Project Glass-testing networked video tape rentals

The author details aspects of a trial which provides network delivery of video tape programming via a fiber-optic/coaxial-cable hybrid. Originating subscriber identification and tape selections are carried on the public switched telephone network. Subsequent information on the time usage and identification of any individual subscriber is obtained by polling via a bridged private line telephone pair. The trial technology is presently under test with a full service start-up target of July 1988. The author discusses unique subscriber features, out-direction video carriage, out-direction video control, the database and back-direction usage carriage