Abstract: A method for digital video distribution in which a program is transmitted as a multicast stream over a network at a base rate. The stream includes a sequence of frames encoding video data, the sequence containing anchor points. A request from a client to begin receiving the program is received at a time subsequent to a given anchor point in the multicast stream. Responsively to the request, a boost stream is transmitted to the client beginning from the given anchor point at an accelerated rate relative to the base rate. The boost stream causes the client to display the video data beginning from the given anchor point and then to join the multicast stream when the boost stream has reached a point of synchronization with the multicast stream.

Abstract: A method for generating a trick replay video stream, including the steps of: selecting from stored data adapted for transmission as a streamed movie a sequence of Intracoded frames (I-frames), and inserting one or more difference frames between consecutive I-frames of the sequence to form the trick replay video stream. Each of the difference frames is constructed to have a zero difference with respect to a preceding I-frame in the sequence. The method further includes transmitting the trick replay video stream to a decoder for display of the streamed movie at an enhanced perceived rate.

Abstract: A method for digital video distribution includes transmitting a multicast stream over a network. Upon receiving, at a time subsequent to a first anchor point and prior to a second anchor point in the multicast stream, a request from a client to begin receiving the multicast stream, a boost stream is generated, including at least a portion of the video data in the frames between the first and second anchor points. The boost stream is transmitted to the client during an interval between the time at which the request was received and the second anchor point in the multicast stream, so as to cause the client to display the video data beginning from the first anchor point. Upon completing transmission of the boost stream, the multicast stream is transmitted to the client beginning from the second anchor point.

Abstract: A method for generating a trick replay video stream, including the steps of: selecting from stored data adapted for transmission as a streamed movie a sequence of Intracoded frames (I-frames), and inserting one or more difference frames between consecutive I-frames of the sequence to form the trick replay video stream. Each of the difference frames is constructed to have a zero difference with respect to a preceding I-frame in the sequence. The method further includes transmitting the trick replay video stream to a decoder for display of the streamed movie at an enhanced perceived rate.