Abstract: The invention consists of a system and method for transferring video images from video sources to video receivers using a video server as an intermediary. The video server creates a list of all the requests from the video receivers for a video image from a video source. The video server requests the video image from the video source and then sends the video image to each video receiver on the list. The video source is only required to send one image for any number of requests from video receivers and the video sources and video receivers have no direct connection to each other. The load of handling many video sources and many video receivers can be distributed amongst multiple video servers.

Abstract: A system and method for the communication of streaming data is disclosed. In an exemplary method of the present invention, a first set of data is received by an information handling system. A second set of data is received via a network wherein the second set of data is continuously streaming. During times when a sufficient amount of streaming data of the second set of data is available for communication, the second set of data is communicated to a user. Otherwise, the first set of data is communicated to the user. In one embodiment, the second set of data may include a video stream viewable by a user. In another embodiment of the present invention, the first data set and the second data set may be transmitted from a first source.

Abstract: A system and method for the communication of streaming data is disclosed. In an exemplary method of the present invention, a first set of data is received by an information handling system. A second set of data is received via a network wherein the second set of data is continuously streaming. During times when a sufficient amount of streaming data of the second set of data is available for communication, the second set of data is communicated to a user. Otherwise, the first set of data is communicated to the user. In one embodiment, the second set of data may include a video stream viewable by a user. In another embodiment of the present invention, the first data set and the second data set may be transmitted from a first source.

Abstract: Techniques for updating a library with a significant number of titles are disclosed. A library in each of the boxes in service is updated synchronously or asynchronously. Any release to update the library is performed by propagating data chunks by a gossip protocol to all boxes in service. A proper release package is then recovered in each box from the received data chunk to update the library. According to one aspect of the techniques, a small set of seeding boxes is designated to propagate at least some or all of respective received data chunks to a set of the boxes. Each of the set of the boxes is caused to recursively propagate its received data chunks to other boxes chosen to continue spreading, if necessary, some or all of the received data chunks among the boxes till each of the boxes in service has received a designated portion of the data chunks.

Abstract: Displaying a video stream when constrained by system memory and connection bandwidth. When the resources and/or memory of a client are insufficient to decode and process a video stream, the client only decodes and processes key frames of the video stream. The other frames are discarded by the client. By decoding and processing key frames, the memory and resource requirements of the video stream are reduced. The client is also able to negotiate with the video stream source such that only key frames are downloaded. Bandwidth limitations can thus be accommodated because downloading only key frames requires less bandwidth.

Abstract: Methods for providing video on demand service from an Application Service Provider (“ASP”) to a user over a Regional/Access Network (“RAN”) are provided. A request for a video on demand application flow may be received from the user. In response to the request, information may be obtained from the RAN regarding the capabilities of the user's Customer Premises Equipment (“CPE”). A profile may then be forwarded from the ASP to the RAN that specifies at least one policy regarding the transmission of data associated with the video on demand application flow across the RAN. The data associated with the video on demand application flow may then be forwarded across the RAN in accordance with the profile. The RAN may also be provided a default profile that specifies default policies that apply with respect to video on demand application flows that are transmitted across the RAN prior to obtaining information from the RAN regarding the capabilities of the CPE of any specific user.

Abstract: Scheduling functionality is described for resolving conflicts in the schedules of respective client devices, where the schedules are used to govern the recordation of media programs by the respective client devices. The client devices use virtual tuner functionality to receive media programs over respective communication channels, each channel having a prescribed amount of available bandwidth in which to receive media information. The scheduling functionality includes a conflict identification module for identifying conflicts in the schedules, a solution enumeration module for enumerating solutions to the conflicts, and a conflict resolution module for resolving the conflicts based on the output of the solution enumeration module. In one case, the schedules can be partitioned into a plurality of time segments, and solutions can be enumerated for each time segment in turn.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method comprising intercepting a download request, originally directed to an original destination, for content; processing the download request; searching for the content in a local cache; servicing the download request from the local cache if the content is found in the local cache; forwarding the download request to the original destination if the content is not found in the local cache; and notifying a server of the intercepted download request, wherein the server transmits the content to one or more clients via one or more video channels. The invention is also directed to a method comprising listening for requests from a client; receiving, from the client, an intercepted download request for content; managing the amount of available bandwidth in one or more video channels; encapsulating the content in a format suitable for video channels; and transmitting the content to one or more clients via one or more video channels.

