DESC:The present disclosure relates to a systems and method for providing Everything on Demand (EOD) including Video on Demand (VOD) on Uni-Directional Cable TV Networks.
BACKGROUND
Video on Demand (VOD) is becoming increasingly popular with the masses and are used by majority of cable TV operators (CATV)/Multisystem Operators (MSO) for offering VOD streaming, including pay-per-view and free content. Thus, it is becoming a great monetizing opportunity for the MSOs/Cable operators.
Television VOD systems either stream content through a set-top box, a computer or other devices, allowing viewing media of choice in real time. The media can also be downloaded on computer, digital video recorder (also called a personal video recorder) or a portable media player for viewing at any time. Many VOD service providers allow viewing media content on television, over CATV networks, by employing advanced IPTV services or an external application downloaded on the existing set top boxes or available software enabled set top boxes. The set top boxes may also be equipped with network interfacing card, to provide two way communications between the end user and the VOD services providers which allow the user to request media content of their choice and view them on their televisions.
Also, existing DTH companies allow their subscribed users to connect to the DTH’s broadband via the users’ set top boxes. As such the user can download external TV content on their televisions. The user is provided with on-demand video library by the service providers. However, VOD services which are provided via IP streaming have the drawback of buffering delays due to slow internet connections. The Cable VOD offers a solution of delivering the content without the delay of IP streaming since the content is directly provided to the television sets, or via the set top boxes. Such VOD services offered over the CATV infrastructure utilize one of the free channels (radio frequency RF channel) for transmitting any external media content to the user’s television/set top box. Here, the free RF channels are those unutilized channels which are not used for regular cable television channels. Providing such VOD services often require additional software application enabled in the user’s set top box which helps the viewer interact with the media.
In India, all cable TV operators are majorly uni-directional in architecture and making those two way would practically involve relaying the entire infrastructure involving a massive outlay in terms of time and resources. Further, broadband connectivity is not available in large parts of India and cable has just started its migration to digital. Further, a majority of households in India at present uses a standard digital set top box for viewing a service provider’s cable channels on a standard television.
Recent developments in the space of VOD services have enabled the existing systems to provide content directly to existing digital TV receivers, and therefore also to customers whose receivers are not bi-directional. These systems can use the IP connectivity of computers or mobile devices to request VOD content and watch on the current digital TV receivers. Further, the system content is delivered through the cable TV networks on a user desired channel on which the requested VOD content can be played. The present systems are usually enhanced by utilizing IP enabled set top boxes which enable the cable channel encoders, known as QAMs (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation) for channel routing and transmission.
The above known VOD services over CATV networks utilize the free bandwidth, i.e., the unutilized RF channels of the MSOs to deliver VOD content, but, the available number of free channels is also limited. Therefore, the maximum number of end users which can be individually serviced for VOD on cable television networks is the number of free channels available with an MSO. In the near future, the subscribers of VOD services over CATV networks may run into millions, thus, there is a need to utilize the free channels in a more favorable manner such that a larger number of subscribers can be serviced.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing objects and the following description of the nature of invention are exemplary and explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof. For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will be made to various alternative embodiments and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated method and system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In an aspect of the present disclosure, a system for providing video-on –demand programs on a cable TV network is disclosed. The system comprises of a network interface module including at least one input module configured to receive video-on-demand programs requested by a plurality of subscribers from a network and at least two RF transmission outputs configured to transmit the video-on-demand programs to the respective subscribers on the cable TV network. Further, the system comprises of a processor configured to assign an unused channel of the cable TV network to a first video-on- demand program and a second video-on-demand program received on the network interface module, and provide the first video-on demand program and the second video- on demand program and the unused channel to the network interface module, for transmission to the respective subscribers on the cable TV network on the unused channel, wherein the assignment of the unused channel to different video-on-demand programs depends on the number of RF transmission outputs available on the network interface module.
In another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for providing video-on –demand programs on a cable TV network is disclosed. The method comprises of receiving video-on-demand programs requested by a plurality of subscribers from a network on a network interface module of a virtual media player, wherein the network interface module includes at least two RF transmission outputs configured to transmit the video-on-demand programs to the respective subscribers on the cable TV network. Further, the method comprises of assigning an unused channel of the cable TV network to a first video-on- demand program and a second video-on-demand program received on the network interface module, providing the first video-on demand program and the second video- on demand program and the unused channel to the network interface module, for transmission to the respective subscribers on the cable TV network on the used channel, wherein the assignment of the unused channel to different video-on-demand programs depends on the number of the RF transmission outputs available on the network interface module.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig 1 illustrates a system for providing VOD program on a CATV network in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Fig 2 illustrates a system for providing VOD program on a CATV network in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Fig 3 illustrates a method of providing VOD program on a CATV network in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing objects and the following description of the nature of invention are exemplary and explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.
