DE10203098A1 - Video-on-demand service, transmits encoded series of video films for storage in user unit with input for film selection and credit card number entry - Google Patents

Abstract

Video films are transmitted successively, as encoded data over channel(s). Each film has an associated key. Film identities are transmitted to enable selection. A corresponding receiver stores the transmission in a form of memory. The user selects film(s) from the identities using a video terminal; the selection is transmitted to a remote terminal. This returns decoding information which is stored. The film is decoded and displayed there and then. An Independent claim is included for a corresponding video-on-demand client unit, in the form of a set-top-box incorporating the functions described.

Description

The invention relates to a method for providing at least one video for viewing by one User and / or an audio sequence for listening by a User due to a user request (video / audio on Demand) and a video-on-demand client facility Use in such a process.

With a video-on-demand process, a user can from a predetermined number of video films Select and request video film for viewing, with the Video film then on a display device with a Receiver is paired, available for viewing is provided. With real video-on-demand, the Video at any time immediately after the Request from the user from a video server Provided. The transfer of for the Providing required data requires a high level Transmission bandwidth of a connection used for this transmission between only one user and the video server. Demand many users at different times different video films, so one must simultaneously large number of high bandwidth connections to that Video servers are built, which is significant Data communication resources required.

With normal video-on-demand, a user can just select the start of the transfer, then the But only watch video in its normal sequence and if necessary, end the observation prematurely. He has in usually not the ability to watch the movie at a to contemplate any place, to suspend contemplation (Pause) or move the film forward or backward faster to let go. Only this offers these possibilities so-called interactive video-on-demand, which increased Data communication resources required to be bidirectional Communication between the user (client) and the Enable video servers during the entire viewing period.

In the prior art, the so-called Near-video-on-demand process known by one Broadcasters a series of predetermined video films about different Channels are broadcast (broadcasting), with each film Delayed several times, for example by one at a time Quarter of an hour offset, over a corresponding number of Channels is broadcast. The user can choose from the offer select, but only the video in the can view the specified time grid. The possibility of Pausing, fast forwarding or rewinding or watching does not exist anywhere. At the Near-video-on-demand are the requirements for Data communication resources less because the number of channels used is not is proportional to the number of active users.

In addition, it is known in the prior art, a File of video film data in response to a User request from a server over a data communication network to download to a client. The user can use a suitable software after downloading the video Look at the file. Since the file is physically on the The client's computer system is, of course, a Can be played anywhere. Indeed this procedure requires a significant amount of waiting time of downloading. The user can start with the viewing of the video film only begin when at least one big one Part of the video film data is downloaded. Should the Waiting times are reduced, so are extremely high Data transmission capacity required.

The object of the invention is therefore a possibility for a video / audio on demand without waiting and with lower costs of providing the video films or To create audio sequences. This object is achieved according to the invention by a method with the features of claim 1, a video on demand client device with the features of claim 16 or by a method with the Features of claim 20 solved.

In the method according to the invention for providing a video for viewing by a user due to a user request (video on demand) from a transmitter a predetermined set of by the user requestable video films in the form of encrypted data repeatedly broadcast at least one transmission channel. The A transmitter can be, for example, a satellite TV transmitter terrestrial TV station or any other station be the of the shipments to a large number of possible Broadcast users in a broadcast area. The broadcast or broadcast can be via a made several transmission channels wirelessly and / or via cable become. If several transmission channels are used in parallel, can the transmitter also has several transmitters (also physical separate) include. Below is a video film any sequence of images in any Image format for display on an electronic Image output device and each representing such a sequence Signal can be understood. The video films of the given Series do not need to be sent one after the other. The Videos can also be viewed in parallel on different channels, staggered in time and / or nested in sections can be broadcast over one or more transmission channels. The encrypted data can be in any encoding and any format available for the used transmission channel is suitable. The encrypted data are assigned a film-specific Key to each video. For example, the film-specific keys directly to encrypt the data belonging to the video film are used. In addition to the encrypted data becomes identification information broadcast, which is an identification of the broadcast enable requestable video films. The Identification information can for example be parallel to the encrypted data or time nested with the encrypted data are transmitted. The broadcast can can be assigned arbitrarily; the only requirement is that the Assignment of the identification information to the associated encrypted data can be determined by the recipient.