Abstract: A transrate manager on a host computer determines if there is a limitation in network bandwidth and controls the bit-rate of streaming media content accordingly. The bit-rate is controlled by excluding types of video frames from the streaming media content and then reintroducing excluded types of video frames back into the streaming video content once the network has recovered.

Abstract: Dynamic rate control can be implemented in a television-based entertainment environment when forwarding coded data. Real-time information flows are encoded, transcoded, compressed, etc. into data streams that may be forwarded to other components within an apparatus or to other apparatuses across a network. In a described implementation, a bitcount accumulation of a data stream is monitored in multiple overlapping windows. The data stream is compared to a data limit in each window of the multiple overlapping windows to determine whether an expected bitcount accumulation has been exceeded. The data stream is modified responsive to the comparison(s). For example, if the bitcount accumulations in each window exceed the expected bit accumulations at the corresponding relative positions of each window, then the bit rate of the data stream can be modified by reducing bit rate consumption.

Abstract: A method and system for providing multilevel information about video-on-demand services. The method comprises the steps of generating a display, on a computer display screen, of a tree having a plurality of nodes; and embedding in the nodes information about video-on-demand services. Preferably information is embedded in these nodes in the form of matrices. A wide range of information about the video-on-demand service may be embedded in the display. For instance, information may be embedded about usage patterns between the supplier of the video services and the consumer, a list of users, user statistics, satisfaction rates, failure rates, failure causes, rates of view to completion, cost monitor information, customer payment information, menus of videos, charge variations, special features and offers, user age, user education, geography, and any combination of the above.

Abstract: A system for and method of electronic content distribution is disclosed. Such content may be electronic book content, newspaper content, magazine content, and other types of content. The system includes: a processor having logic configured for filtering electronic content to remove incorrect information. The electronic content is automatically gathered from one or more content sources external to the system. The system also includes logic for assembling electronic content in a manner indicative of a predetermined template, and distributing the assembled electronic content for transmission at a scheduled time. The system also includes a communication network having an active channel configured to transmit the assembled electronic content. The system also includes a media device configured to receive and display the assembled electronic content when the media device is communicatively coupled to the active channel.

Abstract: A nonlinear broadcast system with improved entire resource utilization efficiency gives priority to securing hardware resources for broadcast, for preventing broadcast accidents. A hardware resource management unit determines resource allocation at reproduction start time and reproduction end time of each video data, based on a time schedule of an editing list in a HDD for reproducing plurality of video data. A hardware resource amount such as bandwidth for access to the hard disc is made varied to minimize an allocation amount to each video data. Suppose one video data transfer from the HDD for reproduction requires bandwidth 60 Mbps. In a duration where one video data is reproduced, bandwidth 60 Mpbs is secured, while in a duration where two video data are mixed and reproduced, bandwidth 120 Mbps is secured. To background processing such as network material transfer, allocation is performed by fully utilizing the remaining hardware resource after the allocation for reproduction.

Abstract: A bandwidth used in communication processing to transmit and receive different types of information via a communication line is monitored. A priority definition file previously defining the processing priority of information corresponding to a combination of the different types of information transmitted and received is provided. When the monitor result of monitoring the bandwidth indicates that the amount of information being transmitted/received is a given value or more, the priority definition file is referenced, the appropriate bandwidth for the information being transmitted/received is set in accordance with the processing priority, and the bandwidth of the information being transmitted/received is controlled based on the setup appropriate bandwidth.

