Terminal authorization method

Abstract

A terminal apparatus for use in a cable television system which provides a plurality of channels capable of being tuned for display at a television receiver is provided. The apparatus includes a memory for storing data for generating a plurality of predetermined character screens and for storing deauthorization data, a character generator for generating character screens from the stored character screen data at the television receiver, a deauthorization mechanism responsive to the deauthorization data in the memory for deauthoring selected ones of the plurality of channels, and a controller for controlling the memory and the character generator, and for composing at least one predetermined character screen for display at the television receiver in accordance with the deauthorization of a channel by the deauthorization mechanism.

We claim: 
     
       1. Terminal apparatus for use in a cable television system which provides a plurality of channels capable of being tuned for display at a television receiver, said apparatus comprising: communication means for interactively communicating with a system manager of the cable television system;   memory means for storing data for composing a plurality of predetermined character screens and for storing video conferencing data, the data for composing the plurality of predetermined character screens comprising character screen commands, the video conferencing data for deauthorizing the viewing of at least one video conference channel;   character generator means for generating character screens from the stored character screen composition data at said television receiver;   deauthorization means responsive to the video conferencing data in the memory means for deauthorizing selected ones of said plurality of channels; and   control means for controlling said memory means and said character generator means and for composing at least one predetermined character screen for displaying at said television receiver the deauthorization of the viewing of a video conference channel by said deauthorization means. .[.2. Terminal apparatus for use in a cable television system which provides a plurality of channels capable of being tuned for display at a television receiver, said apparatus comprising:   memory means for storing data for composing a plurality of predetermined character screens and for storing deauthorization data, the data for composing the plurality of predetermined character screens comprising character screen commands;   character generator means for generating character screens from the stored character screen composition data at said television receiver;   deauthorization means responsive to the deauthorization data in the memory means for deauthorizing selected ones of said plurality of channels; and   control means for controlling said memory means and said character generator means and for composing at least one predetermined character screen for displaying at said television receiver the deauthorization of a channel by said deauthorization means..]..[.3. The terminal apparatus of claim 2 wherein the control means is a microprocessor..]..[.4. The terminal apparatus of claim 3 wherein the memory means is a random access   
     
     
        memory..].5. .[.The.]. .Iadd.A .Iaddend.terminal apparatus .[.of claim 2 further.]. .Iadd.for use in a cable television system which provides a plurality of channels capable of being tuned for display at a television receiver, said apparatus .Iaddend.comprising: .Iadd.memory means for storing data for composing a plurality of predetermined character screens and for storing deauthorization data, the data for composing the plurality of predetermined character screens comprising character screen commands, .Iaddend.said memory means for further storing preview data, the preview data allowing a premium channel to be viewed for a predetermined period of time without incurring a charge;   .Iadd.character generator means for generating character screens from the stored character screen composition data at said television receiver;   deauthorization means responsive to the deauthorization data in the memory means for deauthorizing selected ones of said plurality of channels; .Iaddend.   preview means responsive to the stored preview data for previewing selected ones of the plurality of channels; and   .Iadd.control means for controlling said memory means and said character generator means and for composing at least one predetermined character screen for displaying at said television receiver the deauthorization of a channel by said deauthorization means, .Iaddend.said control means for further controlling said memory means and said character generator means and for composing at least one predetermined character screen for displaying at the television receiver information in accordance with the   
     
     
        preview of a premium channel by said preview means. 6. .[.The.]. .Iadd.A .Iaddend.terminal apparatus .[.of claim 2 further.]. .Iadd.for use in a cable television system which provides a plurality of channels capable of being tuned for display at a television receiver, said apparatus .Iaddend.comprising: .Iadd.memory means for storing data for composing a plurality of predetermined character screens and for storing deauthorization data, the data for composing the plurality of predetermined character screens comprising character screen commands, .Iaddend.said memory means for further storing prebuy data, the prebuy data related to a user credit status;   .Iadd.character generator means for generating character screens from the stored character screen composition data at said television receiver;   deauthorization means responsive to the deauthorization data in the memory means for deauthorizing selected ones of said plurality of channels; .Iaddend.   prebuy means responsive to the prebuy data in the memory means for deauthorizing the viewing of premium programs; and   .Iadd.control means for controlling said memory means and said character generator means and for composing at least one predetermined character screen for displaying at said television receiver the deauthorization of a channel by said deauthorization means, .Iaddend.said control means for further controlling said memory means and said character generator means and for composing at least one predetermined character screen for displaying at the television receiver the user credit status in accordance with the deauthorization of the viewing of premium programs by said prebuy   
     
     
        means. 7. The terminal apparatus of claim 5 further comprising: said memory means for further storing prebuy data, the prebuy data related to a user credit status;   prebuy means responsive to the prebuy data in the memory means for deauthorization the viewing of premium programs;   said control means for further controlling said memory means and said character generator means and for composing at least one predetermined character screen for displaying at the television receiver the user credit status in accordance with the deauthorization of the viewing of premium   
     
     
        programs by said prebuy means. 8. .[.The.]. .Iadd.A .Iaddend.terminal apparatus .[.of claim 2 wherein.]. .Iadd.for use in a cable television system which provides a plurality of channels capable of being tuned for display at a television receiver, said apparatus comprising.Iaddend.: .Iadd.memory means for storing data for composing a plurality of predetermined character screens and for storing deauthorization data, the data for composing the plurality of predetermined character screens comprising character screen commands, .Iaddend.said memory means for further storing video conferencing data, the video conferencing data for deauthorizing the viewing of at least one video conference channel;   .Iadd.character generator means for generating character screens from the stored character screen composition data at said television receiver;   deauthorization means responsive to the deauthorization data in the memory means for deauthorizing selected ones of said plurality of channels, .Iaddend.said deauthorization means for further responding to the video conferencing data in the memory means for deauthorizing selected ones of the plurality of channels; and   .Iadd.control means for controlling said memory means and said character generator means and for composing at least one predetermined character screen for displaying at said television receiver the deauthorization of a channel by said deauthorization means, .Iaddend.said control means for further controlling said memory means and said character generator means and for composing at least one predetermined character screen for displaying at the television receiver the deauthorization of the viewing   
     