Regardless of the broadcast of the station and of User requirements will be a (user-side) Receiving device tuned to the at least one transmission channel. The encrypted data just sent and Identification information is provided by the receiving device received and stored in a storage device. That from Transmitter "independent" tuning and receiving means that broadcasting the encrypted data and Identification information is not coordinated in advance or is synchronized (for example, by predefined Broadcast times). The receiving device also receives regardless of any user requirements. The encrypted data of the requestable video films preferably already stored in the memory device before a user is viewing a video for the first time selects. The selection of this way in the Storage device of the user downloaded video film data is specified by the transmitter and is independent of the Single user user requirements. Still it is possible that in one embodiment the user based on previous user requirements or by the user previously specified preferences a particular user profile is assigned, the receiving device then only or preferably such encrypted data and Receives identification information and in the Storage device stores that thematically match the user profile.

The receiving device can also constantly on the same or the same predetermined transmission channels must be tuned, if Transmission channels for the reception of encrypted data and the Identification information reserved from the outset become.

Using the saved Identification information is provided to a user who is watching a video Would like to request viewing via a display device Information about the encrypted data in the Storage device stored requestable video films issued in such a way that the user has at least one selection one of the saved videos using User input is enabled. To generate the over the Display device information could be the Identification information, if it is suitable for can be used directly; on the other hand, it is possible to Identification information as a reference for obtaining the information to be displayed. On the The display device is, for example, a list of the names the video films that can be requested are displayed; alternatively or in addition, for example, a graphic display can be generated in which each video film that can be requested by a small picture or icon is displayed. The user input to select at least one of the stored video films include keyboard input or use, for example a cursor control device (e.g. mouse). For example will display a picture of a video that can be requested Selected using mouse clicks. After capturing the User input to select at least one video this selection identifying information about a Data communication link to a remote Data processing device transmitted. The choice Identifying information can, for example, be given to everyone requestable video film assigned identification number or be the title of the film. The data communication link can, for example, be one made over the Internet Connection. The remote data processing device is for example a computer system from the provider of the "Video movie rental". The sender of the encrypted data and broadcasts identification information need not coupled to the remote data processing device his.

Depending on those who identify the selection Information is from the distant Data processing device decryption information for the Transfer the receiving device back and save it there. With help the decryption information becomes the film-specific Key of the at least one selected for viewing Won video films. The user is then given the Viewing the selected video immediately and on any time position of the video film allows.

The dialogue between the receiving device device containing the user and the remote Data processing device of a provider that transfers the the selection identifying information and the Return decryption information to the Includes receiving facility, offers the possibility of using an additionally transmitted user identification on the part of the provider the authorization of the user to Watch the video and check in the dialogue different types of payment for the Procurement of a (possibly limited time) Possibility to include viewing of the video film. The entire process of receiving and storing the encrypted data and identification information and the Transmission of the decryption information during the Dialogs with the remote data processing facility can be for make the user transparent (i.e. invisible) in this way be that the user during the selection of a Video films for viewing and with the final request of the Borrowing the video related user input Gains the impression that the video (or the data of the Films) only with, for example, the Internet processed order of the video film on his device be transmitted. The method also has the advantage that the Users immediately after "borrowing" the Can watch video anywhere. The The procedure also relieves the burden Data communication resources while viewing because of the possible desires of the User to pause the video and move to a later one When to continue playing the video to let it run forwards or backwards quickly or to one to jump back anywhere in the video, just that Access to the data already stored by the user concern and therefore no communication about a Data communication link to a remote Require data processing device (for example to a server).

