Importance

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Abstract

A satellite communication network includes an encoder for encoding a signal including message, addressing, and command information and a transmitter connected with the encoder for transmitter the encoded signal to a satellite. The message information may comprise video and/or audio information. A plurality of receivers located at a remote location from the transmitter are operable to receive selected portions of the encoded signal from the satellite in response to the addressing information contained in the encoded signal. A decoder is connected with each receiver for decoding the received portion of the encoded signal. The decoder includes a control device which is operable to control peripheral recording devices including one or more video tape recorders and a printer to record the video information from the decoded signal in response to command information contained in the encoded signal. The satellite communications system according to the invention provides an automatic system for downlinking and recording programming during low usage times for subscribing television stations.

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First Claim