     
        of a video conference channel by said deauthorization means. 9. .[.The.]. .Iadd.A .Iaddend.terminal apparatus .[.of claim 5 wherein.]. .Iadd.for use in a cable television system which provides a plurality of channels capable of being tuned for display at a television receiver, said apparatus comprising.Iaddend.: .Iadd.memory means for storing data for composing a plurality of predetermined character screens and for storing deauthorization data, the data for composing the plurality of predetermined character screens comprising character screen commands, said memory means for further storing preview data, the preview data allowing a premium channel to be viewed for a predetermined period of time without incurring a charge, .Iaddend.said memory means for further storing video conferencing data, the video conferencing data for deauthorizing the viewing of at least one video conference channel;   .Iadd.character generator means for generating character screens from the stored character screen composition data at said television receiver;   deauthorization means responsive to the deauthorization data in the memory means for deauthorizing selected ones of said plurality of channels, .Iaddend.said deauthorization means for further responding to the video conferencing data in the memory means for deauthorizing selected ones of the plurality of channels; .[.and.].   .Iadd.preview means responsive to the stored preview data for previewing selected ones of the plurality of channels; and   control means for controlling said memory means and said character generator means and for composing at least one predetermined character screen for displaying at said television receiver the deauthorization of a channel by said deauthorization means, said control means for further controlling said memory means and said character generator means and for composing at least one predetermined character screen for displaying at the television receiver information in accordance with the preview of a premium channel by said preview means, .Iaddend.said control means for further controlling said memory means and said character generator means and for composing at least one predetermined character screen for displaying at the television receiver the deauthorization of the viewing   
     
     
        of a video conference channel by said deauthorization means. 10. Terminal apparatus for use in a cable television system which provides a plurality of channels capable of being tuned for display at a television receiver, said apparatus comprising: memory means for storing data for composing a plurality of predetermined character screens and for storing preview data, the data for composing the plurality of predetermined character screens comprising character screen commands, the preview data allowing a premium channel to be viewed for a predetermined period of time without incurring a charge;   character generator means for generating character screens from the stored character screen composition data at said television receiver;   preview means responsive to the stored preview data for previewing selected ones of the plurality of channels; and   control means for controlling said memory means and said character generator means and for composing at least one predetermined character screen for displaying at said television receiver information in accordance with the preview of a premium channel by said preview means.   
     
     
            The terminal apparatus of claim 10 further comprising: said memory means for further storing prebuy data, the prebuy data related to a user credit status;   prebuy means responsive to the prebuy data in the memory means for deauthorizing the viewing of premium programs; and   said control means for further controlling said memory means and said character generator means and for composing at least one predetermined character screen for displaying at the television receiver the user credit status in accordance with the deauthorization of the viewing of premium   
     
     
        programs by said prebuy means. 12. .[.The.]. .Iadd.A .Iaddend.terminal apparatus .[.of claim 11 wherein.]. .Iadd.for use in a cable television system which provides a plurality of channels capable of being tuned for display at a television receiver, said apparatus comprising:.Iaddend. .Iadd.memory means for storing data for composing a plurality of predetermined character screens and for storing preview data, the data for composing the plurality of predetermined character screens comprising character screen commands, the preview data allowing a premium channel to be viewed for a predetermined period of time without incurring a charge, said memory means for further storing prebuy data, the prebuy data related to a user credit status, .Iaddend.said memory means for further storing video conferencing data, the video conferencing data for deauthorizing the viewing of at least one video conference channel;   .Iadd.character generator means for generating character screens from the stored character screen composition data at said television receiver;   preview means responsive to the stored preview data for previewing selected ones of the plurality of channels;   prebuy means responsive to the prebuy data in the memory means for deauthorizing the viewing of premium programs, .Iaddend.said deauthorization means for further responding to the video conferencing data in the memory means for deauthorizing selected ones of the plurality of channels; and   .Iadd.control means for controlling said memory means and said character generator means and for composing at least one predetermined character screen for displaying at said television receiver information in accordance with the preview of a premium channel by said preview means, said control means for further controlling said memory means and said character generator means and for composing at least one predetermined character screen for displaying at the television receiver the user credit status in accordance with the deauthorization of the viewing of premium programs by said prebuy means, .Iaddend.said control means for further controlling said memory means and said character generator means and for composing at least one predetermined character screen for displaying at the television receiver the deauthorization of the viewing of a video   
     
     
        conference channel by said deauthorization means. 13. Terminal apparatus for use in a cable television system which provides a plurality of channels capable of being tuned for display at a television receiver, said apparatus comprising: memory means for storing data for composing a plurality of predetermined character screens and for storing prebuy data, the data for composing the plurality of predetermined character screens comprising character screen commands, the prebuy data related to a user credit status;   character generator means for generating character screens from the stored character screen composition data at said television receiver;   prebuy means responsive to the prebuy data in the memory means for deauthorizing the viewing of premium programs; and   control means for controlling said memory means and said character generator means and for composing at least one predetermined character screen for displaying at the television receiver the user credit status in accordance with the deauthorization of the viewing of premium programs by   
     
     
        said prebuy means. 14. .[.The.]. .Iadd.A .Iaddend.terminal apparatus .[.of claim 13 wherein.]. .Iadd.for use in a cable television system which provides a plurality of channels capable of being tuned for display at a television receiver, said apparatus comprising.Iaddend.: .Iadd.memory means for storing data for composing a plurality of predetermined character screens and for storing prebuy data, the data for composing the plurality of predetermined character screens comprising character screen commands, the prebuy data related to a user credit status, .Iaddend.said memory means for further storing video conferencing data, the video conferencing data for deauthorizing the viewing of at least one video conference channel;   .Iadd.character generator means for generating character screens from the stored character screen composition data at said television receiver;   prebuy means responsive to the prebuy data in the memory means for deauthorizing the viewing of premium programs, .Iaddend.said deauthorization means for further responding to the video conferencing data in the memory means for deauthorizing selected ones of the plurality of channels; and   .Iadd.control means for controlling said memory means and said character generator means and for composing at least one predetermined character screen for displaying at the television receiver the user credit status in accordance with the deauthorization of the viewing of premium programs by said prebuy means, .Iaddend.said control means for further controlling said memory means and said character generator means and for composing at least one predetermined character screen for displaying at the television receiver the deauthorization of the viewing of a video conference channel   
     