In one embodiment of the invention The identification information unencrypted, using in another embodiment of a key known in the receiving device broadcast in encrypted form. In a preferred one Embodiment is the encrypted data in files included, the identification information the include the respective file names. They are for every video film encrypted data preferably separately in a file or contained in multiple files. For example, the Files in an ASF (Advanced Streaming Format) format, taking the data with a digital rights management system are encrypted. The name of the file itself, as well if applicable, their size and other file parameters remain the same the transmission is unencrypted and can therefore be used as Identification information can be used. The formatting the encrypted data in the form of files Standard format has the advantage of easy handling and Administration.

In an advantageous development of the The inventive method is the receiving device in one normal operating mode for receiving television broadcasts and in a data reception mode for receiving files via at least one predetermined television broadcast channel used. During non-use of the normal Operating mode, the receiving device is automatically in the Data reception mode switched. This multiple use of Receiving device simplifies the expenditure on equipment. This embodiment is especially for the case suitable where the times of use of the normal Operating mode for receiving television broadcasts relatively small proportion of the day. With alternatives Embodiments could include a separate receiving device for the receipt of the files are used so that a Receiving device receives files while another Receiving device for television broadcasting for the immediate viewing or recording in a digital VCR is receiving.

In a preferred embodiment of the The method according to the invention is in addition to the encrypted data containing files at least one description file repeatedly broadcast, the description file a List of names of video films of the given series of video films that can be requested by the user contains assigned information, the assigned Information the file names of the encrypted data include files. Sending the The description file has the advantage that on the side of the Receiver can check which files encrypted data of the video films still received and must be saved so that all video films of the specified series can be requested. In addition, short, unique filenames within the row as Identification information is used and this file name detailed information using the description file be assigned. The associated information includes preferably both more information about the video (e.g. length, actor, description of content, Date of production, director) as well as the conditions of a Allow viewing (e.g. price and "loan time"). The The description file also preferably contains Information about videos to be deleted, the Videos are deleted by encrypting them Files containing data from the storage device to be deleted. This is preferably done a predetermined Length of time after receiving information about what to delete Video films. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one description file via a separate one Broadcast channel repeatedly broadcast. It is also possible that several description files with different lists be broadcast from requestable video films, whereby each description file is assigned to a user profile and contains an identifier of the user profile. In addition, identification can also be found in the receiving device a desired user profile can be stored in such a way that by means of a comparison, only that description file is received and stored, which is the identification of the desired user profile contains. Then only those encrypted data and Identification information is stored in the storage device that the in of the selected description file Match video films.

To carry out the method according to the invention Video on demand client device used has one Receiving device for receiving radio broadcasts, the a predetermined set of user requestable ones Video films in the form of encrypted data and Contain identification information on at least one Send channel and to output the encrypted data and the Identification information. The encrypted data are each assigned a film-specific Key to each video. The Identification information enables identification of the video films. The Receiving device receives independently of User requirements for viewing video films. With the Receiving device is a storage device of the Received encrypted data and receiving device Identification information coupled. The video on demand Client setup also has one Data communication device for enabling the transmission and reception of Data via a coupled data communication network (for example a modem and associated software for Connection to the Internet). Furthermore, the Client setup a display direction (e.g. TV screen or Computer monitor) for displaying visual information to the Users and to play the video films, at least one User input device (e.g. keyboard, mouse or Remote control) and one with the storage device, the Display device, the user input device and the Data communication device coupled control device. The Control device generated using the stored Identification information is a display of information about the data encrypted in the Storage device stored requestable video from the Display device such that the user has a choice using at least one of the stored video films User input through the user input device is made possible. The control device initiates after detection user input to select at least one video a transmission of identifying this selection Information about using the Data communication device established to a remote data processing device. Subsequently the control device enables reception of Decryption information from the remote Data processing device depending on the selection and the Information identifying users has been generated, via the data communication device and effects their Storage. Then the control device wins with the help the decryption information the film-specific Key of the at least one selected for viewing Video film, which allows the user to view the selected video film immediately and at any time Position of the video film is enabled.

In one embodiment, the video on demand Client device characterized in that the Receiving device, the storage device, the Data communication device and the control device in a set-top Box are included, one with the set-top box coupled television receiver can be used as a display device can. In another embodiment, the Control device, the storage device, the Data communication device, the receiving device, the User input device and the display device parts of a Computer system.

