1. A data storage and retrieval system, comprising: a storage for storing data; a data bus connected to the storage; a plurality of data retrieval controllers connected to the data bus, each of the plurality of data retrieval controllers being configured for actively retrieving data from the storage and converting the retrieved data to a predetermined format; a download computer converting data received in analog form into compressed digital format to be stored in the storage, as well as receiving from interactive remote control units and processing data request commands; and a server interfacing between the download computer and the storage as well as between the download computer and the plurality of data retrieval controllers, the server generating in response to the processed data request commands designation commands to be sent to the data retrieval controllers through the data bus, each designation command designating one of the data retrieval controllers and a storage location corresponding to requested data; each designated data retrieval controller retrieving the requested data from the designated storage location in response to a respective designation command and sending a message to the server indicating that execution of the designation command has been completed.