Abstract: The invention notably relates to the linear distribution of video programs, or segment(s) thereof, to end user devices. Video programs, or segment(s) thereof, received from one or more content source, are encoded and encapsulated into IP video streams. The streams are transmitted to a satellite operator network operation center (NOC), which encrypts the streams. The encrypted streams are transmitted, as multicast video streams, through a satellite, to one or more cable television headend, and then, over an IP-based network, to cable modems located within subscriber premises. An IP-enabled end user device transmits, to a gateway associated with one of the cable modems, a command requesting that the IP-enabled end user device obtain a requested video stream as a unicast stream. Upon receiving the command, the gateway triggers the conversion, at the gateway, of the requested video stream from multicast to unicast for transmission over a home network provided within the subscriber premises.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for processing a data stream having both unencrypted and encrypted portions for storing, in the unencrypted portion of the data stream, location data signifying the location of predetermined data present in the encrypted portion of the data stream allowing efficient location of said predetermined data.

Abstract: IPTV-based systems offer acquisition and distribution of content from numerous channels with protected end-to-end conditional access. In adopting IPTV-based systems for seamless transport of the content to their subscribers' set-top boxes, service providers would need a transport architecture that accommodates their existing infrastructure. In the spectrum of service providers some have no physical infrastructure at all and some have the entire suite of infrastructure and services. Therefore, the present invention provides a new transport architecture that can accommodate the spectrum of service providers, including tier-1, tier-2 and tier-3 service providers. For this purpose, the transport architecture includes double-layer encryption and bulk decryption.

Abstract: IPTV-based systems offer acquisition and distribution of content from numerous channels with protected end-to-end conditional access. In adopting IPTV-based systems for seamless transport and blackout management of the content, service providers would need an IPTV-based transport architecture that accommodates their existing infrastructure and provides transparent live events content blackout management. In the spectrum of service providers some have no physical infrastructure at all and some have the entire suite of infrastructure and services. Therefore, the present invention provides a new IPTV-based transport system architecture that can accommodate the spectrum of service providers, including tier-1, tier-2 and tier-3 telcos. Such architecture includes double-layer encryption and bulk decryption in addition to encapsulation that allows seamless transition from programs to alternate programs in designated blackout areas.