The control device preferably comprises one Microprocessor and stored in a workable memory Programs and related data. The storage device in the currently preferred embodiment in addition to RAM as working memory, hard disk space high capacity, for example of 80 gigabytes. The Receiving device provides, for example, a peripheral device of a computer system and can Satellite receiving device or a receiving device for terrestrial Include connections (e.g. DSL).

The method described for video on demand can be in an analogous manner for the provision of audio sequences To run. Under an audio sequence any one should single or multi-channel recording of sounds (including spoken language), such as pieces of music, be understood. Instead of considering the Video film occurs listening to the audio sequence. Combinations too both methods are possible.

Advantageous developments of the inventions are in the Subclaims marked.

In the following the invention based on one in the Drawings shown preferred embodiment explained in more detail. The drawings show:

Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a form suitable for carrying out the method according to the invention the computer system; and

Fig. 2A to 2D screen representations, on an invention of the video-on-demand client device connected to the image display device can be displayed.

A user who wants to use the method according to the invention for viewing video films has a computer or a set-top box specially designed for this method, which is coupled to a television receiver or a monitor. Fig. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the computer that is used to perform the inventive method. The computer 1 contains a processor 2 , which is connected via a bus 3 (or also via a bus system with several buses and bridges) with a working memory (RAM) 4 for storing programs and data being processed and with a ROM 5 for storage is coupled by firmware in the usual way. An input / output interface 6 is also connected to the bus system 3 , to which user input devices, such as a mouse 7 or a keyboard, are coupled. Furthermore, an interface for outputting a video signal 9 is provided, to which a computer monitor or a screen of a television receiver can be coupled. The computer system 1 also has a hard disk memory 10 which is coupled to the bus 3 and serves as a mass data memory. A modem 11 is additionally coupled to the bus 3 and is used for the transmission of data to or from a data communication network 12 (for example the Internet).

A special feature of the computer system 1 is that a receiving device 13 is coupled to the bus 3 . The receiving device 13 can be, for example, a satellite TV receiver, which demodulates the image and sound signals received via an antenna 14 (with LNB), decodes if necessary and converts them into data controlled by the processor 2 via the bus 3 into a memory (e.g. 4 or 10) can be transferred, further processed or output via an I / O interface 6 . The computer system 1 can contain a number of further components which are not shown in FIG. 1, for example further processors and memory devices, a plurality of receiving devices components which are adapted to fast processing of image and sound data (e.g. co-processors) , and additional input / output devices.

The device shown schematically in FIG. 1, which can be designed as a computer with special additional devices (receiver 13 , modem 11 ) or as a set-top box, enables, in conjunction with corresponding software, a special radiation of one of the receivers 13 receivable transmitter and with a specially prepared server, to which the device 1 can establish a connection via the modem 11 and the data communication network 12 , the provision of video films for viewing by a user on the basis of a user request (video-on-demand). The video-on-demand service possible with this overall system creates excellent availability of a predetermined number of films, which can be viewed immediately and in any order by a user after a brief dialog over the Internet. Between the selection of a film and its start, there is only the payment processing carried out in dialog, which takes, for example, one minute. The system creates this possibility by pre-downloading encrypted files with the aid of a radio broadcast which can be received in parallel by a large number of devices, in combination with a brief dialog via a data communication network in which encryption information is transferred to the user device with the aid of them a selection of the encrypted files can be viewed as video films.

First of all, from a satellite broadcasting station, a terrestrial radio transmitter or one in a cable network feeding transmitter files via a transmission channel broadcast, the transmission channel being part of a digital TV channel or one in a conventional manner viewable television channel can be superimposed. This will any video film of a given series or series of Video films are first converted into a digital format, the the file or files thus obtained be encrypted that a decryption without legitimate purchase of a key according to the current technical Stand is made practically impossible. The encrypted Files, of which the file name and possibly other File parameters that remain unencrypted are known in Way broadcast over the broadcast channel. The used for this Modulation methods are known and for the nature of the Invention of minor importance, so that its Description can be omitted here.