For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to various alternative embodiments and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated method and system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.
Many of the functional units described in this specification have been labeled as modules, in order to more particularly emphasize their implementation independence. For example, a module may be implemented as a hardware circuit comprising custom very large scale integration circuits or gate arrays, off-the-shelf semiconductors such as logic, chips, transistors, or the other discrete components. A module may also be implemented in programmable hardware devices such as field programmable gate arrays, programmable array logic, programmable logic devices or the like.
Modules may also be implemented in software for execution by various types of processors or microprocessors. An identified module of executable code may, for instance, comprise one or more physical or logical blocks of computer instructions which may, for instance, be organized as an object, procedure, or function. Nevertheless, the executable of an identified module need not be physically located together, but may comprise disparate instructions stored in different locations which, when joined together, comprise the module and achieve the stated purpose for the module.
Indeed, a module of executable code could be a single instruction, or many instructions, and may even be distributed over several different code segments, among different programs, and across several memory devices. Similarly, operational data may be identified and illustrated herein within modules, and may be embodied in any suitable form and organized within any suitable type of data structure. The operational data maybe collected as a single data set, or may be distributed over different locations including over different member disks, and may exist, at least partially, merely as electronic signals on a system or network.
Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” “an embodiment” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.
In accordance with an embodiment, systems and methods of providing video-on-demand programs (VOD) on a cable TV network (CATV) are disclosed. Although, VOD programs are disclosed in the present disclosure, the teachings of the present disclosure may also apply to Everything-on Demand (EOD) contents to be provided on the CATV network. The VOD programs include both audio and video content including movies, online television programs etc. In accordance with an embodiment, the present disclosure applies to uni-directional CATV Networks. The system for uni-directional CATV networks includes standard cable televisions and/or standard cable set top boxes connected to the cable televisions. The CATV network may include a network of physical cables for distributing electrical or optical signals. For example, the CATV network may use coaxial or optical fiber cables for distributing television signals. In accordance with an embodiment, the audio video digital signals of a television programs are delivered from a cable television headend through the CATV networks to a subscriber’s premises. In accordance with an embodiment, the physical cables of the CATV networks may connect to a typical cable television apparatus including a television and a cable set top box. In accordance with an embodiment, the cable set top box includes modules configured to receive the digital video and audio signals and decodes them for display on the cable television. Further, the cable set top box includes modules to tune to the appropriate RF frequency for displaying channels on the cable television. The respective channels are associated with the respective television programs which the subscriber may opt to view on their cable television. In accordance with an embodiment, the cable set top box may be configured to receive signals from a remote control. The subscriber may select the desired channel on the remote control, the remote control may then tune the cable set top box to the desired channel. In accordance with an alternate embodiment, the cable television may include the appropriate modules for decoding the digital audio and video signals and tune to the respective RF frequency for displaying the appropriate channel desired by the subscriber.
In accordance with an embodiment, the systems and methods disclosed in the present disclosure utilizes the data network of IP enabled devices, such as mobile devices including smartphones, computers, tablets, IP enabled hand held devices, mobile phones, etc. for providing a reverse path on the cable TV infrastructure, i.e., RF technology, thus making the CATV network bidirectional. In accordance with an embodiment, the subscribers of the CATV network may request content such as VOD programs on their mobile devices use cellular network connection of their mobile devices. In accordance with an embodiment, the subscribers of the CATV network may use public data network such as Internet to request and download their choice of VOD programs. Further, using the public data network such as Internet, the requested VOD programs may be transmitted to the respective subscribers using the public data network such as Internet to the cable TV headend. The requested VOD programs may then be viewed by the respective subscribers on their standard televisions using the CATV network.
In accordance with an embodiment, the systems and methods disclosed in the present disclosure employ unused channels of the CATV network for assigning to the requested VOD programs on the CATV network. The unused channels may be free channels which are currently not used by the CATV network to broadcast the television programs. The RF frequency range used for transmission of the requested VOD programs on the unused channels of CATV network is described in detail below.
