Internet point of presence through a dedicated transmission channel substantially separate from Internet backbone. The dedicated transmission channel may be, for example, a satellite channel. At the remote Internet point of presence, the IP digital data is multicast for delivery to at least one receiving Internet user's apparatus connected to but distal from the remote Internet point of presence.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] 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

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] 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.