Abstract: A system (100) has a collection of programs on a central storage device (112). The system (100) supplies a particular program to a plurality of client terminals (104, 106) in a near-video-on-demand fashion using a redundant broadcast schedule. The users of the client terminals have a maximum waiting time until the client terminal can present the start of the program. An individual client terminal (104) may offer a shorter maximum waiting time to its user by prerecording a fraction of the program that is broadcast as part of the broadcast schedule.

Abstract: For each of a number of network performance metrics, an associated value rpm that represents a difference between a first correlation coefficient r1 computed for a baseline data set and a second correlation coefficient r2 computed for a second data set that includes the baseline data set and other data points classified as duration outliers is computed. The first and second correlation coefficients for each network performance metric represent correlation between that network performance metric and durations of network connections. The network performance metric that has a largest associated rpm value of all statistically significant rpm values computed is selected as representing the probable root cause of the duration outliers. Statistical significance is measured through comparison of an rpm value with a statistical property of a set of Bayesian correlation coefficients computed for each performance metric.

Abstract: A method for intelligently distributing packets of a data stream to multiple links of a network for simultaneous transmission via the multiple links, and for periodically re-allocating the distribution, achieves higher network throughput. The method has particular application for streaming audio-video traffic on a home local area network that has a source device, like a media server PC, and a destination device, like a digital TV. One of the links is assigned as the primary link (PL), and another link is assigned as a backup link (BL). Periodically a signal is sent from the source device over each link to the destination device and the round-trip travel time (RTT) for the signal and response for each link is measured. The RTT for a link is a good measure of the current end-to-end link status and generally will change during the time that the data stream is being transmitted as a result of certain events, such as traffic load and interference.

Abstract: Access to movies ranging from very popular movies to unpopular movies is managed by configuring sets of data movers for associated movie rankings, reserving data mover local cache resources for the most popular movies, reserving a certain number of streams for popular movies, negotiating with a client for selection of available movie titles during peak demand when resources are not available to start any freely-selected movie in disk storage, and managing disk bandwidth and primary and local cache memory and bandwidth resources for popular and unpopular movies. The assignment of resources to movie rankings may remain the same while the rankings of the movies are adjusted, for example, during off-peak hours. A movie locked in primary cache and providing a source for servicing a number of video streams may be demoted from primary cache to disk in favor of servicing one or more streams of a higher-ranking movie.

Abstract: A method of serving out video over a network of video servers includes evaluating a capacity of the network as a whole to serve out specific video items by establishing, for each video server in the network, an established ability of each server to serve out the specific items that are potentially servable from each video server. The method further includes using the established abilities of each video server to evaluate an overall capability of the network as whole to serve out each of the specific video items. The method also includes varying the overall capability to serve out at least a selected one of the specific video items in accordance with the overall capability of the network.

Abstract: A system and method for managing multimedia display content in a communication network is disclosed. An embodiment of the present invention may support the selection, scheduling, and delivery of media from a set top box at a first location to a multimedia display at a second location, using a communication network. The selection and scheduling may be performed via a user interface having at least one view comprising a representation of at least one media channel. The media delivered may comprise at least one of audio, a still picture, video, real time video, and data. The multimedia display may comprise a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, “electronic paper”, or a light emitting diode (LED) display. The multimedia display may be communicatively coupled to a set top box at the second location via a wireless link, and may comprise at least one sensor for detecting conditions such as, for example, the movement of a viewer. The display may change if the sensor detects the condition.

Abstract: In a video-on-demand system, disc-based video streams are seamlessly replaced with memory-based video streams. This is achieved by first switching each disc-based video stream to a mixed video stream; and later, switching each mixed video stream to a memory-based video stream.