     
        by said deauthorization means. 15. Terminal apparatus for use in a cable television system which provides a plurality of channels capable of being tuned for display at a television receiver, said apparatus comprising: memory means for storing data for composing a plurality of predetermined character screens and for storing video conferencing data, the data for composing the plurality of predetermined character screens comprising character screen commands, the video conferencing data for deauthorizing the viewing of at least one video conference channel;   character generator means for generating character screens from the stored character screen composition data at said television receiver;   deauthorization means responsive to the video conferencing data in the memory means for deauthorizing selected ones of said plurality of channels; and   control means for controlling said memory means and said character generator means and for composing at least one predetermined character screen for displaying at said television receiver the deauthorization of the viewing of a video conference channel by said deauthorization means.   
     
     
        .[.16.  Terminal apparatus for use in an interactive cable television system which provides a plurality of channels capable of being tuned for display at a television receiver, said apparatus comprising: communication means for interactively communicating with a system manager of the cable television system;   memory means for storing data for composing a plurality of predetermined character screens and for storing deauthorization data, the data for composing the plurality of predetermined character screens comprising character screen commands;   character generator means for generating character screens from the stored character screen composition data at said television receiver;   deauthorization means responsive to the deauthorization data in the memory means for deauthorizing selected ones of said plurality of channels; and   control means for controlling said memory means and said character generator means and for composing at least one predetermined character screen for displaying at said television receiver the deauthorization of a channel by said deauthorization means..]..[.17. The terminal apparatus of claim 16 wherein the control means is a microprocessor..]..[.18. The terminal apparatus of claim 16 wherein the memory means is a random access   
     
     
        memory..].19. .[.The.]. .Iadd.A .Iaddend.terminal apparatus .[.of claim 16 further.]. .Iadd.for use in an interactive cable television system which provides a plurality of channels capable of being tuned for display at a television receiver, said apparatus .Iaddend.comprising: .Iadd.communication means for interactively communicating with a system manager of the cable television system;   memory means for storing data for composing a plurality of predetermined character screens and for storing deauthorization data, the data for composing the plurality of predetermined character screens comprising character screen commands, .Iaddend.said memory means for further storing preview data, the preview data allowing a premium channel to be viewed for a predetermined period of time without incurring a charge;   .Iadd.character generator means for generating character screens from the stored character screen composition data at said television receiver;   deauthorization means responsive to the deauthorization data in the memory means for deauthorizing selected ones of said plurality of channels; .Iaddend.   preview means responsive to the preview data in the memory means for previewing selected ones of the plurality of channels; and   .Iadd.control means for controlling said memory means and said character generator means and for composing at least one predetermined character screen for displaying at said television receiver the deauthorization of a channel by said deauthorization means, .Iaddend.said control means for further controlling said memory means and said character generator means and for composing at least one predetermined character screen for displaying at the television receiver information in accordance with the   
     
     
        preview of a premium channel by said preview means. 20. .[.The.]. .Iadd.A .Iaddend.terminal apparatus .[.of claim 16 further.]. comprising: .Iadd.communication means for interactively communicating with a system manager of the cable television system;   memory means for storing data for composing a plurality of predetermined character screens and for storing deauthorization data, the data for composing the plurality of predetermined character screens comprising character screen commands, .Iaddend.said memory means for further storing prebuy data, the prebuy data related to a user credit status;   .Iadd.character generator means for generating character screens from the stored character screen composition data at said television receiver;   deauthorization means responsive to the deauthorization data in the memory means for deauthorizing selected ones of said plurality of channels; .Iaddend.   prebuy means responsive to the prebuy data in the memory means for deauthorizing the viewing of premium programs; and   .Iadd.control means for controlling said memory means and said character generator means and for composing at least one predetermined character screen for displaying at said television receiver the deauthorization of a channel by said deauthorization means, .Iaddend.said control means for further controlling said memory means and said character generator means for composing at least one predetermined character screen for displaying at the television receiver the user credit status in accordance with the deauthorization of the viewing of premium programs by said prebuy means.   
     
     
          . The terminal apparatus of claim 19 further comprising: said memory means for further storing prebuy data, the prebuy data related to a user credit status;   prebuy means responsive to the prebuy data in the memory means for deauthorizing the viewing of premium programs; and   said control means for further controlling said memory means and said character generator means and for composing at least one predetermined character screen for displaying at the television receiver the user credit status in accordance with the deauthorization of the viewing of premium   
     
     
        programs by said prebuy means. 22. .[.The.]. .Iadd.A .Iaddend.terminal apparatus .[.of claim 16 wherein.]. .Iadd.for use in an interactive cable television system which provides a plurality of channels capable of being tuned for display at a television receiver, said apparatus comprising.Iaddend.: .Iadd.communication means for interactively communicating with a system manager of the cable television system;   memory means for storing data for composing a plurality of predetermined character screens and for storing deauthorization data, the data for composing the plurality of predetermined character screens comprising character screen commands, .Iaddend.said memory means for further storing video conferencing data, the video conferencing data for deauthorizing the viewing of at least one video conference channel;   .Iadd.character generator means for generating character screens from the stored character screen composition data at said television receiver;   deauthorization means responsive to the deauthorization data in the memory means for deauthorizing selected ones of said plurality of channels, .Iaddend.said deauthorization means for further responding to the video conferencing data in the memory means for deauthorizing selected ones of the plurality of channels; and   .Iadd.control means for controlling said memory means and said character generator means and for composing at least one predetermined character screen for displaying at said television receiver the deauthorization of a channel by said deauthorization means, .Iaddend.said control means for further controlling said memory means and said character generator means and for composing at least one predetermined character screen for displaying at the television receiver the deauthorization of the viewing   
     