Fig. 1 illustrates a system 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the system 100 includes a network interface module 200 and a processor 300. Further, the network interface module includes at least one input module 202 and at least two RF transmission outputs 204A and 204B. In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, and as illustrated in Fig. 1, the input module 202 may be configured to receive VOD program requested by a plurality of subscribers from a network 102. The plurality of subscribers may also be subscribed to the disclosed standard CATV network. The network 102 disclosed may be public data network such as internet, as disclosed above. Further, the at least two RF transmission outputs 204A and 204B may be configured to transmit the VOD programs to the respective subscribers on the cable TV network 104, as illustrated in Fig. 1.
The network interface module 200 may be configured to receive the VOD programs in transcoded format which may be a suitable format for the VOD program to be delivered to the CATV network 104. The transcoding typically involves conversion of MPEG data into MPEG 2, format, which is desired for a content to be viewed on a standard cable television. In accordance with a further embodiment, the system 100 may include appropriate transcoding modules to transcode the VOD programs in the suitable format for delivery to the CATV network 104. In accordance with a further embodiment, the system 100 may include a storage module to store the transcoded VOD programs in the format suitable for delivery to the CATV network 104. In accordance with another embodiment, the system 100 may include further modules to insert additional media such as advertisements in the VOD programs before delivery to the CATV networks 104.
In accordance with an embodiment, the VOD programs may be available to the subscriber on an online library subscribed from a Multi System Operator (MSO) or a service provider of the CATV network 104 by the subscriber. In accordance with an embodiment, a plurality of subscribers subscribe to the online library feature of a desired MSO and/or service provider of the CATV network 104. The online library may be available through a mobile application or on a web portal accessible to the subscribers on his mobile device. The subscribers may select an available VOD program from the online library on their mobile device or may download fresh VOD programs to the online library on their mobile device. The VOD program selected or downloaded by the subscribers may be referred to as requested VOD programs hereafter.
The requested VOD program may be downloaded to a respective cloud account of the subscribers with the MSO or the service provider of the CATV network 104. In accordance with an alternate embodiment, the plurality of subscribers may be subscribed to a third party service provider of the VOD programs on CATV network 104. The requested VOD content may be accordingly downloaded on the respective cloud account of the subscribers with the third party service providers. In accordance with an embodiment, the cloud account may be accessed by the service providers on a remote data center 400, as illustrated in Fig. 2. Fig. 2 shall be described in more detail below. The RDC 400 may include one or more servers configured to access the requested VOD programs by the respective subscribers from their cloud account. Further, the servers may send the VOD programs for further processing and then accordingly store the VOD programs in the suitable format in the storage module.
Further, as illustrated in Fig. 1, the processor 300 may be configured to assign an unused channel of the cable TV network to a first video-on- demand program and a second video-on-demand program received on the network interface module 200. The first VOD program may refer to one of the first VOD programs, by one of the subscribers, in a queue which stores the requested VOD programs in the storage module. The second VOD program may refer to a subsequent requested VOD program requested by another subscriber, in the queue. In accordance with an embodiment, a single unused channel may be employed by the disclosed systems and methods to carry more than one VOD programs on the RF network. In accordance with the present embodiments, the assignment of the unused channel to different video-on-demand programs depends on the number of RF transmission outputs available on the network interface module 200. Further, in accordance with the present embodiments, Fig. 1 illustrates two RF transmission outputs 204A and 204B, therefore one unused channel may be assigned maximum two times, i.e., to two different VOD programs requested by different subscribers. Further, as the number of RF transmission outputs shall increase, the number of assignments for the unused channel shall accordingly increase. Therefore, an advantage of the systems and methods disclosed in the present disclosure is that transmission of a plurality of requested content, i.e., VOD programs, on the same radio frequency may be enabled through which more than one requested content can be delivered on a single channel to different subscribers.
Further, in accordance with an embodiment, the processor 300 is configured to provide the first video-on demand program and the second video- on demand program and the unused channel to the network interface module 200, for transmission to the respective subscribers on the cable TV network 104 on the unused channel.
In accordance with a further embodiment, the processor 300 may be configured to assign a second unused channel of the cable TV network to a received video-on-demand program when the received video-on demand programs exceed the number of the RF transmission outputs. For example, as illustrated in Fig. 1, two RF transmission outputs 204A and 204B are available on the network interface module 200. In case, a third requested VOD content is in the queue, then a third unused channel may be assigned by the processor 300 to the third VOD program in the queue. In accordance with another embodiment, the system 100 may include more than one network interface modules 200. Further, in accordance with an embodiment, the processor may be configured to provide the third video-on-demand program to another network interface module 200 for transmission to the respective subscriber on the cable TV network 104 on the second unused channel. In accordance with an embodiment, the network interface module 200 may include a maximum of 10 RF transmission outputs, therefore, an unused channel may be assigned maximum 10 different times to different VOD contents requested by different subscribers.
