System for delivering digital sound, graphics, real time files and data via cable

Abstract

A method and apparatus for sending digital audio data and/or digital graphics within available bandwidth used to carry television signals into end-user homes and offices, such as, additional bandwidth which will become available as optical fiber replaces cable currently in use to carry cable television programming. The invention also makes it possible for digital audio and graphics, including computer generated data such as output from a word processing, paint or real time file builder program, to be sent over any regular television channel on any cable system. The system could even be used on a television signal broadcast at a normal broadcast frequency if the signal received in the home is of high enough quality. The system utilizes existing cable decoder boxes which have been improved by the addition of a decoder which decodes a composite or RF video signal containing digitized audio to audio, and optional additional signal processing, for playback or recording by existing consumer electronics audio equipment.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.