Abstract: Techniques for a quality of service optimization using a content adaptive slate image in a media player application are described. According to some embodiments, a computer-implemented method includes sending a request for a video from a client device to a content delivery service that is separate from the client device; receiving, by the client device from the content delivery service, a manifest of the video and an intro slate separate from the manifest and separate from the video; displaying the intro slate on the client device; loading an initial frame of the video identified by the manifest onto the client device concurrently with the displaying of the intro slate; and displaying the video on the client device after the displaying of the intro slate.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for providing a nonlinear, dynamic, and prioritized content caching scheme for segmented content during playback. Certain embodiments provide new techniques for optimally determining preferred content, prioritizing the preferred content for download and consumption, and, in systems where storage and memory systems are constrained, utilizing the same prioritization system for optimized garbage collection. Example methods may include determining a current playhead position associated with a video playback. Certain methods include determining a cache priorities for fragments based on the current playhead position and the positions of the fragments in the video playback. A first fragment may be the next fragment with respect to the linear playback, and a second fragment may follow the first fragment.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for efficiently representing manifests and playlists for media presentations. Some media streaming protocols include repetition syntax by which a sequence of media segments having the same duration can be represented with a single entry. A pattern syntax is introduced by which repeating patterns of segment durations in a cycle may be represented in manifests and playlists.

Abstract: Techniques for adaptive backfilling of media fragments are described. As one example, a computer-implemented method includes sending, by a media player, a request for a plurality of media fragments from a content data store, receiving the plurality of media fragments from the content data store with at least one media fragment at a first quality level into a front buffer of the media player via a network, starting playback of the plurality of media fragments from the front buffer after a startup threshold number of media fragments are received in the front buffer, detecting when a backfill threshold of the media player is exceeded by a backfill indicator, and replacing at least one of the plurality of media fragments at the first quality level in the front buffer of the media player with a second, higher quality level variant via the network when the backfill threshold is exceeded.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for stitching independently encoded content streams together such that they appear to be part of a single streaming session.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for providing media presentations that include content originating from multiple sources. Techniques disclosed include server-side logic for inserting secondary content, such as advertisements, into primary content, such as a VOD presentation. Systems implementing the disclosed techniques can support different viewer device capabilities relating to displaying media presentations that include content from multiple sources.

Abstract: Techniques are described for handling temporal overlaps that occur between fragments of streaming media content, such as between a fragment of primary media content (e.g., a live sporting event) and a fragment of secondary media content (e.g., ad media content) dynamically inserted into the stream.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for partitioning a manifest file to generate smaller manifest files for media content playback. A server partitions a manifest file prior to receipt of a request from a client or in response to a request from a client for a manifest for media content for a particular temporal range or subset of playback options.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for stitching independently encoded content streams together such that they appear to be part of a single streaming session.

Abstract: A method for testing a web service using inherited test attributes is described. The method includes generating a test template for a web service entry point, in which a test template comprises a number of test attributes, generating a number of test elements based on the test template, in which a test element inherits the number of test attributes, and executing the number of test elements.

Abstract: A method for printing device discovery includes, with a server system on a network, sending out a broadcast request to determine network addresses for printing devices on the network, interrogating the printing devices to determine characteristics of the printing devices, categorizing the printing devices based on the characteristics, and providing a list of classified printing devices to a client device on the network in response to a request from the client device.