In accordance with a further embodiment, the processor is further configured to identify one or more zones from a plurality of zones of the cable TV network for the received video-on- demand programs, each zone corresponding to a respective RF transmission output of the network interface module. Fig. 2 illustrates an overall system for transmission of the requested VOD programs on the CATV network 104. As, illustrated in Fig. 2, the plurality of zones are represented by ‘Zone 501’, ‘Zone 502’, and ‘Zone 503’. The three zones represented in Fig. 2 may be different geographical locations covered by the CATV network 104. As depicted in Fig. 2, RDC 400 receives the requested VOD programs/content from the plurality of subscribers residing or located in one or more of the plurality of zones if the CATV network 104. The mobile device through which the VOD programs may be requested or downloaded may be a phone of the subscriber, as shown in Fig. 2. Further, Fig. 2 depicts internet as the network through which the VOD content is requested or downloaded by the plurality of subscribers. In accordance with an embodiment, system 300, as shown in Fig. 1 may include a subscriber database (not shown) in the storage module that may include the details of the subscribers’ mobile devices and cable television/cable set top boxes. Specifically, the subscriber database may include details that map the respective subscribers to their respective zones in the CATV network 104. The mapping may be based on geographical; considerations. Once the zone may be identified, the subscribers or the subscribers’ devices on CATV network 104 such as standard televisions or standard set top boxes may be identified by the processor 300 of the system 100, as disclosed in Fig. 1. Further, as illustrated in Fig. 2, a zone may be further divided into different nodes that may be serviced by one or more headends of the CATV network 104. The mapping of the respective nodes of the zones may be included in the subscriber database stored in the storage module. In accordance with an embodiment, processor 300 may be further configured to identify the respective node from the identified plurality of zones from where a particular subscriber has requested a VOD program, so that the respective VOD program may be delivered to the correct subscriber. In accordance with an embodiment, the network interface module 200 may further include a scrambling module which may be configured to receive the scrambling data. Further, the scrambling module may be configured to insert a unique authorization key to each of the transmitted VOD programs for identifying the respective subscribers and/or devices of the respective subscribers of the video on demand programs on the cable TV network. The devices of the respective subscribers may include the standard set top boxes and/or standard televisions of the subscribers on the CATV network.
As illustrated in Fig. 2, a virtual media player 600 is shown (VMP). In accordance with the embodiments of the systems and methods disclosed in the present disclosure, the teachings of the network interface module 200 may be embodied in the VMP 600. In accordance with an embodiment, the VMP 600 includes a number of RF transmission outputs associated with each of the plurality of zones of the CATV network. In accordance with another embodiment, the VMP 600 includes a number of RF transmission outputs associated with each of the nodes plurality of zones of the CATV network. In accordance with an alternate embodiment, there may be more than one VMP 600 servicing different zones of the CATV network 104.
Further, as illustrated in Fig. 2, the VMP 600 may include a scrambling module or a scrambler to insert the unique authorization key to each of the transmitted VOD programs so as to deliver the requested VOD program to the authorized subscriber who had requested for the respective VOD program. The RDC may communicate with one or more hubs as shown in Fig. 2 to intelligently handle transmission of the VOD programs to the plurality of zones of the CATV network 104.
In accordance with a further embodiment, the processor 300 may be configured to assign the unused channel to the second video-on-demand program when the zone identified for the second video-on-demand program is different from the zone identified for the first video-on-demand program.
In accordance with another embodiment, the processor 300 may be configured to assign a second unused channel of the cable TV network to the second video-on-demand program when the zones identified for the first video-on-demand program and the second video-on-demand are the same.
In accordance with an embodiment, the unused channels that may be assigned to the VOD programs may be transmitted on 178 MHz -258 MHz RF frequencies, as illustrated in Fig. 2, on the RF transmission outputs to the CATV network 104. In accordance with a further embodiment, the unused channels may be configurable between 40 and 800 MHz RF frequencies for transmission to the CATV network 104.
Once, the VOD program for a respective subscriber is transmitted on the unused channel of the CATV network 104, the same is received in the headend of the CATV network 104 for the respective zone or respective node of the subscriber’s location. Thereafter, the headend transmits the VOD program to the cable set top box to be viewed on the cable television on the unused channel. In accordance with further embodiments, the subscriber on his mobile device may be directed to the unused channel, denoted by a number or names such as ‘Channel 561’ or ‘Channel XYZ’, ‘Channel ABC’ , etc. on which the respective VOD program is available for display on his standard television.