     
        of a video conference channel by said deauthorization means. 23. .[.The.]. .Iadd.A .Iaddend.terminal apparatus .[.of claim 19 wherein.]. .Iadd.for use in an interactive cable television system which provides a plurality of channels capable of being tuned for display at a television receiver, said apparatus comprising.Iaddend.: .Iadd.communication means for interactively communicating with a system manager of the cable television system;   memory means for storing data for composing a plurality of predetermined character screens and for storing deauthorization data, the data for composing the plurality of predetermined character screens comprising character screen commands, said memory means for further storing preview data, the preview data allowing a premium channel to be viewed for a predetermined period of time without incurring a charge, .Iaddend.said memory means for further storing video conferencing data, the video conferencing data for deauthorizing the viewing of at least one video conference channel;   .Iadd.character generator means for generating character screens from the stored character screen composition data at said television receiver;   deauthorization means responsive to the deauthorization data in the memory means for deauthorizing selected ones of said plurality of channels, .Iaddend.said deauthorization means for further responding to the video conferencing data in the memory means for deauthorizing selected ones of the plurality of channels; .[.and.].   .Iadd.preview means responsive to the preview data in the memory means for previewing selected ones of the plurality of channels; and   control means for controlling said memory means and said character generator means and for composing at least one predetermined character screen for displaying at said television receiver the deauthorization of a channel by said deauthorization means, said control means for further controlling said memory means and said character generator means and for composing at least one predetermined character screen for displaying at the television receiver information in accordance with the preview of a premium channel by said preview means, .Iaddend.said control means for further controlling said memory means and said character generator means and for composing at least one predetermined character screen for displaying at the television receiver the deauthorization of the viewing   
     
     
        of the video conference channel by said deauthorization means. 24. .[.The.]. .Iadd.A .Iaddend.terminal apparatus .[.of claim 21 wherein.]. .Iadd.for use in an interactive cable television system which provides a plurality of channels capable of being tuned for display at a television receiver, said apparatus comprising.Iaddend.: .Iadd.communication means for interactively communicating with a system manager of the cable television system;   memory means for storing data for composing a plurality of predetermined character screens and for storing deauthorization data, the data for composing the plurality of predetermined character screens comprising character screen commands, said memory means for further storing preview data, the preview data allowing a premium channel to be viewed for a predetermined period of time without incurring a charge, said memory means for further storing prebuy data, the prebuy data related to a user credit status, .Iaddend.said memory means for further storing video conferencing data, the video conferencing data for deauthorizing the viewing of at least one video conference channel;   .Iadd.character generator means for generating character screens from the stored character screen composition data at said television receiver;   deauthorization means responsive to the deauthorization data in the memory means for deauthorizing selected ones of said plurality of channels, .Iaddend.said deauthorization means for further responding to the video conferencing data in the memory means for deauthorizing selected ones of the plurality of channels; .[.and.].   .Iadd.preview means responsive to the preview data in the memory means for previewing selected ones of the plurality of channels;   prebuy means responsive to the prebuy data in the memory means for deauthorizing the viewing of premium programs; and   control means for controlling said memory means and said character generator means and for composing at least one predetermined character screen for displaying at said television receiver the deauthorization of a channel by said deauthorization means, said control means for further controlling said memory means and said character generator means and for composing at least one predetermined character screen for displaying at the television receiver information in accordance with the preview of a premium channel by said preview means, said control means for further controlling said memory means and said character generator means and for composing at least one predetermined character screen for displaying at the television receiver the user credit status in accordance with the deauthorization of the viewing of premium programs by said prebuy means, .Iaddend.said control means for further controlling said memory means and said character generator means and for composing at least one predetermined character screen for displaying at the television receiver the deauthorization of the viewing of a video conference channel by said   
     
     
        deauthorization means. 25. Terminal apparatus for use in a cable television system which provides a plurality of channels capable of being tuned for display at a television receiver, said apparatus comprising: communication means for interactively communicating with a system manager of the cable television system;   memory means for storing data for composing a plurality of predetermined character screens and for storing preview data, the data for composing the plurality of predetermined character screens comprising character screen commands, the preview data allowing a premium channel to be viewed for a predetermined period of time without incurring a charge;   character generator means for generating character screens from the stored character screen composition data at said television receiver;   preview means responsive to the stored preview data for previewing selected ones of the plurality of channels; and   control means for controlling said memory means and said character generator means and for composing at least one predetermined character screen for displaying at said television receiver information in accordance with the preview of a premium channel by said preview means.   
     
     
            The terminal apparatus of claim 25 further comprising: said memory means for further storing prebuy data, the prebuy data related to a user credit status;   prebuy means responsive to the prebuy data in the memory means for deauthorizing the viewing of premium programs; and   said control means for further controlling said memory means and said character generator means and for composing at least one predetermined character screen for displaying at the television receiver the user credit status in accordance with the deauthorization of the viewing of premium   
     
     
        programs by said prebuy means. 27. .[.The.]. .Iadd.A .Iaddend.terminal apparatus .[.of claim 26 wherein.]. .Iadd.for use in a cable television system which provides a plurality of channels capable of being tuned for display at a television receiver, said apparatus comprising.Iaddend.: .Iadd.communication means for interactively communicating with a system manager of the cable television system;   memory means for storing data for composing a plurality of predetermined character screens and for storing preview data, the data for composing the plurality of predetermined character screens comprising character screen commands; the preview data allowing a premium channel to be viewed for a predetermined period of time without incurring a charge, said memory means for further storing prebuy data, the prebuy data related to a user credit status, .Iaddend.said memory means for further storing video conferencing data, the video conferencing data for deauthorizing the viewing of at least one video conference channel;   .Iadd.character generator means for generating character screens from the stored character screen composition data at said television receiver;   preview means responsive to the stored preview data for previewing selected ones of the plurality of channels;   prebuy means responsive to the prebuy data in the memory means for deauthorizing the viewing of premium programs, .Iaddend.said deauthorization means for further responding to the video conferencing data in the memory means for deauthorizing selected ones of the plurality of channels; and   .Iadd.control means for controlling said memory means and said character generator means and for composing at least one predetermined character screen for displaying at said television receiver information in accordance with the preview of a premium channel by said preview means, said control means for further controlling said memory means and said character generator means and for composing at least one predetermined character screen for displaying at the television receiver the user credit status in accordance with the deauthorization of the viewing of premium programs by said prebuy means, .Iaddend.said control means for further controlling said memory means and said character generator means and for composing at least one predetermined character screen for displaying at the television receiver the deauthorization of the viewing of a video   
     
