A switched broadcast service and a network personal video recorder (NPVR)
service are provided synergistically in a cable TV system having limited
resources. For example, in providing the switched broadcast service, a
resource manager allocates network bandwidth for broadcast of materials
from selected program channels on an as needed basis. Such allocation is
conducive to an effective provision of the NPVR service which requires
dedicated bandwidth for transmitting recorded broadcast program material
in a headend to each set-top terminal requesting the NPVR service. Thus,
unlike the switched broadcast service where a program stream containing
program material is shared by one or more set-top terminals, the NPVR
service provides a dedicated program stream to each set-top terminal so
that a user at the terminal may manipulate (e.g., rewind, pause and/or
fast-forward) a presentation of program material at will.