The user of the device 1 shown schematically in FIG. 1, whose device is located in the reception area of the transmitter or is connected to the cable network of the transmitter, can first tune the device 1 with the reception device 13 contained therein to any television channel desired by him view the television program being broadcast or record it using a video recorder, preferably a digital video recorder integrated in the device. In this normal operating mode, the device serves, for example, as a conventional receiver for digital television.

However, in times when the device or the receiving device 13 is not used by the user, ie is tuned to a desired transmitter, the device automatically switches to a data reception mode. This means that the receiving device 13 is automatically tuned to at least one predetermined transmission channel, via which the encrypted files with unencrypted identification information are continuously and repeatedly broadcast. In an alternative device, a second receiving device 13 could also be provided, so that one of the two receiving devices can be tuned to the special transmission channel for the transmission of files, unless the first receiving device for receiving and viewing a current television program and the second receiving device for the Recorded by a video recorder. In a further alternative embodiment, three receiving devices could also be present, with at least one of the receiving devices being used for data reception at all times and the remaining receiving devices being additionally used for data reception if these are not used for current television reception and / or recording with the aid of a VCRs are busy. Although this would increase the technical complexity of the device, it would accelerate the availability of the encrypted files to be downloaded.

Via the receiving device 13 , which has been tuned to one or more predetermined transmission channels, the encrypted files are now received and stored on the hard disk storage device 10 under the control of the processor 2 and a processed control program. In order to effectively utilize the storage capacity, the encrypted files are preferably stored in compressed form, eliminating or reducing the redundancy contained in the files. Several compression methods are conceivable. On the one hand, the video films can be compressed after they have been digitized but before they are encrypted using a first compression method (for example MPEG4). On the other hand, the encrypted files could also be compressed. Finally, the files could additionally be compressed after they were received by the receiver 13 in the device 1 before they were stored on the hard disk 10 . In the presently preferred embodiment, the video films are compressed using the MPEG4 method before they are broadcast. In this way, it is possible, for example, to save up to 50 films on an 80 GB hard disk in device 1 .

In the presently preferred embodiment, in addition to the encrypted file that represents the actual film, an associated trailer and description data for the film (e.g. length, actor, content description, date of manufacture, director, price, etc.) and the cover one Video cassette replicated image transmitted in a reduced form. The unencrypted additional information including trailer and picture can also be broadcast or transmitted in a separate file, if necessary, via a separate transmission channel. In addition, a separate description file is broadcast, which contains a directory of all films and references to the identification information (file names) of the encrypted files. The separately sent description file is received by device 1 at regular intervals, for example 1 to 2 times a day, stored and then processed by a special program, a target directory being derived from the description. The target directory identifies all encrypted files to be downloaded to the hard disk 10 in the user's device 1 . The data in the description file thus control the further behavior of the device 1 . As long as not all files have been stored on the hard disk in accordance with the target directory, the receiving device 13 is continued (with the exception of the interruptions due to use) tuned to the special transmission channel in order to receive the still missing files. In addition, the description file is evaluated to determine which of the files previously saved on the hard disk can be deleted. For example, files could be deleted for two reasons: first, because the associated video film should no longer be on offer, and second, if necessary, because a new key should be assigned to the video film.

The further implementation of the method according to the invention is also described, inter alia, with reference to the screen representations shown in FIGS. 2A to 2D, generated by a program executed in the device 1 .