Abstract: In interactive television, a broadcaster may broadcast triggers to a great many receiver units prompting the receiver units to attempt to send requests to a single destination on the Internet at roughly the same time. Such a large number of simultaneous requests can give rise to throughput problems and server overload. A receiver unit in accordance with the invention, rather than immediately attempting to send a request, waits a period of time (for example, a random period) before sending the request so as not to overload the server. In one embodiment, a trigger is received on an interactive television receiver unit prompting the viewer to select an icon. If the viewer selects the icon, then a browser in the receiver unit retrieves a web page on the Internet identified by a URL in the trigger. The web page includes an indication of a destination, scheduling information, and a form area. The viewer enters user information in association with the form area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling the operators of television broadcasting systems or other content distribution systems to effectively alter the program viewing patterns of viewers or subscribers to direct viewership traffic to selected television programs or other content. In a recommendation based EPG system, the rating or recommendation assigned to a program is increased or decreased in accordance with the desire of the operator to increase or decrease viewership or in exchange for monetary or other consideration from content providers, advertisers or others. In one aspect, a boost value is applied to alter the recommended rating/ranking of program content, including selectively in a manner which may be substantially imperceptible to viewers. In another aspect, a sponsored program is assigned a premium position in a list of programs in exchange for receipt of monetary or other consideration.

Abstract: In a method for admitting a new data file into a channel, a request for admission of the new data file into the channel is received. It is determined as to whether at least a minimum number of bits of at least one current data file has been transferred to the receiver. The rate at which the at least one current data file is transferred is reduced below a minimum constant bit rate in response to a determination that at least a minimum number of bits of the at least one current data file has been transferred to the receiver and the new data file is admitted into the channel.

Abstract: A transmission control unit (12) of a transmitting station (10) specifies usable plural transmission paths (20). A data supply unit (11) transfers movie contents file encoded by MPEG 4 to plural divisional distribution encoders (13) corresponding to the specified plural transmission paths (20). The respective divisional distribution encoders (13) divide movie contents file into plural divisional distribution data in which original data file can be restored by carrying out synthesis. Further, the transmitting station (10) transmits divided respective divisional distribution data through transmission paths different from each other. Respective receiving units (31) of a receiving station (30) respectively receive divisional distribution data from the plural transmission paths (20). A linking decoder (32) synthesizes plural divisional distribution data to restore original movie contents file. Thus, high speed transfer of contents file of large capacity can be carried out.

Abstract: A control program for a supervisor processor in a video-on-demand system directs the supervisor processor to perform the steps of: a) transfer a group of video data packets, from an externally stored complete video into a memory for the supervisor processor; b) build in the supervisor processor's memory, a respective subgroup of internet protocol headers for each video data packet in the group; and c) construct, in the memory of a co-processor, a transmission control list which indicates how each video data packet in the group, and its respective subgroup of internet protocol headers, can be accessed from the supervisor processor's memory by the co-processor.

Abstract: A control program for a co-processor in a video-on-demand system directs the co-processor to perform the steps of: a) obtain a transmission control list, from an external source, which identifies a group of several video data packets and a respective subgroup of internet protocol headers for each video data packet in the group; b) partition into pieces, each video data packet and its respective subgroup of internet protocol headers as identified by the transmission control list; and, c) send the partitioned pieces, along with an additional header for each piece, to an output port during a series of spaced apart time intervals.

Abstract: A method of determining a goodness metric of a module schedule. The module schedule comprises a plurality of modules, at least one of which exhibits multiple instances, that are arranged within the period of a carousel. The goodness metric is based, at least in part, upon the interval difference associated with each instance of all modules on the carousel. The interval difference for an instance of a module is the difference between the actual interval of the instance and a desired interval for that module.

Abstract: A system and method for efficiently and quickly handling content and transaction requests from various users at respective end terminals. According to embodiments of the invention, plural servers are provided at the web site to randomly receive requests from users over a communications network, such as the Internet. Each server contains a memory, such as a cache or disk storage process, that contains a copy of all data contained on every other server. When a request comes in to one of the servers, in addition to processing the request, that server broadcasts data corresponding to the request to the other servers, which are programmed to store the same request data in their respective local memories. Such broadcasts may be preferably carried out over a back-end, private network.