     
        conference channel by said deauthorization means. 28. Terminal apparatus for use in a cable television system which provides a plurality of channels capable of being tuned for display at a television receiver, said apparatus comprising: communication means for interactively communicating with a system manager of the cable television system;   memory means for storing data for composing a plurality of predetermined character screens and for storing prebuy data, the data for composing the plurality of predetermined character screens comprising character screen commands, the prebuy data related to a user credit status;   character generator means for generating character screens from the stored character screen composition data at said television receiver;   prebuy means responsive to the prebuy data in the memory means for deauthorizing the viewing of premium programs; and   control means for controlling said memory means and said character generator means and for composing at least one predetermined character screen for displaying at the television receiver the user credit status in accordance with the deauthorization of the viewing of premium programs by   
     
     
        said prebuy means. 29. .[.The.]. .Iadd.A .Iaddend.terminal apparatus .[.of claim 28 wherein.]. .Iadd.for use in a cable television system which provides a plurality of channels capable of being tuned for display at a television receiver, said apparatus comprising.Iaddend.: .Iadd.communication means for interactively communicating with a system manager of the cable television system;   memory means for storing data for composing a plurality of predetermined character screens and for storing prebuy data, the data for composing the plurality of predetermined character screens comprising character screen commands, the prebuy data related to a user credit status, .Iaddend.said memory means for further storing video conferencing data, the video conferencing data for deauthorizing the viewing of at least one video conference channel;   .Iadd.character generator means for generating character screens from the stored character screen composition data at said television receiver;   prebuy means responsive to the prebuy data in the memory means for deauthorizing the viewing of premium programs, .Iaddend.said deauthorization means for further responding to the video conferencing data in the memory means for deauthorizing selected ones of the plurality of channels; and   .Iadd.control means for controlling said memory means and said character generator means and for composing at least one predetermined character screen for displaying at the television receiver the user credit status in accordance with the deauthorization of the viewing of premium programs by said prebuy means, .Iaddend.said control means for further controlling said memory means and said character generator means and for composing at least one predetermined character screen for displaying at the television receiver the deauthorization of the viewing of a video conference channel by said deauthorization means. .[.30. A terminal control method for a cable television system which provides a plurality of channels capable of being tuned for display at a television receiver, said method of comprising the steps of:   storing data for composing a plurality of predetermined character screens, the stored data for composing the plurality of predetermined character screens comprising character screen commands;   storing deauthorization data;   composing character screens from the stored character screen composition data for display at said television receiver;   deauthorizing selected ones of said plurality of channels in response to the stored deauthorization data; and   displaying the at least one predetermined character screen at said television receiver when a deauthorized channel is selected, the at least one predetermined character screen related to the deauthorization of a   
     
     
        channel..].31. .[.The.]. .Iadd.A terminal control .Iaddend.method of .[.claim 30 further.]. .Iadd.a cable television system which provides a plurality of channels capable of being tuned for display at a television receiver, said method .Iaddend.comprising the steps of: .Iadd.storing data for composing a plurality of predetermined character screens, the stored data for composing the plurality of predetermined character screens comprising character screen commands;   storing deauthorization data; .Iaddend.   storing preview data, the preview data for viewing a premium channel for a predetermined period of time without incurring a charge;   .Iadd.composing character screens from the stored character screen composition data for display at said television receiver;   deauthorizing selected ones of said plurality of channels in response to the stored deauthorization data;   displaying at least one predetermined character screen at said television receiver when a deauthorized channel is selected, the at least one predetermined character screen related to the deauthorization of a channel; .Iaddend.   composing at least one predetermined character screen from the stored preview data; and   outputting the at least one predetermined character screen, the at least one predetermined character screen related to information in accordance   
     
     
        with .[.concerning.]. the preview of a premium channel. 32. .[.The.]. .Iadd.A terminal control .Iaddend.method of .[.claim 30 further.]. .Iadd.a cable television system which provides a plurality of channels capable of being tuned for display at a television receiver, said method .Iaddend.comprising the steps of: .Iadd.storing data for composing a plurality of predetermined character screens, the stored data for composing the plurality of predetermined character screens comprising character screen commands;   storing deauthorization data; .Iaddend.   storing prebuy data, the prebuy data related to a user credit status;   .Iadd.composing character screens from the stored character screen composition data for display at said television receiver;   deauthorizing selected ones of said plurality of channels in response to the stored deauthorization data;   displaying at least one predetermined character screen at said television receiver when a deauthorized channel is selected, the at least one predetermined character screen related to the deauthorization of a channel; .Iaddend.   composing at least one predetermined character screen from the stored prebuy data; and   outputting the at least one predetermined character screen, the at least   
     
     
        one predetermined character screen related to prebuy information. 33. The method of claim 31 further comprising the steps of: storing prebuy data, the prebuy data related to a user credit status;   composing at least one predetermined character screen from the stored prebuy data; and   outputting the at least one predetermined character screen, the at least   
     
     
        one predetermined character screen related to prebuy information. 34. .[.The.]. .Iadd.A terminal control .Iaddend.method of .[.claim 30 further.]. .Iadd.a cable television system which provides a plurality of channels capable of being tuned for display at a television receiver, said method .Iaddend.comprising the steps of: .Iadd.storing data for composing a plurality of predetermined character screens, the stored data for composing the plurality of predetermined character screens comprising character screen commands;   storing deauthorization data; .Iaddend.   storing video conferencing data, the video conferencing data for deauthorizing the viewing of at least one video conference channel;   .Iadd.composing character screens from the stored character screen composition data for display at said television receiver;   deauthorizing selected ones of said plurality of channels in response to the stored deauthorization data;   displaying at least one predetermined character screen at said television receiver when a deauthorized channel is selected, the at least one predetermined character screen related to the deauthorization of a channel; .Iaddend.   composing at least one predetermined character screen from the stored video conferencing data;   deauthorizing selected ones of the plurality of channels in response to the stored video conferencing data; and   outputting the at least one predetermined character screen, the at least one predetermined character screen related to the deauthorization of the   
     
