Abstract: A computer-implemented method for real-time adaptation of multimedia data. A first multimedia stream is monitored. A determination is made as to whether an attribute of the first multimedia stream satisfies a predefined threshold. When the attribute of the first multimedia stream satisfies the predefined threshold a request is made to a switch from the first multimedia stream to a second multimedia stream. When the data packet from the second multimedia stream is received, transmission of the first multimedia stream is terminated. The data packet from the second multimedia stream is marked as a splicing point. When the value of the timestamp of the data packet from the second multimedia stream is determined in relation to the value of the timestamp of the data packet from the first multimedia stream, transmission of the second multimedia stream is initiated.

Abstract: Network-based content distribution is improved by controlling the flow of multimedia data and streaming characteristics to ensure real-time, consistent delivery. An adaptive media distribution system includes at least one original source of a media channel, a plurality of content playback devices, and one or more stream controllers disposed between the original sources and the playback devices. Each media channel provides audio and/or video content on one or more switchable streams, each stream being encoded with different characteristics such as bitrate. The stream controllers receive streams and determine how the streams should be allocated to the playback devices so as to provide consistent delivery of the content in accordance with playback demand and the stream attributes or information.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for real-time adaptation of multimedia data. A first multimedia stream is monitored. A determination is made as to whether an attribute of the first multimedia stream satisfies a predefined threshold. When the attribute of the first multimedia stream satisfies the predefined threshold a request is made to a switch from the first multimedia stream to a second multimedia stream. When the data packet from the second multimedia stream is received, transmission of the first multimedia stream is terminated. The data packet from the second multimedia stream is marked as a splicing point. When the value of the timestamp of the data packet from the second multimedia stream is determined in relation to the value of the timestamp of the data packet from the first multimedia stream, transmission of the second multimedia stream is initiated.

Abstract: Network-based content distribution is improved by controlling the flow of multimedia data and streaming characteristics to ensure real-time, consistent delivery. An adaptive media distribution system includes at least one original source of a media channel, a plurality of content playback devices, and one or more stream controllers disposed between the original sources and the playback devices. Each media channel provides audio and/or video content on one or more switchable streams, each stream being encoded with different characteristics such as bitrate. The stream controllers receive streams and determine how the streams should be allocated to the playback devices so as to provide consistent delivery of the content in accordance with playback demand and the stream attributes or information.