A coin-operated TV system is disclosed that uses separate TV displays or sets, each having an individual coin acceptor, program selector and control. Centralized sources of pre-recorded and/or publicly broadcast programs are provided via TV modulators as separate channels hard wired to every TV set. A computer is also hard wired to every TV control. The computer and TV control provide that each TV set normally receives and exhibits one channel continuously, at no costs. If the program selector at any TV set is switched to another specific channel and the coin acceptor has received a suitable deposit, the computer and TV control shift that particulat TV set to the selected channel. The selected channel will operate for a predetermined duration or until the selected program has ended. Thereafter, the TV set will be shifted back to the free channel, unless a different specific channel had earlier been selected and paid for. The pre-recorded program can last only 3-5 minutes each, to encourage frequent reuse of the TV system, and many related programs can be grouped on a laser disc for allowing approximately one hour of continuous programming.