Abstract: A method of data management for efficiently storing and retrieving data in response to user access requests. The method includes receiving a request from at least one client for a title not resident in a storage server, where the title includes a play track having a plurality of chapters. The retrieval from a secondary storage device of play track portions proximate chapter delineation points is initiated, and bandwidth capacity and quality-of-service (QoS) parameters associated with the secondary storage device is determined. In the case of a client request to begin presentation of the title at one of the chapters, streaming of retrieved portions of the play track chapter to the client is initiated, masking latency associated with the secondary storage device is provided, and retrieval of at least unretrieved portions of the play track chapter and subsequent play track portions from the secondary storage device is initiated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preprocessing and postprocessing content in an interactive information distribution system. Content is retrieved from a storage medium and encapsulated in accordance to an Internet Protocol (IP) format. The encapsulated content is then uploaded for storage in a stream caching server and for future streaming of content to different types of access networks.

Abstract: A data packet structure capable of efficiently propagating a payload through a multi-user, digital video distribution system. The system is capable of delivering multimedia data (video and audio information) using the Moving Picture Expert Group (MPEG) packets as payload within a unique packet structure. The packet structure enables routing of the packets through a variety of network topologies. Specifically, the packet structure comprises a packet header, a routing information field, a private data field, digital data payload, and an error correction code field. Such a packet structure enables the network to deliver digital video through a point-to-point, star, ring, dual ring, and other network topologies to a user that is identified in the routine information field.

Abstract: A method of data management for efficiently storing and retrieving data in response to user access requests. The method includes receiving a request from at least one client for a title not resident in a storage server, where the title includes a play track having a plurality of chapters. The retrieval from a secondary storage device of play track portions proximate chapter delineation points is initiated, and bandwidth capacity and quality-of-service (QoS) parameters associated with the secondary storage device is determined. In the case of a client request to begin presentation of the title at one of the chapters, streaming of retrieved portions of the play track chapter to the client is initiated, masking latency associated with the secondary storage device is provided, and retrieval of at least unretrieved portions of the play track chapter and subsequent play track portions from the secondary storage device is initiated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing in-band messaging through a video switch or other functional element forming a multiplexed content stream prior to transport processing and/or transmission of the multiplexed content stream via an in-band communications channel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for allocating management functions within an interactive information distribution system between service providers and content providers whereby content providers lease respective portions of available resources within the service provider and manage content provided to subscribers from said leased resources.

Abstract: A digital information distribution system having a plurality of nodes that are connected to one another by counter-rotating data paths. Each node comprises a ring terminal that selects data packets from the data paths for use by the node and passes the remaining data packets to neighboring nodes. The data paths communicate data using asynchronous serial interface packets that transport video data or IP data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for streaming content to an access network in an interactive information distribution system. The method encapsulates the content in accordance to an Internet Protocol (IP). The content is then transcoded into a format supported by the access network, and streamed over a distribution network to a remote server or to a subscriber terminal that is coupled to the access network. The apparatus is embodied as stream caching server for streaming the content encapsulated within the IP packet to access networks via a stream distribution network in response to a request for content. A packet processor is coupled to the stream server for processing the encapsulated content within the IP packets into a format native to the access network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preprocessing and preprocessing content in an interactive information distribution system. Content is retrieved from a storage medium and encapsulated in accordance to an Internet Protocol (IP) format. The encapsulated content is then uploaded for storage in a stream caching server and for future streaming of content to different types of access networks.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming and processing an MPEG transport stream such that programs may be inserted into, or deleted from, the MPEG transport stream without significant retiming operations.

Abstract: A method of data management for efficiently storing and retrieving data in response to user access requests. The method includes receiving a request from at least one client for a title not resident in a storage server, where the title includes a play track having a plurality of chapters. The retrieval from a secondary storage device of play track portions proximate chapter delineation points is initiated, and bandwidth capacity and quality-of-service (QoS) parameters associated with the secondary storage device is determined. In the case of a client request to begin presentation of the title at one of the chapters, streaming of retrieved portions of the play track chapter to the client is initiated, masking latency associated with the secondary storage device is provided, and retrieval of at least unretrieved portions of the play track chapter and subsequent play track portions from the secondary storage device is initiated.

Abstract: A data packet structure capable of efficiently propagating a payload through a multi-user, digital video distribution system. The system is capable of delivering multimedia data (video and audio information) using the Moving Picture Expert Group (MPEG) packets as payload within a unique packet structure. The packet structure enables routing of the packets through a variety of network topologies. Specifically, the packet structure comprises a packet header, a routing information field, a private data field, digital data payload, and an error correction code field. Such a packet structure enables the network to deliver digital video through a point-to-point, star, ring, dual ring, and other network topologies to a user that is identified in the routine information field.

Abstract: A method of data management for efficiently storing and retrieving data in response to user access requests. The method includes receiving a request from at least one client for a title not resident in a storage server, where the title includes a play track having a plurality of chapters. The retrieval from a secondary storage device of play track portions proximate chapter delineation points is initiated, and bandwidth capacity and quality-of-service (QoS) parameters associated with the secondary storage device is determined. In the case of a client request to begin presentation of the title at one of the chapters, streaming of retrieved portions of the play track chapter to the client is initiated, masking latency associated with the secondary storage device is provided, and retrieval of at least unretrieved portions of the play track chapter and subsequent play track portions from the secondary storage device is initiated.

Abstract: A digital information distribution system having a plurality of nodes that are connected to one another by counter-rotating data paths. Each node comprises a ring terminal that selects data packets from the data paths for use by the node and passes the remaining data packets to neighboring nodes. The data paths communicate data using asynchronous serial interface packets that transport video data or IP data.

Abstract: A method of data management for efficiently storing and retrieving data in response to user access requests. The method includes receiving a request from at least one client for a title not resident in a storage server, where the title includes a play track having a plurality of chapters, and then initiating retrieval of play track portions proximate chapter delineation points from a secondary storage device. In a case of a client request to begin presentation of the title at one of the chapters, the retrieved portions of the play track chapter are streamed to the client, while unretrieved portions of the play track chapter and subsequent play track portions are retrieved from the secondary storage device.

Abstract: A digital information distribution system having a plurality of nodes that are connected to one another by counter-rotating data paths. Each node comprises a ring terminal that selects data packets from the data paths for use by the node and passes the remaining data packets to neighboring nodes. The data paths communicate data using asynchronous serial interface packets that transport video data or IP data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming and processing an MPEG transport stream such that programs may be inserted into, or deleted from, the MPEG transport stream without significant retiming operations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preprocessing and preprocessing content in an interactive information distribution system. Content is retrieved from a storage medium and encapsulated in accordance to an Internet Protocol (IP) format. The encapsulated content is then uploaded for storage in a stream caching server and for future streaming of content to different types of access networks.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for streaming content to an access network in an interactive information distribution system. The method initially encapsulates the content in accordance to an Internet Protocol (IP). In one embodiment, the content is configured as a plurality of a MPEG-2 packets contained in a payload of a Realtime Transport Protocol (RTP) packet that is contained in an IP packet. The content is then transcoded into a format supported by the access network, and streamed over a distribution network to a remote server or to a subscriber terminal that is coupled to the access network. The apparatus is embodied as at least one stream caching server for streaming said content as an Internet Protocol (IP) packet to at least one access network via a stream distribution network in response to a request for content, where the content is encapsulated within the IP packet.

Abstract: A method for delivering customized navigation or interactive program guide imagery to a user by digitally splicing bitstreams bearing graphics or video imagery and bitstreams bearing navigation or IPG imagery. The resulting combined bitstream is delivered to a user or viewer.