A user who wants to use the video-on-demand service first activates a function selection menu by switching on the device 1 . After switching on the device 1 , for example, the screen display 20 could be generated, which is shown in FIG. 2A. For example, the television picture of the currently selected television program appears in a window 21 displayed in the middle. A series of buttons 22 appear on the left-hand side, the actuation of which activates predetermined device functions (for example with the aid of a cursor and with the aid of cursor keys on a remote control). As can be seen from the screen display 20 and the buttons shown there, the functions which can be activated include an Internet browser, an e-mail option, a television program guide (EPG) and games. In particular, a button 23 is provided with which a "video store", ie the video-on-demand service, can be activated. After pressing the video store button 23 , for example, the screen display shown in FIG. 2B appears. On the left half of the screen, a number of images 24 , which represent reduced video cassette sleeves (covers), appear. In this case, preferably only those images are displayed whose encrypted files are already completely stored on the hard disk 10 and which could therefore be viewed immediately at any point after decryption information has been provided. This ensures that all films offered in this way can actually be "borrowed" immediately. In the preferred embodiment, the images 25 of those video films that fall under the voluntary self-regulation of the film industry (FSK16 or FSK18) are not displayed, provided that their selection is blocked for the respective user. This function serves to protect minors. By actuating the "Login FSK" button 26 shown in FIG. 2B, a user menu is reached, via which the possibility of viewing the films, separated according to FSK 16 and FSK 18 , can be activated with the aid of a password. In addition, in the screen display shown in FIG. 2B, there may be areas 27 on which it is indicated that no cover is available for the associated video film.

After actuation of a cover image representation serving as a button, for example image 24a, a screen representation is obtained which corresponds, for example, to that shown in FIG. 2C. In this screen display, an enlarged view of the cover display is shown on the left. An (unencrypted) trailer for the film can be reproduced via the window 28 arranged in the right half of the screen. In addition, further information about the film and the terms of its rental can be found. Based on this information, the user can then decide whether he wants to rent the video film. If this is the case, the user can press the button 29 shown in the right half of the screen in FIGS. 2B and 2C. The device 1 of the user is then connected with the help of the modem 11 via the data communication network (for example the Internet) to a server operating as an online accounting point. The dialog to be carried out for ordering and payment is then controlled by an Internet page on this server, for example via an HTML script or an ASP page. Information about the desired selection of the video film made by the user and an identification of the user are transmitted from the device of the user to the server. In the simplest case, the information about the user could be limited to the address information required to maintain communication during the order dialogue.

From the cover view shown in FIG. 2B, it is possible to switch to a list view of the films by pressing the “List” button 30 , which is shown by way of example in FIG. 2D. In this list view, instead of the various cover images 24, a table 31 is displayed on the left half of the screen, which for the films that can be borrowed includes, for example, a title, the genre, a serial number and the comment "new". The "New" note indicates whether the associated video film is "new" on offer. This note could be deleted, for example, if the user has already viewed the unencrypted information about the film and the trailer. As already described above in connection with FIG. 2B, no further information is displayed for the FSK films in the list view according to FIG. 2D, provided that these categories are not activated for the registered user. The user can switch back to the cover view according to FIG. 2B via a “Cover” button 32 . The user can switch to the representation according to FIG. 2C via the "Details" button 33 . The representation of table 31 in FIG. 2D is based, inter alia, on a software with the aid of which it is possible to sort the list shown in ascending or descending order according to the fields mentioned in the column headings. For example, clicking the "Genre" column heading could sort the list displayed by genre groups. Clicking on the column heading "Title" would sort the films according to the first letters of the title.

In FIGS. 2A to 2D only some embodiments of possible graphical user interfaces are shown on the operation of the video-on-demand clients. The screen display that appears after pressing the order button 29 is not shown. Any representation of an order form downloaded from the selected server can be used here. The order form, which is displayed on the screen, provides various options for processing a payment. In the simplest case, the order form only contains those data which have already been selected by selecting the video film on the screen displays shown in FIGS. 2B to 2D. In another embodiment, the order form can also prompt for user data, for example the user name and a credit card number. It is also possible to enter digital signatures and other data to be sent to the order server. In a preferred embodiment, after processing the payment, the customer is given the opportunity to rent the films for, for example, twenty-four or forty-eight hours. During this period, the user can watch the "borrowed" film as often, in any order and at any place.

After the loan period has expired, either the in keys sent to the order dialog deleted so that the encrypted data of the video film no longer can be decrypted. Alternatively, you can use the film or the associated data itself is deleted. at yet another embodiment could be the end of the Order dialog transmitted keys immediately after it Transmission used to encrypt the entire Decrypt file and a decrypted file on the Save hard drive. After that, the key could be be deleted automatically. In the latter case then the decrypted one (saved on disk Video file) deleted after the rental period. It is then only (as it was before the loan of the Films) the encrypted file on the hard drive Available, which however can no longer be decrypted, since the key is available shortly after decrypting it has been deleted.

