09863895

Paragraph Number

32

In one embodiment, each STB 102 is coupled to the network 101 via a head-end 110 or other distribution center. In the context of a cable network, a head-end 110 is generally a centrally-located facility where television programs are received from a local cable TV (CATV) satellite downlink or other source and packaged together for transmission to customer homes. In one configuration, a head-end 110 also functions as a Central Office (CO) in the telephone industry, routing video streams and other data to and from the various STBs 102 serviced thereby. Head-ends 110 may be coupled directly to one another or through the network 101. In some cases, head-ends 110 may be connected via a separate network, one particular example of which is the Internet 112.

Added by DJM 12 2021