Abstract: Systems and methods for live stream control, including disaster recovery and/or load balancing, are provided including a first video encoding and distribution platform as a primary platform, a second video encoding and distribution platform running in parallel to the primary platform as a secondary platform, which secondary platform uses separate video transmission, independent video encoding, video packing, manifest generation, and an alternate content delivery network (CDN), and an application or module configured to direct playback requests to the primary or secondary platform, dependent upon an operational status of the primary platform.

Abstract: A method and system for securely and traceably enabling playing back of content on a playback device of a plurality of playback devices, in which each of the plurality of playback devices comprises a cryptographic function module (CFM). In one embodiment, the method comprises accepting a first input in the playback device from a content licensing agency; generating, in the device, a first output from the first input according to a proprietary cryptographic function using the CFM, the first output necessary to enable playback of the content by the playback device, the proprietary cryptographic function being one of a family of proprietary cryptographic functions executable by the CFM of each of the plurality of playback devices; and enabling the playback of the content by the device at least in part according to the first output.