Combined video and text data distribution system

Abstract

A data distribution system includes a method and apparatus for distributing digitized video and text data relating to the geophysical and planetary environment in a format compatible with desk top type computers. The data distribution system comprises a data encoding means which processes and encodes the data utilizing a specialized data compression and data handling protocol coupled with a means for data transmission and a means for data expansion and decoding by the user. The processed data can then be displayed, stored, printed, deleted, imported, exported in accordance with the user's preferences.

What I claim as the invention is: 
     
       1. A data distribution system for combining input video signals and text data in a format compatible with desk top type computers comprising: a data collection means adapted for collecting and processing a plurality of input video signals and text data;   an encoding and compressing means connected to the data collections means for encoding and compressing the input video signals and encoding text data thereby producing a digital data stream output signal;   a transmission means connected to the encoding and compressing means for transmitting the digital data stream output signal;   a receiving means adapted for receiving the transmitted digital data stream output signal;   a decoding and expansion means connected to the receiving means for decoding and expanding the digital data stream output signal received by the receiving means and producing a video signal output with digital information electronically inserted during the regularly occurring intervals when no video information is present; and   a desk top type computer connected to the decoding and expansion means for the management and display of the video output signal and interspersed text data produced by the decoding and expansion means.   
     
     
       2. The data distribution system for combining input video signals and text data of claim 1 wherein the input video signals and text data are solar-terrestrial and space environmental data.