Abstract: A system and method for dynamically adjusting the bit rate of a data transmission. A sending endpoint transmits data, such as video conferencing data across a network to a receiving endpoint. The receiving endpoint maintains information about the performance of the network and uses the information to determine when to request an increase or a decrease in the transmission rate. The information is maintained as a set of called parameters. The called parameters provide historical and statistical information about the call. For example, by maintaining information that indicates the number of intervals since the last increase was attempted and the number of intervals that the last increase was maintained, the receiving endpoint can avoid oscillating between a higher bit rate and a lower bit rate.

Abstract: A program transmitting/receiving system has a center device and a terminal device connected through a communication device to the center device. The center device has a program information memory, a program information transmitter, a broadcasting device, and a request program transmitter. The terminal device has a program information receiver, a program receiver, an image information generator, a program request signal transmitter, and a request program receiver. The memory stores a program information. The program information transmitter transmits the program information to the terminal device. The broadcasting device broadcasts the program to the terminal device in accordance with a schedule, and stores the program. The request program transmitter receives a request signal of the program from the terminal device, and transmits the program corresponding to the request signal to the terminal device. Then, the program information receiver receives the program information.

Abstract: An embodiment of a system and method for providing video on demand provides pre-scheduled multicasts of videos as well as dynamically initiated transmissions of the front portion of videos. Users may first receive a dynamically initiated front portion of a video and then be merged into a pre-scheduled multicast. Preferably, the dynamically initiated transmission is also a multicast. Preferably, multiple admission controllers and a single server coordinate the dynamically initiated transmissions for any one video. Preferably, interactive controls are supported without requiring extra server-side resources. Preferably, latency is automatically equalized between users admitted via the pre-scheduled and the dynamically initiated transmissions. Preferably, a user receiving a video via a pre-scheduled multicast does not need to change channels to finish receiving the video transmitted.

Abstract: Available bandwidth utilization during transfer of large files over a TCP/IP network is improved by load balancing data streams and dynamically controlling the number of data streams utilized. A determination is made of the optimum number of data streams for a particular data file transfer in the early stage of transmission. An initial number of data streams, which is one unless otherwise specified or determined, is used to transmit one or more file segments, each on a different data stream, immediately followed by a second initial number of data streams, which is at least two greater than the initial number of data streams, is used to transmit another portion of the large data file. During each transmission, individual and aggregate transmission bandwidths are determined. Responsive to a determination that the latest aggregate transmission bandwidth is significantly different from the previous aggregate transmission bandwidth, the number of data streams is modified.

Abstract: A system for personalizing received transmissions includes a content source that provides multiple transmission streams over a transmission media. A plurality of receivers is included wherein each receiver selects portions of one or more of the transmission streams in accordance with a playlist for each user. The receiver renders the portions of the received transmissions in accordance with a schedule.

Abstract: A method of presenting, at a client terminal, a video program stored in a server linked with the client terminal via transmission path of a limited transmission band width. Each frame of the video program comprises a basic data portion and at least one level of quality supplement data portions. In the method, in response to one of play control commands from a user, the client terminal determines a start position in the video program according to the issued play control command. The play control commands includes a play, a stop, a head search, a jump forward and a jump backward command. In response to the issued play command, the terminal obtains and uses the basic data portions for playing the video program. In response to the stop command, the terminal obtains the quality supplement data portions for the last displayed frame and uses them for displaying a quality-enhanced version of the last displayed frame.

Abstract: A system and method to adaptively control a process of distributing video information over a network. Each client data terminal subscribing to video services has a performance level reporting unit which sends a performance level message Da indicating what resources and computing power the terminal has. Each terminal also has an error status monitor which sends an error status message De. A video coder produces coded data Dc by coding source video signals, based on the received performance level messages Da and error status messages De. The traffic of this coded data Dc is dynamically varied by a dynamic traffic controller, and a distribution unit transmits the resultant video stream Di over the network, using IP multicasting techniques. A video decoder in each client terminal adaptively decodes the received video stream Di.

