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Return
Path
— (Back
Channel, Backchannel,
Return Channel, Return Link, Reverse Channel, Back Channel
Network
Connection.)
– The Return Path is the physical way that the end-user
(viewer) is able to
send
information, requests and/or demands back to the network
operator. This can be
an integral part of interactive
TV. A Return Path (back channel)
is a 2-way
communications
link between the TV viewer (end-user) and the network
operator. (This is opposed to the front
channel, which is the 1-way
communication from the network
operator,
such a television
network, to the TV viewer; something we all experience simply
by watching linear
TV.) The back channel
may be of lower
bandwidth
than the front channel. The return path (back channel) can be
offered in a
growing number of ways including a standard modem and attached
telephone line, a cable modem, satellite
connection and directly through your TV system.
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