There are numerous within the scope of the inventive idea alternative embodiments are conceivable. Instead of one use separate encrypted files for each video encrypted files could be used at the same time several video films, for example in a nested one Way, included. In addition, at one Embodiment also the identification information and the Description file are transmitted encrypted, whereby the user to obtain a key to Decrypt the identification information and the Description file a first dialog with the server about the Internet must lead, the user in this dialog logs into the server and thereby user data, such as for example his name and a credit card number, transfers. In this embodiment, the transmission of User data when later ordering video films omitted.

In another alternative embodiment, could the viewing of the video films and the transmission of the for the selection of video films required information the user and the dialog when ordering via separate display devices are performed, for example the Video film playback on a connected TV and the other dialogues of the graphic User interface via a monitor designed as a computer Video-on-Demand client device.

Claims (25)

1. A method for providing at least one video film for viewing by a user based on a user request (video-on-demand), wherein a) a predetermined number of video films which can be requested by the user are repeatedly broadcast in the form of encrypted data on at least one transmission channel by a transmitter,
the encrypted data being generated by assigning a film-specific key to each video film,
wherein, in addition to the encrypted data, identification information is broadcast, which enables identification of the broadcast requestable video films; b) regardless of the broadcasts of the transmitter and user requests, a receiving device is tuned to the at least one transmitting channel and transmitted encrypted data and identification information are received by the receiving device and stored in a storage device; c) using the stored identification information, a user who wants to request a video film for viewing is output via a display device information about the requestable video films stored in the form of encrypted data in the storage device such that the user can select at least one of the stored video films with the aid of is made possible by user input; d) after the user input for the selection of at least one video film has been recorded, information identifying this selection is transmitted via a data communication connection to a remote data processing device; and e) depending on the information identifying the selection, decryption information is transmitted back to the receiving device and stored by the remote data processing device,
wherein the decryption information is used to obtain the film-specific key of the at least one video film selected for viewing,
after which the user is able to view the selected video film immediately and at any time position of the video film. 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that that the identification information is unencrypted or using one known in the receiving device Key are broadcast encrypted. 3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the encrypted data are contained in files and the identification information includes the file name. 4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that one file or more is created for each video film separately Files to be broadcast. 5. The method according to claim 3, characterized in
that the receiving device is used in a normal operating mode for receiving television broadcasting and in a data receiving mode for receiving files over at least one predetermined television broadcasting channel, and
that the receiver is automatically switched to the data reception mode when the user is not using the normal operating mode. 6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that the files received in data reception mode only then be saved if they are not already in the Storage device are stored. 7. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that in addition to the files containing the encrypted data at least one description file repeatedly broadcast the description file is a list of the names of the Video films of the given series by the user requestable video films with assigned information contains, with the associated information the file names the files containing the encrypted data lock in. 8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that that the associated information is information about the Video film and the conditions of permission Include consideration. 9. The method according to claim 7, characterized in
that the description file contains information about video films to be deleted by deleting the files containing the encrypted data, and
that a predetermined period of time after receiving the information about the videos to be deleted, the associated files are deleted in the storage device. 10. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that that the at least one description file about a separate broadcast channel is repeatedly broadcast. 11. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that
that the receiving device is used in a normal operating mode for receiving television broadcasting and in a data receiving mode for receiving files over at least one predetermined television broadcasting channel, and
that when the user is not using the normal operating mode, the receiving device is automatically switched to the data receiving mode. 12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that the files received in data reception mode are saved if their file names are assigned to the Information contained in the description file. 13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that that several description files were broadcast repeatedly , with each description file a one Predefined series of video films corresponding to the user profile is assigned. 14. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that that in step c) the description file for generating the Information about the encrypted data in the Storage device stored requestable video films is processed. 15. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the transmission of the identifying the selection Information in step d) and the retransmission of the Decryption information in step e) by selecting one given website of a server and implementation a user dialog controlled by this website is performed. 16. A video-on-demand client device for providing video films for viewing by a user based on a user request, comprising:
