Abstract: A multimedia file and methods of generating, distributing and using the multimedia file are described. Multimedia files in accordance with embodiments of the present invention can contain multiple video tracks, multiple audio tracks, multiple subtitle tracks, data that can be used to generate a menu interface to access the contents of the file and ‘meta data’ concerning the contents of the file. Multimedia files in accordance with several embodiments of the present invention also include references to video tracks, audio tracks, subtitle tracks and ‘meta data’ external to the file. One embodiment of a multimedia file in accordance with the present invention includes a series of encoded video frames and encoded menu information.

Abstract: Methods and systems for the remote certification testing of user video devices. In an embodiment, test logic and any related test input data is sent from a remote source such as an application server to a user video device. The test logic is executed at the user video device, and test results are output. The test results are sent back to the application server. The operation of the application server may be facilitated by a database. In embodiments, such a database stores test logic and test input data, and/or stores tests results for subsequent analysis.

Abstract: An apparatus operates in an offline mode and a playback mode, and includes a relatively large cache buffer. In the offline mode, the apparatus is configured download multimedia content identified in a user content queue, over a communication network, into the cache buffer. In the playback mode, after the multimedia content has been downloaded in the offline mode, the apparatus fetches content from the cache buffer and plays back the fetched content on the client device until all of the content in the cache buffer has been fetched and played back. Then the apparatus streams content over the communication network and plays back the streamed content.

Abstract: Methods and systems to provide supplemental content to a user who is viewing video or other content. The user's device (through which he will access the video) then provides an identifier of that video to a server or other computing facility. Here, the video identifier is used to identify supplemental content that corresponds to the user's video. The supplemental content is then provided to the user device for the user's consumption. The supplemental content may be structured in such a way that pieces of the supplemental content are accessible at particular points in the video. The piece(s) of the supplemental content available at a particular point in the video will be related to one or more objects that are present at this point. This allows a user to access one or more pieces of supplemental content in a context-specific manner, at a point in the video where the piece(s) of supplemental content are relevant.

Abstract: Methods and systems to improve the efficiency of a content delivery system. A local distribution node is introduced to the network, between the content provider and the end user device (i.e., the leaf node). The local distribution node is responsible for servicing a localized subset of the leaf nodes that would otherwise be serviced by a conventional server of the content delivery system. Requests for content are received at the local distribution node from leaf nodes, and content is received at the local distribution node for transmission to the leaf node(s). Content may be cached at the local distribution node to allow faster service of subsequent requests for this content. Caching may also be used to make the channel surfing process more efficient. If demand is high, a leaf node may be promoted to serve as an additional local distribution node. Leaf nodes may also share content among themselves.

Abstract: Methods and systems to improve the efficiency of a content delivery system. A local distribution node is introduced to the network, between the content provider and the end user device (i.e., the leaf node). The local distribution node is responsible for servicing a localized subset of the leaf nodes that would otherwise be serviced by a conventional server of the content delivery system. Requests for content are received at the local distribution node from leaf nodes, and content is received at the local distribution node for transmission to the leaf node(s). Content may be cached at the local distribution node to allow faster service of subsequent requests for this content. Caching may also be used to make the channel surfing process more efficient. If demand is high, a leaf node may be promoted to serve as an additional local distribution node. Leaf nodes may also share content among themselves.

Abstract: Methods and systems to improve the efficiency of a content delivery system. A local distribution node is introduced to the network, between the content provider and the end user device (i.e., the leaf node). The local distribution node is responsible for servicing a localized subset of the leaf nodes that would otherwise be serviced by a conventional server of the content delivery system. Requests for content are received at the local distribution node from leaf nodes, and content is received at the local distribution node for transmission to the leaf node(s). Content may be cached at the local distribution node to allow faster service of subsequent requests for this content. Caching may also be used to make the channel surfing process more efficient. If demand is high, a leaf node may be promoted to serve as an additional local distribution node. Leaf nodes may also share content among themselves.

Abstract: Methods and systems to indicate events of interest to a user. IN an embodiment, an event processor queries each of a plurality of event data sources, then receives event data from one or more event data source. The event processor then identifies an event to be indicated to a user device based on the event data. The identified event to the user through a user device. The event processor may receive, via the user device, feedback regarding the identified event. This feedback may be used to train future event identification. The event processor may be implemented at a computing device that is remote from the user, such as a server. Alternatively, the event processor may be implemented internal to the user device.

Abstract: Methods and systems to improve the efficiency of a content delivery system. A local distribution node is introduced to the network, between the content provider and the end user device (i.e., the leaf node). The local distribution node is responsible for servicing a localized subset of the leaf nodes that would otherwise be serviced by a conventional server of the content delivery system. Requests for content are received at the local distribution node from leaf nodes, and content is received at the local distribution node for transmission to the leaf node(s). Content may be cached at the local distribution node to allow faster service of subsequent requests for this content. Caching may also be used to make the channel surfing process more efficient. If demand is high, a leaf node may be promoted to serve as an additional local distribution node. Leaf nodes may also share content among themselves.