Further, a method for providing VOD programs on CATV network including the embodiments as disclosed above are further disclosed in the present disclosure. Specifically, a method for providing video-on –demand programs on a cable TV network 104 is disclosed, the method comprises of receiving video-on-demand programs requested by a plurality of subscribers from a network 102 on at least one network interface module 200 of a virtual media player 600, the network interface module 200 including at least two RF transmission outputs 204 A and 204B, configured to transmit the video-on-demand programs to the respective subscribers on the cable TV network 104. Further, the method comprises of assigning an unused channel of the cable TV network 104 to a first video-on- demand program and a second video-on-demand program received on the network interface module 200, providing the first video-on demand program and the second video- on demand program and the unused channel to the network interface module 200, for transmission to the respective subscribers on the cable TV network on the used channel, wherein the assignment of the unused channel to different video-on-demand programs depends on the number of the RF transmission outputs available on the network interface module 200.
In accordance with further embodiments, Fig. 3 illustrates an overall flowchart of the method for providing VOD programs on a CATV network 104, as disclosed above. In step 302, method includes downloading the requested VOD programs on the cloud account of the subscribers that is registered with the service providers as disclosed above. Further, in step 304 the method may include storing the downloaded VOD programs on the storage module of the system 100. Further, in step 306, the method may include converting the media included in the VOD programs to a suitable format for delivering to the CATV network 104. Further, in step 308, the method includes receiving a play request from the subscriber for the downloaded VOD program. Further, in step 310, the method includes identification of zone from the plurality of zones of the CATV network 104. Further, in the step 310, the method may also include identifying the playback device, such as the cable television and/or cable set top box located the subscriber’s premises. Further, in step 312, the method may include identifying availability of a used channel of the CATV network 104. Once the availability of the unused channel is identified, the method may include assigning the unused channel in step 314 to the VOD program, which is referred to as ‘Channel subscribing’ in the method flowchart illustration in Fig. 3. Further, in step 316, the method includes streaming the VOD program on the specific RF frequency of the assigned unused channel. Thereafter, in step 318, the method includes playback of the VOD program on the subscriber’s cable television.
Further, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, the VOD program being played on the cable television may also be controlled directly through the mobile application or the web portal accessible to the subscribers on his mobile device. The control may include start, stop, and play options for the VOD program played on the cable television of the subscriber.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
The systems and methods disclosed in the present disclosure utilize the unutilized bandwidth of cable T.V. networks to provide for viewing of multi-media content on the T.V. set through the existing unidirectional digital CATV networks 104 without the need for up gradation of the T.V. set, or S.T.B., or existing network 104. As disclosed above, the subscriber may subscribe to a service provider of VOD programs through a mobile application on his mobile device such as a mobile phone or tablet / computer enabled to access cellular data services such as Internet or may be enabled to access WIFI Internet connection. Using the teachings of the present disclosure, on subscriber’s request the VOD program is played out on his cable television through the cable set top box on an used channel of the CATV network 104, i.e., on a RF frequency of the CATV network 104. The disclosed system may include the following benefits:
1) All cable T.V. networks in India are uni-directional in architecture and making them two-way would practically involve relaying the entire infrastructure involving a massive outlay in terms of time and resources. This application utilizes the data network of the mobile telecom network for providing a reverse path thus providing access to the internet and making the cable network bi-directional. No additional cost is incurred by either the subscriber or the cable TV network and no upgradation of T.V. set, S.T.B. or cable network is required.
2) Neither the T.V. set or S.T.B. requires an internet or broadband connection thereby resulting in huge saving in data cost to the subscriber.
3) Since the content is being transmitted through the cable T.V. network using R.F.technology, there is a uniform and smooth digital picture quality unlike I.P. streaming which is often interrupted by buffering and lost connectivity due to uneven data speeds.
4) The disclosed system may be utilized e-learning and educational space. Classroom lectures and other educational content can be delivered and viewed on demand on the cable televisions for the entire classroom at affordable rates.
5) The content to be requested is not limited to VOD content but also includes interactive games, educational content for e-learning purposes, music and movies alike, etc.
In accordance with the above disclosed embodiments, the disclosed systems and methods employ Virtual Media Player (VMP) 600, which provides QAM output through the existing RF cable network. It is the VMP 600 which is equipped to intelligently perform multiplexing to allow a plurality of content to be viewed on one single unused channel of the CATV networks. Additionally, the VMP 600 performs the task of identifying which subscriber has requested which content, i.e., VOD program, and accordingly provides the respective content from the multiplexed channel to the respective subscriber. In accordance with an embodiment, an indexing table is maintained in the subscriber database on the storing module of the above disclosed system 100. The indexing table may even use the geo-location services on the mobile device of the subscriber for detecting the subscriber’s location and accordingly deliver the content, i.e., VOD program to the subscribers’ location.
In accordance with an embodiment, a VOD program request is placed on a queue if the number of unique RF content requests (the VOD programs) that can be played on a single RF channel, i.e. the unused channel of the CATV network 104 disclosed above, by a VMP 600 exceeds the number of RF transmission outputs handled by that VMP. In accordance with another embodiment, if the number of unique RF content requests (VOD programs) exceeds the number of RF transmission outputs of a VMP 600 from a zone and/or node, then the processor 300 assigns the next available VMP to play out the requested VOD program.