Abstract: A method and a system using the method enabling to decrease required resource for the bandwidth reservation in an inter-site connection network used for communication between communication sites. The aggregation of bandwidth is considered for allocating bandwidth in the inter-site connection network. The network consists of a plurality of nodes each having a packet switch, and a plurality of user sites each constituted by a host or an internal network respectively connected to the plurality of nodes via access lines. With respect to the plurality of user sites, when one user site is to be connected to the other site through the network, a necessary and sufficient bandwidth for interconnecting between the user site and the other is calculated according to the bandwidth of the access line connecting the user site to the network considered as a minimal bandwidth. Based on the calculated result, the bandwidth is allocated to the plurality of nodes.

Abstract: In interactive television, a broadcaster may broadcast triggers to a great many receiver units prompting the receiver units to attempt to send requests to a single destination on the Internet at roughly the same time. Such a large number of simultaneous requests can give rise to throughput problems and server overload. A receiver unit in accordance with the invention, rather than immediately attempting to send a request, waits a period of time (for example, a random period) before sending the request so as not to overload the server. In one embodiment, a trigger is received on an interactive television receiver unit prompting the viewer to select an icon. If the viewer selects the icon, then a browser in the receiver unit retrieves a web page on the Internet identified by a URL in the trigger. The web page includes an indication of a destination, scheduling information, and a form area. The viewer enters user information in association with the form area.

Abstract: A communications system consisting of a server system that stores software applications, a broadcast system that broadcasts the software applications, and a multiplicity of portable clients that each include a receiver having a tuner that is selectively tunable to receive a selected one of the software applications broadcasted by the broadcast system. The portable clients can be any type of portable data communications device, such as a hand-held, palm-top, or notebook computing device, a PDA, an intelligent cellular phone, or any other personal multimedia appliance or Network Computer (NC). The broadcast system can be any suitable satellite or terrestrial air or cable broadcast system. The software applications can consist of a broad spectrum of different software applications, such as word processing, video games, spreadsheets, address books, calendars, and the like.

Abstract: A transfer rate controller, has input means of inputting a picture or sound stream; packet rate adjusting means of controlling a transfer rate of the stream by adjusting an interval between packets respectively belonging to each frames of the inputted stream; and output means of outputting the stream outputted from the packet rate adjusting means.

Abstract: The present invention allows users to open and join a chat by means of a simple procedure from a video game machine, the present invention includes creating an opening message for opening an electronic conference and creating an opening request signal for setting an area in a database, based on the opening message. Also included is transmitting the opening request signal to the database and creating an invitation message prompting particular users to join the electronic conference, based on the opening message. Finally, the present invention further includes transmitting the invitation signal to the particular users.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method to provide information (INF) in an Internet telecommunication network from a server (S) to a terminal (T) of a user. The method comprises the steps of requesting with a frame information request (REQ_Fr) by the terminal (T) to the server (S) for transmission of frame information (Fr). The frame information (Fr) is in the information (INF) and comprises itself least one reference to referred information (Ref) of the information (INF). Upon reception of said the information request (REQ_Fr) the step of transmitting the frame information (Fr) to the terminal (T) is executed. The method further comprises reacting upon reception of the frame information request (REQ_Fr) also by commanding transmission of at least the referred information (Ref) according to the reference. This referred information (Ref) is commanded to be transmitted to a memory means (MEM) via a channel that is different from the one that is used for transmission of the frame information (Fr).

