A method and apparatus for distributing multimedia content (such as video, games, music, pictures), where the multimedia content is stored in a plurality of set-top boxes that are connected to a cable network. A controller unit located at a central cable station manages the multimedia content. The multimedia content stored in the set-top boxes is made available to any set-top box on request to the controller in the central cable station. The controller unit also interfaces with a plurality of multimedia owners, many situated on the Internet, to source the multimedia content and to source service properties associated with the multimedia content. The controller unit informs the content owners and appropriate billing systems when a multimedia content has been delivered to a remote set-top box and has been consumed by an end user. The end user accesses the multimedia content through a television, a personal computer, or other multimedia appliance.