CLAIMS:
We Claim:
1. A system for providing video-on –demand programs on a cable TV network, the system comprising:
at least one network interface module including at least one input module configured to receive video-on-demand programs requested by a plurality of subscribers from a network and at least two RF transmission outputs configured to transmit the video-on-demand programs to the respective subscribers on the cable TV network; and
a processor configured to:
assign an unused channel of the cable TV network to a first video-on- demand program and a second video-on-demand program received on the network interface module;
provide the first video-on demand program and the second video- on demand program and the unused channel to the network interface module, for transmission to the respective subscribers on the cable TV network on the unused channel;
wherein the assignment of the unused channel to different video-on-demand programs depends on the number of RF transmission outputs available on the network interface module.

2. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the processor is further configured to assign a second unused channel of the cable TV network to a received video-on-demand program when the received video-on demand programs exceed the number of the RF transmission outputs.

3. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the processor is further configured to identify one or more zones from a plurality of zones of the cable TV network for the received video-on- demand programs, each zone corresponding to a respective RF transmission output of the network interface module.

4. A system as claimed in claim 3 wherein the processor is configured to assign the unused channel to the second video-on-demand program when the zone identified for the second video-on-demand program is different from the zone identified for the first video-on-demand program.

5. A system as claimed in claim 3 wherein the processor is configured to assign a second unused channel of the cable TV network to the second video-on-demand program when the zones identified for the first video-on-demand program and the second video-on-demand are the same.

6. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the processor is configured to process the video-on-demand programs for storage and delivery to the subscriber on the cable TV network.

7. A system as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a storage module configured to store the video-on- demand programs in a format presentable on the cable TV network.

8. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the network from which the video-on-demand programs are requested by the plurality of subscribers includes a public data network.

9. A system as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a scrambling module configured to insert a unique authorization key to each of the transmitted video on demand programs, the unique authorization key identifying the respective subscribers and/or devices of the respective subscribers of the video on demand programs on the cable TV network.

10. A method for providing video-on –demand programs on a cable TV network, the method comprising:
receiving video-on-demand programs requested by a plurality of subscribers from a network on at least one network interface module of a virtual media player, the network interface module including at least two RF transmission outputs configured to transmit the video-on-demand programs to the respective subscribers on the cable TV network;
assigning an unused channel of the cable TV network to a first video-on- demand program and a second video-on-demand program received on the network interface module;
providing the first video-on demand program and the second video- on demand program and the unused channel to the network interface module, for transmission to the respective subscribers on the cable TV network on the used channel;
wherein the assignment of the unused channel to different video-on-demand programs depends on the number of the RF transmission outputs available on the network interface module.

11. A method as claimed in claim 10 comprising assigning a second unused channel of the cable TV network to a received video-on-demand program when the received video-on demand programs exceed the number of the RF transmission outputs.

12. A method as claimed in claim 10 further comprising identifying a zone from a plurality of zones of the cable TV network for the received video-on-demand programs, each zone corresponding to a respective RF transmission output of the network interface module.

13. A method as claimed in claim 12 comprising assigning the unused channel to the second video-on-demand program when the zone identified for the second video-on-demand program is different from the zone identified for the first video-on-demand program.

14. A method as claimed in claim 12 comprising assigning a second unused channel of the cable TV network to the second video-on-demand program when the zones identified for the first video-on-demand program and the second video-on-demand program are the same.

15. A method as claimed in claim 10 comprising processing the video-on-demand programs for storage and delivery to the subscriber on the cable TV network.

16. A method as claimed in claim 10 further comprising storing the video-on- demand programs in a format presentable on the cable TV network.

17. A method as claimed in claim 10 wherein, the network from which the video-on-demand programs are requested by the plurality of subscribers includes a public data network.

18. A method as claimed in claim 10 further comprising inserting a unique authorization key to each of the transmitted video on demand programs, the unique authorization key identifying the respective subscribers and/or devices of the respective subscribers of the video on demand programs on the cable TV network.