Method and apparatus for remote update of clients by a server via broadcast satellite

The invention involves transmission download of data to plural, mass storage medium-based remote users (16a, 16b, 16c) of content (18) or software upgrades (22) or multiple versions. Optionally provided are pre-download scheduling of one or more future download sessions and post-download remote scripted software execution by the remote clients (16a, 16b, 16c). For purposes of more efficient use of the transmission link, low-volume scheduling information or content are transmitted within designated narrow-bandwidth sub-channels or trickle streams allocated within the broad bandwidth of the transmission channel and such allocation may be dynamic to vary the allocation based upon relative high-volume, high-speed and low-volume, low-speed demands. The implemented software resides primarily in the server (12) connected with the transmission provider (14). The software schedules allotted bandwidth within the broadcast band of the transmission link and formats high-volume data for transmission within sub-allocation channels logically devised therein. Client software distributed home entertainment device sites (16a, 16b, 16c) for operational enhancements as well as video program or content enhancements. Client software reserves capacity on disk (20a, 20b, 20c).