Television delivery system

A system for delivering broadcast television over Internet Protocol is described. A broadcast provider obtains television signals from traditional sources such as satellite or cable and encodes the signals for delivery to a subscriber/user over an IP enabled broadband network. An IP multicast protocol is used for conventional TV programming and near video on demand movie selections. An IP unicast protocol is used for video on demand services. A user/subscriber has a television/set top box or a PC with appropriate software to decode the IP format for program viewing. An interactive electronic program guide, viewable on the subscriber's monitor, provides the subscriber with schedule information relating to programs available for viewing.