Convenient video program start over system and method for a video entertainment distribution network

Abstract

A system and method are described herein for providing an convenient video program start over system and method for a video entertainment distribution network whereby a user may interactively revert back to the beginning of an ongoing video program that is currently broadcasted over the video distribution network. The novel system and method may be implemented on any video network having interactive television (ITV) capabilities, wherein user requests from a client are serviceable at an upstream head end, and video storage means exist for the purpose of storage of time based broadcast video programs. The system preferably utilizes a process that involves a minimally complicated sequence of commands that are easily understood and remembered by virtually any user, thereby enhancing the probability of consumer acceptance. The start over system and method may be embodied as a program of instructions, defining a controller, that are executed by a micro-processor located in the STB (client) or head end (server). Optional means are also provided for allowing only a subset of all available broadcast video programs that emanate from a plurality of programming sources to be used with the start over system.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A video entertainment distribution network having interactive television capabilities, comprising:
 a video storage device which is operable to store a plurality of broadcast video programs which emanate from at least one programming source; and,   a controller in communication with said storage device for causing said storage device to record at least one of said broadcast video programs, thereby creating a stored video program in said storage device which is substantially similar in content to said broadcast video program;   wherein said controller is further operable to cause play of said broadcast video program which has partially elapsed to revert to play of said stored video program from the beginning thereof.