Abstract: A system for providing video-on-demand service, broadband internet access and other broadband services over T-carrier systems including a pull multiplexer cherrypicker at the head end is disclosed. The pull multiplexer receives upstream requests and cull out MPEG or other compressed video packets, IP packets and other data packet types to satisfy the requests or to send pushed programming downstream. The downstream can be DSL or HFC. Each customer has a cable modem, DSL modem or a gateway which interfaces multiple signal sources to a LAN to which settop decoders, digital phones, personal computers, digital FAX machines, video cameras, digital VCRs etc. can be attached. Each gateway can coupled the LAN to a DSL line or HFC through a cable modem or a satellite dish through a satellite transceiver. A PSTN and conventional TV antenna interface is also provided.

Abstract: A method of distributing content includes receiving at least one request for a particular content item. Based on the at least one request, a number of users who are to receive the particular content item and are capable of receiving the particular content item via a wireless link is determined. Based on the number of users, at least one of a wireline link and the wireless link from which the users are to receive the particular content item is selected. The particular content item is distributed to the users via the selected at least one link.

Abstract: A method for increasing channel utilization in a video broadcast system includes receiving, at a head-end, a request for a video program from one of a plurality of subscriber stations. Determining whether the requested video program is associated with a first subset of channels representing broadcasted channels having a first subscriber viewership level greater than a threshold level, a second subset of channels representing broadcasted channels having a second subscriber viewership level less than the threshold level, and a third subset of channels representing on-demand channels having a third subscriber viewership. The first subset of broadcast channels is substantially continuously transmitted. The second subset of broadcast channels is transmitted based upon channel availability and programming assignments.

Abstract: A method and system that reduces the impact of packet loss on video data quality. Packet selection is performed by the method and system to selectively drop low priority packets so that the overall quality of the received video data may be improved. In one exemplary embodiment, the probability of higher priority layers being delivered on time is computed and a packet is transmitted only if this probability is greater than a given threshold h. In another exemplary embodiment, the system and method have the capability of backing up the process to transmit previously skipped packets, if time allows.

Abstract: A video selection server for preventing delivery of unnecessary video streams over a network. A receiving unit receives a video stream delivered via a first network, and an information analysis unit analyzes information about the video stream received by the receiving unit. A decision unit determines whether or not the result of analysis by the information analysis unit fulfills a predetermined criterion, to judge whether to permit delivery of the video stream received by the receiving unit to a second network. A transmitting unit transmits, to the second network, the video stream of which the delivery to the second network has been permitted by the decision unit.

Abstract: There is disclosed a wireless communication device capable of receiving an incoming RF data signal and generating therefrom a base layer data stream and at least one enhancement layer data stream. The wireless communication device comprises: 1) a base layer decoder, 2) at least one enhancement layer decoder, 3) a variable mode receiver for demodulating the RF incoming RF data signals in a plurality of physical modes, such as BPSK, QPSK, QAM, and the like, and at a plurality of code rates and 4) a receiver mode controller for controlling the physical modes of the variable mode receiver. The receiver mode controller causes a first demodulated output signal of the variable mode receiver to be transferred to the base layer decoder when the variable mode receiver is operating in a first physical mode and causes a second demodulated output signal of the variable mode receiver to be transferred to the at least one enhancement layer decoder when the variable mode receiver is operating in a second physical mode.

Abstract: A video on demand (VOD) system (100) for use in a distributed network environment. The distributed network environment contains a number of geographic networks (400A-400N) that are divided into a plurality of tiers (305-1 to 305-N), which are allocated to content providers (225). A content provider (225) provides content to the network with a tier assignment. The content is received pursuant to the assigned tier. Identification information, such as Categorization Information, is provided with and/or associated with a content file. The identification information may be updated at any time, independently of the content.

Abstract: A channel merging method for a VOD system, said method comprises the steps of: in response to requests from a plurality of clients for a video program, establishing a root channel (S1) and at least one sub-channel (S11), said root channel (S1) being established according to a request from a client that makes the earliest request, each of said sub-channels (S11) being established in response to a request from a client that makes a later request; and monitoring variation of the number of the clients that are using each of said established channels, and maintaining the channel if the number of the clients using the monitored channel is not zero, and closing the channel if the number of the clients using the monitored channel becomes zero.