A remote video delivery system transmits video and text from a hotel office to hotel rooms. A series of video players generates the video signals to modulators. The modulators transmit the signals on various frequencies. A system controller directs the signals from the modulators to the appropriate converter boxes within the rooms. An outside vendor runs a billing system to charge the guests for the video delivery without the need for involvement by the hotel staff.

The present invention is a system which allows a personal computer system to be split into a local portion and a remote portion. The local portion of the split personal computer system is located in conjunction with the TV system located at homes or hotels. The remote portion of the split personal computer system is located in a remote location and normally maintained by a network service provider. The local portion includes a television display unit, and a television accessory unit in communication with the television display unit. An input unit is located adjacent the television display unit and is in communication with the television accessory unit to input data signals into the television accessory unit. Finally, communication means are provided for interfacing the television accessory unit of the local portion to the remote portion for permitting data signals received by the television accessory unit from the input unit to be transmittable from the television accessory unit to the remote portion of the split personal computer system. The data signals are processable by the remote portion to generate output signals. The output signals include video signals and are transmittable from the remote portion to the television accessory unit. The television accessory unit receives the output signals and transmits same to the television display unit as television signals. The system operates in such a manner that the user of the split personal computer system would not realize that the computer was split into two physical portions.

A Master Operating Software System stored and/or run on a remote portion of a Split Personal Computer System, or a Multiple Computer System, such that remote users can operate such Master Operating Software System. In one preferred embodiment, the split personal computer system selectively processes video portions, input/output portions, computational portions and storage portions of personal computer tasks, and comprises a remote portion adapted to selectively perform the computational portions and the storage portions of the personal computer tasks, wherein the remote portion has the master operating software system stored thereon, and a local portion adapted to selectively perform the video portions and the input/output portions of the personal computer tasks, wherein the local portion includes a display unit located remotely from the remote portion, an accessory unit in communication with the display unit, an input unit in communication with the accessory unit to input data signals into the accessory unit, and a communication means for interfacing the accessory unit with the remote portion of the split personal computer system for permitting data signals received by the accessory unit from the input unit to be transmittable from the accessory unit to the remote portion of the split personal computer system.

A personal computer system split into a local portion and a remote portion. In one embodiment the remote portion of the split personal computer system is located in a remote location and normally maintained by a network service provider and has personal computer application programs stored thereon that are controlled by the individuals local portion. The remote portion provides one or more personal computer application programs as a service that can be selected by the individual and stores the individuals data after running the personal computer application program selected by the individual. Both the selected program and the individuals data can be accessed upon providing a valid password by the individual. The remote portion has a controller that can collect fees for the application program services provided each individual.

The present invention contemplates a system whereby a service provider can service a large number of customers (millions) and connect them to their rented PC from millions of locations around the world. Many customers (10 to 100 thousand) can be connected simultaneously. The service provider is responsible for maintaining the latest PC Hardware and Software configurations available on the market instead of the customer. The rented PC operates in essentially the same manner as if one purchased and maintained their PC at home or office. Access to the individuals rented PC can be obtained from any existing PC, office network computer, a Web TV computer or other customer interface computer which has been authorized by the service provider. The current invention will greatly improve existing Client/Server systems being used to service large global offices. However The greatest improvement, is to make the PC much more convenient and easier for the individual to use in the future and shift the PC hardware and software update burden to the service provider.