     
        viewing of the video conferencing channel. 35. .[.The.]. .Iadd.A terminal control .Iaddend.method of .[.claim 32 further.]. .Iadd.a cable television system which provides a plurality of channels capable of being tuned for display at a television receiver, said method .Iaddend.comprising the steps of: .Iadd.storing data for composing a plurality of predetermined character screens, the stored data for composing the plurality of predetermined character screens comprising character screen commands;   storing deauthorization data;   storing prebuy data, the prebuy data related to a user credit status; .Iaddend.   storing video conferencing data, the video conferencing data for deauthorizing the viewing of at least one video conference channel;   .Iadd.composing character screens from the stored character screen composition data for display at said television receiver;   deauthorizing selected ones of said plurality of channels in response to the stored deauthorization data;   displaying at least one predetermined character screen at said television receiver when a deauthorized channel is selected, the at least one predetermined character screen related to the deauthorization of a channel;   i composing at least one predetermined character screen from the stored prebuy data;   outputting the at least one predetermined character screen, the at least one predetermined character screen related to prebuy information; .Iaddend.   composing at least one predetermined character screen from the stored video conferencing data;   deauthorizing selected ones of the plurality of channels in response to the stored video conferencing data; and   outputting the at least one predetermined character screen, the at least one predetermined character screen related to the deauthorization of the   
     
     
        viewing of video conferencing channel. 36. .[.The.]. .Iadd.A terminal control .Iaddend.method of .[.claim 30 further.]. .Iadd.a cable television system which provides a plurality of channels capable of being tuned for display at a television receiver, said method .Iaddend.comprising the steps of: .Iadd.storing data for composing a plurality of predetermined character screens, the stored data for composing the plurality of predetermined character screens comprising character screen commands;   storing deauthorization data; .Iaddend.   storing preview data, the preview data for viewing a premium channel for a predetermined period of time without incurring a charge;   .Iadd.composing character screens from the stored character screen composition data for display at said television receiver;   deauthorizing selected ones of said plurality of channels in response to the stored deauthorization data;   displaying at least one predetermined character screen at said television receiver when a deauthorized channel is selected, the at least one predetermined character screen related to the deauthorization of a channel; .Iaddend.   composing at least one predetermined character screen from the stored preview data; and   displaying the at least one predetermined character screen, the at least one predetermined character screen related to information in accordance   
     
     
        with the preview of a premium channel. 37. .[.The.]. .Iadd.A terminal control .Iaddend.method of .[.claim 30 further.]. .Iadd.a cable television system which provides a plurality of channels capable of being tuned for display at a television receiver, said method .Iaddend.comprising the steps of: .Iadd.storing data for composing a plurality of predetermined character screens, the stored data for composing the plurality of predetermined character screens comprising character screen commands;   storing deauthorization data; .Iaddend.   storing prebuy data, the prebuy data related to a user credit status;   .Iadd.composing character screens from the stored character screen composition data for display at said television receiver;   deauthorizing selected ones of said plurality of channels in response to the stored deauthorization data;   displaying at least one predetermined character screen at said television receiver when a deauthorized channel is selected, the at least one predetermined character screen related to the deauthorization of a channel; .Iaddend.   composing at least one predetermined character screen from the stored prebuy data; and   displaying the at least one predetermined character screen, the at least   
     
     
        one predetermined character screen related to prebuy information. 38. The method of claim 36 further comprising the steps of: storing prebuy data, the prebuy data related to a user credit status;   composing at least one predetermined character screen from the stored prebuy data; and   displaying the at least one predetermined character screen, the at least   
     
     
        one predetermined character screen related to prebuy information. 39. .[.The.]. .Iadd.A terminal control .Iaddend.method of .[.claim 30 further.]. .Iadd.a cable television system which provides a plurality of channels capable of being tuned for display at a television receiver, said method .Iaddend.comprising the steps of: .Iadd.storing data for composing a plurality of predetermined character screens, the stored data for composing the plurality of predetermined character screens comprising character screen commands;   storing deauthorization data; .Iaddend.   storing video conferencing data, the video conferencing data for deauthorizing the viewing of at least one video conference channel;   .Iadd.composing character screens from the stored character screen composition data for display at said television receiver;   deauthorizing selected ones of said plurality of channels in response to the stored deauthorization data;   displaying at least one predetermined character screen at said television receiver when a deauthorized channel is selected, the at least one predetermined character screen related to the deauthorization of a channel; .Iaddend.   composing at least one predetermined character screen from the stored video conferencing data;   deauthorizing selected ones of the plurality of channels in response to the stored video conferencing data; and   displaying the at least one predetermined character screen, the at least one predetermined character screen related to the deauthorization of the   
     
     
        viewing of video conferencing channel. 40. .[.The.]. .Iadd.A terminal control .Iaddend.method of .[.claim 37 further.]. .Iadd.a cable television system which provides a plurality of channels capable of being tuned for display at a television receiver, said method .Iaddend.comprising the steps of: .Iadd.storing data for composing a plurality of predetermined character screens, the stored data for composing the plurality of predetermined character screens comprising character screen commands;   storing deauthorization data;   storing prebuy data, the prebuy data related to a user credit status; .Iaddend.   storing video conferencing data, the video conferencing data for deauthorizing the viewing of at least one video conference channel;   .Iadd.composing character screens from the stored character screen composition data for display at said television receiver;   deauthorizing selected ones of said plurality of channels in response to the stored deauthorization data;   displaying at least one predetermined character screen at said television receiver when a deauthorized channel is selected, the at least one predetermined character screen related to the deauthorization of a channel;   composing at least one predetermined character screen from the stored prebuy data;   displaying the at least one predetermined character screen, the at least one predetermined character screen related to prebuy information; .Iaddend.   composing at least one predetermined character screen from the stored video conferencing data;   deauthorizing selected ones of the plurality of channels in response to the stored video conferencing data; and   outputting the at least one predetermined character screen, the at least one predetermined character screen related to the deauthorization of the   
     
