DIGITAL MULTICAST SYSTEM

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a digital multicast system for distributing channels of multimedia programs from a program source to a plurality of subscriber locations over a digital network. SOLUTION: The system comprises: a conditional access unit that comprises a digital subscriber line access multiplexer that is connected to the program source over the network and receives the program channels, and a data memory associated with the multiplexer to store a customer profile including subscribed channels, and permits or denies access based on the customer profile; a digital decoder that is provided at each location and connected to a corresponding data line, processes incoming program signals and permits access to the corresponding customer profile; and a multicast video portal that enables on-line updating of the customer profiles by the subscribers, and is accessible by each subscriber. COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI