Multicast delivery for interactive video-on-demand service

Most of proposed VOD systems are typically designed for one-to-one connection between a user and video server. However, it is inefficient and expensive way when server supports multiple users who access the same video stream with a dedicated video channel. We propose a scheme that can support an interactive VCR for all users requesting the same video stream with batching. To reduce a server I/O and network bandwidth requirement, dynamic buffer is allocated to access node which has variable playout point. It makes possible interactive VCR operation as if customer uses true VOD system. Consequently, this scheme can just deliver a multicast stream without delay after an initial request or VCR action occurred. This policy can guarantee acceptable services to a number of users at minimum cost