THE BROAD-BAND NETWORK INTERFACE FOR TELEVISION

The Public Video Switched Network, a demonstrator, illustrates a possible evolution of the local telephone network. This scenario provides end-to-end connections through high-capacity switched digital channels. Fiber-ready television receivers provide subscribers with a consumer-friendly interface to the network. The fiber-ready receiver has the potential to present a wide range of audio, data, and video services via a digital serial interface. The digital interface is one of four possible network connections to the fiber-ready television receiver. This interface provides the receiver with time-multiplexed audio, data, and video signals through a single serial bitstream. A control channel is provided out of the fiber-ready television for channel selection and interactive programming. The fiber-ready television receiver, in conjunction with the Public Video Switched Network, supports a broadband topology that allows both broadcast and point-to-point networks direct access to the subscriber.