Importance

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Abstract

Systems that distribute live television programs to passengers of an aircraft by way of satellites of a direct broadcast satellite (DBS) system when the aircraft is in range of the satellites and distributes time-delayed television programs when the aircraft is out of range of the satellites. The present invention provides for real-time reception and storage of live television programs in a storage medium (in compressed digital format) and presentation to passengers during that time when the aircraft is within the coverage area of satellites. The stored programming is distributed to the passengers later in the flight, when the aircraft is out of range of the satellites. The stored programming includes all channels transmitted by the satellites. Thus, a large number of programs are made available to the passengers on a time-delay basis. A low-cost system is disclosed that distributes a single television channel to overhead monitors and headphones. A method of providing delayed distribution of television programs from satellites of a direct broadcast satellite system to passengers on an aircraft is also disclosed.

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First Claim