     
        viewing of the video conferencing channel. 41. A terminal control method for a cable television system which provides a plurality of channels capable of being tuned for display at a television receiver, said method of comprising the steps of: storing data for composing a plurality of predetermined character screens, the stored data for composing the plurality of predetermined character screens, comprising character screen commands;   storing preview data, the preview data for viewing a premium channel for a predetermined period of time without incurring a charge;   composing character screens from the stored character screen composition data at said television receiver, at least one predetermined character screen from the stored preview data; and   outputting the at least one predetermined character screen, the at least one predetermined character screen related to information in accordance   
     
     
        with the preview of a premium channel. 42. The method of claim 41 further comprising the step of: displaying the at least one predetermined character screen related to   
     
     
        information in accordance with the preview of a premium channel. 43. The method of claim 41 further comprising the steps of: storing prebuy data, the prebuy data related to a user credit status;   composing at least one predetermined character screen from the stored prebuy data; and   outputting the at least one predetermined character screen, the at least   
     
     
        one predetermined character screen related to prebuy information. 44. The method of claim 43 further comprising the step of: displaying the at least one predetermined character screen related to   
     
     
        prebuy information. 45. .[.The.]. .Iadd.A terminal control .Iaddend.method of .[.claim 41 further.]. .Iadd.for a cable television system which provides a plurality of channels capable of being tuned for display at a television receiver, said method .Iaddend.comprising the steps of: .Iadd.storing data for composing a plurality of predetermined character screens, the stored data for composing the plurality of predetermined character screens comprising character screen commands;   storing preview data, the preview data for viewing a premium channel for a predetermined period of time without incurring a charge;   storing video conferencing data, the video conferencing data for deauthorizing the viewing of at least one video conference channel;   .Iadd.composing character screens from the stored character screen composition data at said television receiver, at least one predetermined character screen from the stored preview data;   outputting the at least one predetermined character screen, the at least one predetermined character screen related to information in accordance with the preview of a premium channel; .Iaddend.   composing at least one predetermined character screen from the stored video conferencing data;   deauthorizing selected ones of the plurality of channels in response to the stored video conferencing data; and   outputting the at least one predetermined character screen, the at least one predetermined character screen related to the deauthorization of the   
     
     
        viewing of video conferencing channel. 46. The method of claim 45 further comprising the step of: displaying the at least one predetermined character screen related to the   
     
     
        deauthorization of the viewing of video conferencing channel. 47. The method of claim 45 further comprising the steps of: displaying the at least one predetermined character screen related to information concerning the preview of a premium channel;   displaying the at least one predetermined character screen related to prebuy information;   displaying the at least one predetermined character screen related to the   
     
     
        deauthorization of the viewing of video conferencing channel. 48. A terminal control method for a cable television system which provides a plurality of channels capable of being tuned for display at a television receiver, said method of comprising the steps of: storing data for composing a plurality of predetermined character screens, the stored data for composing the plurality of predetermined character screens comprising character screen commands;   storing prebuy data, the prebuy data related to a user credit status;   composing at least one predetermined character screen from the stored prebuy data; and   outputting the at least one predetermined character screen, the at least   
     
     
        one predetermined character screen related to prebuy information. 49. .[.The.]. .Iadd.A terminal control .Iaddend.method of .[.claim 48 further.]. .Iadd.for a cable television system which provides a plurality of channels capable of being tuned for display at a television receiver, said method .Iaddend.comprising the steps of: .Iadd.storing data for composing a plurality of predetermined character screens, the stored data for composing the plurality of predetermined character screens comprising character screen commands;   storing prebuy data, the prebuy data related to a user credit status; .Iaddend.   storing video conferencing data, the video conferencing data for deauthorizing the viewing of at least one video conference channel;   .Iadd.composing at least one predetermined character screen from the stored prebuy data;   outputting the at least one predetermined character screen, the at least one predetermined character screen related to prebuy information; .Iaddend.   composing at least one predetermined character screen from the stored video conferencing data;   deauthorizing selected ones of the plurality of channels in response to the stored video conferencing data; and   outputting the at least one predetermined character screen, the at least one predetermined character screen related to the deauthorization of the   
     
     
        viewing of video conferencing channel. 50. The method of claim 49 further comprising the step of: displaying the at least one predetermined character screen related to the   
     
     
        deauthorization of the viewing of video conferencing channel. 51. The method of claim 49 further comprising the steps of: displaying the at least one predetermined character screen related to prebuy information;   displaying the at least one predetermined character screen related to the   
     
     
        deauthorization of the viewing of video conferencing channel. 52. The method of claim 48 further comprising the step of: displaying the at least one predetermined character screen related to   
     
     
        prebuy information. 53. A terminal control method for a cable television system which provides a plurality of channels capable of being tuned for display at a television receiver, said method of comprising the steps of: storing video conferencing data, the video conferencing data for deauthorizing the viewing of at least one video conference channel;   composing at least one predetermined character screen from the stored video conferencing data;   deauthorizing selected ones of the plurality of channels in response to the stored video conferencing data; and   outputting the at least one predetermined character screen, the at least one predetermined character screen related to the deauthorization of the   
     
     
        viewing of video conferencing channel. 54. The method of claim 53 further comprising the step of: displaying the at least one predetermined character screen related to the deauthorization of video conferencing channel. .Iadd.55. The terminal apparatus of claim 10, wherein:   the preview data further includes a count of the number of previews allowed; and   the information in accordance with the preview of a premium channel includes information informing a viewer that all previews have been used when a number of previews which have been used is greater than the count of the number of previews allowed. .Iaddend..Iadd.56. The terminal apparatus of claim 10, wherein:   the preview data includes a preview screen number; and   the at least one predetermined character screen composed by the control means includes a preview screen corresponding to the preview screen   
     