Abstract: Methods and systems to indicate events of interest to a user. IN an embodiment, an event processor queries each of a plurality of event data sources, then receives event data from one or more event data source. The event processor then identifies an event to be indicated to a user device based on the event data. The identified event to the user through a user device. The event processor may receive, via the user device, feedback regarding the identified event. This feedback may be used to train future event identification. The event processor may be implemented at a computing device that is remote from the user, such as a server. Alternatively, the event processor may be implemented internal to the user device.

Abstract: Methods and systems to improve the efficiency of a content delivery system. A local distribution node is introduced to the network, between the content provider and the end user device (i.e., the leaf node). The local distribution node is responsible for servicing a localized subset of the leaf nodes that would otherwise be serviced by a conventional server of the content delivery system. Requests for content are received at the local distribution node from leaf nodes, and content is received at the local distribution node for transmission to the leaf node(s). Content may be cached at the local distribution node to allow faster service of subsequent requests for this content. Caching may also be used to make the channel surfing process more efficient. If demand is high, a leaf node may be promoted to serve as an additional local distribution node. Leaf nodes may also share content among themselves.

Abstract: Methods and systems to provide supplemental content to a user who is viewing video or other content. The user's device (through which he will access the video) then provides an identifier of that video to a server or other computing facility. Here, the video identifier is used to identify supplemental content that corresponds to the user's video. The supplemental content is then provided to the user device for the user's consumption. The supplemental content may be structured in such a way that pieces of the supplemental content are accessible at particular points in the video. The piece(s) of the supplemental content available at a particular point in the video will be related to one or more objects that are present at this point. This allows a user to access one or more pieces of supplemental content in a context-specific manner, at a point in the video where the piece(s) of supplemental content are relevant.

Abstract: Methods and systems to provide supplemental content to a user who is viewing video or other content. The user's device (through which he will access the video) then provides an identifier of that video to a server or other computing facility. Here, the video identifier is used to identify supplemental content that corresponds to the user's video. The supplemental content is then provided to the user device for the user's consumption. The supplemental content may be structured in such a way that pieces of the supplemental content are accessible at particular points in the video. The piece(s) of the supplemental content available at a particular point in the video will be related to one or more objects that are present at this point. This allows a user to access one or more pieces of supplemental content in a context-specific manner, at a point in the video where the piece(s) of supplemental content are relevant.

Abstract: Methods and systems to allow for the streaming of media from a file server to a client, where the streaming occurs concurrently with the execution of an information security protocol. The security protocol allows the client to securely receive one or more keys that allow the client to access the media. This permits a user to access the media sooner than would otherwise be possible, while allowing timely performance of security related processing.

Abstract: Embodiments provide methods and systems for presenting advertisements associated with a particular media. The advertisement may have several versions, any one of which may be presented, based on several factors, including the length of time between transmission and receipt of any particular version. The transmission of the advertisements and related media content is optimize in order seamlessly transition between advertisements and media content.

Abstract: Methods and systems for the remote certification testing of user video devices. In an embodiment, test logic and any related test input data is sent from a remote source such as an application server to a user video device. The test logic is executed at the user video device, and test results are output. The test results are sent back to the application server. The operation of the application server may be facilitated by a database. In embodiments, such a database stores test logic and test input data, and/or stores tests results for subsequent analysis.

Abstract: Methods and systems for the remote certification testing of user video devices. In an embodiment, test logic and any related test input data is sent from a remote source such as an application server to a user video device. The test logic is executed at the user video device, and test results are output. The test results are sent back to the application server. The operation of the application server may be facilitated by a database. In embodiments, such a database stores test logic and test input data, and/or stores tests results for subsequent analysis.

Abstract: Methods and systems for the remote certification testing of user video devices. In an embodiment, test logic and any related test input data is sent from a remote source such as an application server to a user video device. The test logic is executed at the user video device, and test results are output. The test results are sent back to the application server. The operation of the application server may be facilitated by a database. In embodiments, such a database stores test logic and test input data, and/or stores tests results for subsequent analysis.

Abstract: An apparatus operates in an offline mode and a playback mode, and includes a relatively large cache buffer. In the offline mode, the apparatus is configured download multimedia content identified in a user content queue, over a communication network, into the cache buffer. In the playback mode, after the multimedia content has been downloaded in the offline mode, the apparatus fetches content from the cache buffer and plays back the fetched content on the client device until all of the content in the cache buffer has been fetched and played back. Then the apparatus streams content over the communication network and plays back the streamed content.

Abstract: Methods and systems to allow for the streaming of media from a file server to a client, where the streaming occurs concurrently with the execution of an information security protocol. The security protocol allows the client to securely receive one or more keys that allow the client to access the media. This permits a user to access the media sooner than would otherwise be possible, while allowing timely performance of security related processing.