Video-switched delivery of media content using an established media-delivery infrastructure

A strategy is described for delivering media content to clients using a combination of switched media technology and established broadcast delivery technology (such as HFC technology). The strategy is advantageous because it provides the benefits of switched media environment without requiring significant revision to the established delivery infrastructure. The strategy includes a first version in which channels are not shared among clients, and a second version in which channels may be shared among clients which are accessing the same media content.