a receiving device for receiving radio broadcasts, which contain a predetermined series of video films that can be requested by the user in the form of encrypted data and identification information, on at least one transmission channel and for outputting the encrypted data and the identification information, the encrypted data being assigned a film-specific key each video film is formed, the identification information enabling identification of the video films, the receiving device receiving and outputting independently of the user requests;
a storage device coupled to the receiving device for storing the encrypted data and identification information output by the receiving device;
a data communication device for enabling sending and receiving of data over a coupled data communication network;
display means for displaying visual information to the user and for playing the video films;
a user input device;
a control device coupled to the storage device, the display device, the user input device and the data communication device, the
using the stored identification information, a display of information about the requestable video films stored in the form of encrypted data in the storage device is generated on the display device in such a way that the user is able to select at least one of the stored video films with the aid of user input via the user input device,
after acquisition of user input for selection of at least one video film, a transmission of information identifying this selection is initiated via a data communication connection established using the data communication device to a remote data processing device,
subsequently enables reception of decryption information, which has been generated by the remote data processing device in dependence on the information identifying the selection, via the data communication device and causes its storage, and
with the help of the decryption information, the film-specific key of the at least one video film selected for viewing is obtained, which enables the user to view the selected video film immediately and at any time position of the video film. 17. A video-on-demand client device according to claim 16. characterized in that the receiving device, the Storage device, the data communication device and the control device is contained in a set-top box, a television receiver coupled to the set-top box can be used as a display device. 18. A video-on-demand client device according to claim 16. characterized in that the control device, the Storage device, the data communication device, the Receiving device, the user input device and the Display device are part of a computer system. 19. A video-on-demand client device according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the control device a microprocessor and can be processed in a memory stored programs and associated data includes. 20. A method for providing at least one audio sequence for listening by a user based on a user request (audio-on-demand), wherein a) a transmitter repeatedly transmits a predetermined series of audio sequences which can be requested by the user in the form of encrypted data on at least one transmission channel,
the encrypted data being generated by assigning a sequence-specific key to each audio sequence,
wherein, in addition to the encrypted data, identification information is broadcast, which enables identification of the broadcasted requestable audio sequences; b) regardless of the broadcasts of the transmitter and user requests, a receiving device is tuned to the at least one transmitting channel and transmitted encrypted data and identification information are received by the receiving device and stored in a storage device; c) using the stored identification information, a user who wants to request an audio sequence for listening can be given information about the requestable audio sequences stored in the form of encrypted data in the storage device in such a way that the user can select at least one of the stored audio sequences with the aid of a display device is made possible by user input; d) after detection of the user input for the selection of at least one audio sequence, information identifying this selection is transmitted via a data communication connection to a remote data processing device; and e) depending on the information identifying the selection, decryption information is transmitted back to the receiving device and stored by the remote data processing device,
wherein the decryption information is used to obtain the sequence-specific key of the at least one audio sequence selected for viewing,
after which the user is able to view the selected audio sequence immediately and at any time position of the audio sequence. 21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that the encrypted data are contained in files and the identification information includes the file name. 22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that in addition to the files containing the encrypted data at least one description file repeatedly broadcast the description file is a list of the names of the Audio sequences of the given series by the user requestable audio sequences with assigned information contains, with the associated information the file names the files containing the encrypted data lock in. 23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that that the at least one description file about a separate broadcast channel is repeatedly broadcast. 24. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that
that the receiving device is used in a normal operating mode for receiving television broadcasting and in a data receiving mode for receiving files over at least one predetermined television broadcasting channel, and
that when the user is not using the normal operating mode, the receiving device is automatically switched to the data receiving mode. 25. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that the transmission of the identifying the selection Information in step d) and the retransmission of the Decryption information in step e) by selecting one given website of a server and implementation a user dialog controlled by this website is performed.