     
        number. .Iaddend..Iadd.57.  The terminal apparatus of claim 10, wherein: the preview data includes a preview screen number; and   the at least one predetermined character screen composed by the control means includes a preview screen corresponding to the preview screen number. .Iaddend..Iadd.58. The terminal apparatus of claim 13, wherein:   the prebuy data includes a prebuy screen number; and   the at least one predetermined character screen composed by the control means includes a prebuy screen corresponding to the prebuy screen number. .Iaddend..Iadd.59. The terminal apparatus of claim 15, wherein:   the video conferencing data includes a video conferencing screen number; and   the at least one predetermined character screen composed by the control means includes a video conferencing screen corresponding to the video   
     
     
        conferencing screen number. .Iaddend..Iadd.60.  The terminal apparatus of claim 25, wherein: the preview data further includes a count of the number of previews allowed; and   the information in accordance with the preview of a premium channel includes information informing a viewer that all previews have been used when a number of previews which have been used is greater than the count of the number of previews allowed. .Iaddend..Iadd.61. The terminal apparatus of claim 25, wherein:   the preview data includes a preview screen number; and   the at least one predetermined character screen composed by the control means includes a preview screen corresponding to the preview screen number. .Iaddend..Iadd.62. The terminal apparatus of claim 61, wherein the preview means includes means for overlaying the preview screen over video of a premium channel. .Iaddend..Iadd.63. The terminal apparatus of claim 28, wherein:   the prebuy data includes a prebuy screen number; and   the at least one predetermined character screen composed by the control means includes a prebuy screen corresponding to the prebuy screen number.   
     
     
        .Iaddend..Iadd.64.  The method of claim 41, wherein: the preview data includes a preview screen number;   the at least one predetermined character screen includes a preview screen; and   the step of composing includes accessing the preview screen number to   
     
     
        compose the preview screen. .Iaddend..Iadd.65.  The method of claim 64, wherein the step of outputting includes overlaying the preview screen over video of a selected premium channel. .Iaddend..Iadd.66. The method of claim 48, wherein: the prebuy data includes a prebuy screen number;   the at least one predetermined character screen includes a prebuy screen; and   the step of comprising includes accessing the prebuy screen number to compose the prebuy screen. .Iaddend..Iadd.67. The method of claim 53, wherein:   the video conferencing data includes a video conferencing screen number;   the at least one predetermined character screen includes a video conferencing screen; and   the step of composing includes accessing the video conferencing screen   
     
     
        number to compose the video conferencing screen. .Iaddend..Iadd.68.  A terminal apparatus for use in a cable television system which provides a plurality of channels capable of being tuned for display at a television receiver, the terminal apparatus comprising: memory means for storing data for composing a plurality of predetermined character screens and for storing deauthorization data, the data for composing the plurality of predetermined character screens comprising character screen commands, said memory means further storing preview data, the preview data allowing a premium channel to be viewed for a predetermined period of time without incurring a charge;   character generator means for generating character screens from the stored character screen composition data;   deauthorization circuitry responsive to the deauthorization data in the memory means for deauthorizing selected ones of said plurality of channels;   control means for controlling said memory means and said character generator means;   circuitry composing at least one predetermined character screen for displaying the deauthorization of a channel by said deauthorization circuitry;   preview circuitry responsive to the stored preview data for previewing selected ones of the plurality of channels; and   circuitry composing at least one predetermined character screen for displaying information about the preview of a premium channel by said preview circuitry. .Iaddend..Iadd.69. Terminal apparatus for use in a cable television system which provides a plurality of channels capable of being tuned for display at a television receiver, the terminal apparatus comprising:   memory means for storing data for composing a plurality of predetermined character screens and for storing preview data, the data for composing the plurality of predetermined character screens comprising character screen commands, the preview data allowing a premium channel to be viewed for a predetermined period of time without incurring a charge;   character generator means for generating character screens from the stored character screen composition data; preview circuitry responsive to the stored preview data for previewing selected ones of the plurality of channels;   control means for controlling said memory means and said character generator means; and   circuitry composing at least one predetermined character screen for displaying information about the preview of a premium channel by said preview circuitry. .Iaddend..Iadd.70. The terminal apparatus of claim 59 further comprising communication means for interactively communicating with a system manager of the cable television system. .Iaddend..Iadd.71. The terminal apparatus of claim 60, wherein said memory means further stores deauthorization data; the terminal apparatus further comprising:   deauthorization circuitry responsive to the deauthorization data for deauthorizing selected ones of said plurality of channels; and   circuitry composing at least one predetermined character screen for displaying the deauthorization of a channel by said deauthorization cicuitry. .Iaddend..Iadd.72. A terminal control method for a cable television system which provides a plurality of channels capable of being tuned for display at a television receiver, said method comprising the steps of:   storing data for composing a plurality of predetermined character screens, the stored data for composing the plurality of predetermined character screens comprising character screen commands;   storing deauthorization data;   storing preview data, the preview data for viewing a premium channel for a predetermined period of time without incurring a charge;   composing character screens from the stored character screen composition data for display;   deauthorizing selected ones of said plurality of channels in response to the stored deauthorization data;   displaying the at least one predetermined character screen, the at least one predetermined character screen being related to the deauthorization of a channel;   composing at least one predetermined character screen from the stored preview data; and   outputting the at least one predetermined character screen, the at least one predetermined character screen being related to information about the preview of a premium channel. .Iaddend..Iadd.73. A terminal control method for a cable television system which provides a plurality of channels capable of being tuned for display at a television receiver, said method comprising the steps of:   storing data for composing a plurality of predetermined character screens, the stored data for composing the plurality of predetermined character screens comprising character screen commands;   storing preview data, the preview data for viewing a premium channel for a predetermined period of time without incurring a charge;   composing character screens from the stored character screen composition data, at least one predetermined character screen being composed from the stored preview data; and   outputting the at least one predetermined character screen, the at least one predetermined character screen being related to information about the preview of a premium channel. .Iaddend..Iadd.74. The method of claim 64 further comprising the step of:   displaying the at least one predetermined character screen related to the information about the preview of a premium channel. .Iaddend.