Abstract: A method of reducing the channel selection transition delay from a first media data channel to a second media data channel includes the operations of accumulating an independent media data frame and any related dependent media data frames based on a first decoder decoding at least a first portion of a second channel to form a second channel current media state, receiving a channel change request from a second decoder to change decoding to the second media channel, identifying an insertion position for a current independent frame relative to a current second channel frame set, and generating the current independent frame based on the second channel current media state corresponding to the insertion position. The dependent media data frames are used to modify the second channel current media state based on the independent media data frame.

Abstract: A method of reducing the channel selection transition delay from a first media data channel to a second media data channel includes the operations of accumulating an independent media data frame and any related dependent media data frames based on a first decoder decoding at least a first portion of a second channel to form a second channel current media state, receiving a channel change request from a second decoder to change decoding to the second media channel, identifying an insertion position for a current independent frame relative to a current second channel frame set, and generating the current independent frame based on the second channel current media state corresponding to the insertion position. The dependent media data frames are used to modify the second channel current media state based on the independent media data frame.

Abstract: Methods and systems for reducing channel change startup delays for multicast digital video streams are described. Packets of a multicast digital video transport stream having a plurality of normal Group of Pictures are received. Further, a channel change request is received and a speed-up Group of Pictures is inserted in the stream in response to the channel change request. In one embodiment, video stream specific information is also inserted in the stream. The packets are processed and transmitted.

Abstract: In a packet based multicast video streaming network, a method for minimizing delay in displaying video on a TV set in response to a viewer changing the channel is disclosed. For each live multicast video stream, one or more reference frames and corresponding compressed frames are temporarily stored in a memory in anticipation of the viewer switching to that particular program. When the viewer changes channels, the previously stored reference and compressed frames are immediately read from the memory and rendered for display on the TV. This eliminates the need to wait for the next available reference frame. In other words, this eliminates a temporary blank TV screen each time the channel is changed. Certain compressed frames are dropped and blank frames can be inserted in order to catch up to and synchronize with the live video broadcast. The particular frames to be dropped and the number of blank frames to be inserted is a function of the bandwidth limitation imposed by the last mile of the network.

Abstract: A method for channeling network traffic is described, which includes identifying, with an agent disposed within a client computer of the network, a portion of the network traffic associated with the client computer that has compliance related interest. The identified compliance interesting traffic portion is encapsulated with a header. Apart from the encapsulated traffic portion, the network traffic is routed according to its designated destination. The interesting traffic portion however is diverted on the basis of the encapsulating header. The diverted traffic portion is channeled for compliance related processing. Upon being channeled, the traffic portion is processed according to a compliance related policy. The processing is performed remotely from the client computer.

Abstract: A power sourcing equipment-powered device (PSE-PD) combination unit requests inline power from a connected PSE or other PSE-PD combination unit by having the PD portion of the PD-PSE combination unit adapt its electrical characteristics, if necessary, to obtain the maximum power available. The PD-PSE combination device keeps track of available power less power consumed locally with a summation unit. A PSE manager unit grants PD power requests from downstream devices based upon the available power left (e.g., original PSE power less losses less local consumption).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining information associated with a particular multicast channel in a multicast network are disclosed. In accordance with the method, a request message requesting information associated with the particular multicast channel is generated and sent to the multicast network. Further, the request message is propagated downstream in a recursive manner via a multicast topology of the multicast network. A response to the request message is propagated upstream via the multicast topology to generate a response message including requested information associated with the particular multicast channel. The information may comprise number of users receiving the particular multicast channel.