Abstract: A server complex (102) in a content delivery network (200) includes a central server (110), a multicast server (210), and an edge server (105). The central server delivers, with the multicast server, a content offering (120) to the edge server beginning at a predetermined time by transmitting portions (103) of content in succession, with each portion of content accompanied by an index fact datagram (204). The edge server stores each index fact datagram in an index file (215). When playing back content, the edge server retrieves an index file portion (404). When the information in the index file portion is exhausted, the edge server obtains any additional index fact datagrams (407) corresponding to any additional portions (408) of the content offering from the index file stored at the edge server.

Abstract: An intermediate server (104) is operable in a distributed key management system (300). The intermediate server comprises one or more processors (205) and an intermediate key material repository (302) to store digital rights management key material. The intermediate server can be operable in the system between a master server (101) and a local server (106), with the local server to deliver content (108) to one or more subscriber devices (109,110). The intermediate server, or optionally a management system (117) can pre-populate the intermediate key material repository with one or key material (1005) corresponding to fragments (1001) of the content prior to the fragments of content being requested by the one or more subscriber devices.

Abstract: A method (300) and system (100,200) for customizing a user interface (122) on a display or consumption device (121) is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes delivering, with a control circuit (210), an advertisement (114) to a plurality of client devices (106,107,108). A channel collector device 113 can then capture viewership activity data (116,117,118) occurring during playout of the advertisement. The method then modifies a presentation characteristic of the user interface by presenting a playback (501) comprising both the advertisement and at least some of the viewership activity data in synchrony.

Abstract: A video-on-demand system includes a resource manager (501) in communication with a central storage server (502), a back office system (503), and a plurality of edge servers (504). The resource manager can receive (523) a video-on-demand session request 524) requesting delivery of content (529), read (525) a content allocation register (520) that includes a popular asset list (301) with a plurality of content assets ranked (314) by highest demand (314) within a predetermined past usage window (316) and an edge server list (302) indicating which edge servers have delivered each content asset of the popular asset list. The resource manger can then Select (526) a selected edge server (527) from the content allocation register as a function of the popular asset list and the edge server list and cause (528) the selected edge server to deliver (529) the content in response to the video-on-demand session request.

Abstract: At least a first image, such as a motion video image, is prepared for integration with at least a second image, such as a motion video image and/or a still image. The first image may be a barker, and the second image may be a menu or programming guide. To prepare the first image for integration, a first compressed image is formed, restricted to a first region of a first image area by representing at least one segment of a first image within the first region with a reference to another segment of the first image within the first region. The second image may also be prepared for integration by forming a second compressed image. The second compressed image may be restricted to a second region of a second image area by representing at least one segment of the second image within the second region with a reference to another segment of the second image within the second region.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods, systems, and apparatuses for a fault resilient collaborative media serving array comprising a plurality of nodes. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for creating a fault resilient collaborative media serving array where the array nodes do not share memory, the serving of a content file is accomplished by the collaborative efforts of many nodes in the array, and where there is no fixed allocation of sessions to nodes.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods, systems, and apparatuses for a fault resilient collaborative media serving array comprising a plurality of nodes. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for creating a fault resilient collaborative media serving array where the array nodes do not share memory, the serving of a content file is accomplished by the collaborative efforts of many nodes in the array, and where there is no fixed allocation of sessions to nodes.

Abstract: A method (300) and system (100,200) for customizing a user interface (122) on a display or consumption device (121) is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes delivering, with a control circuit (210), an advertisement (114) to a plurality of client devices (106,107,108). A channel collector device 113 can then capture viewership activity data (116,117,118) occurring during playout of the advertisement. The method then modifies a presentation characteristic of the user interface by presenting a playback (501) comprising both the advertisement and at least some of the viewership activity data in synchrony.

Abstract: A data transfer system (100) includes a data transmission device (103). The data transmission device can include a data communication circuit (206), a memory (202), and a control circuit (201) operable with the communication circuit and the memory circuit. The control circuit can transfer data (306) to a remote device, establish a sliding window (307) spanning a predetermined amount of data, and store the predetermined amount of data. In response to receiving an error message (311) identifying particular data (312) encountering errors in transfer, the control circuit can retransfer the particular data so long as the particular data is within the sliding window.

Abstract: At least a first image, such as a motion video image, is prepared for integration with at least a second image, such as a motion video image and/or a still image. The first image may be a barker, and the second image may be a menu or programming guide. To prepare the first image for integration, a first compressed image is formed, restricted to a first region of a first image area by representing at least one segment of a first image within the first region with a reference to another segment of the first image within the first region. The second image may also be prepared for integration by forming a second compressed image. The second compressed image may be restricted to a second region of a second image area by representing at least one segment of the second image within the second region with a reference to another segment of the second image within the second region.

Abstract: At least a first image, such as a motion video image, is prepared for integration with at least a second image, such as a motion video image and/or a still image. To prepare the first image for integration, a first compressed image is formed, restricted to a first region of a first image area by representing at least one segment of a first image within the first region with a reference to another segment of the first image within the first region. The second image may also be prepared for integration by forming a second compressed image. The second compressed image may be restricted to a second region of a second image area by representing at least one segment of the second image within the second region with a reference to another segment of the second image within the second region.

Abstract: A system and method for delivery of multimedia data includes a plurality of media devices coupled to each other via a network. Each of the media devices is configured to retrieve multimedia data and advertisement data from an external source such as a public and/or private network. The multimedia data may include a number of video clips and the advertisement data includes a number of advertisements. Each media device is also configured to associate an advertisement of the advertisement data to a video clip of the multimedia data based on one of a number of criteria and transmit the associated video clip and advertisement to a playback device for viewing thereon.

Abstract: A video on demand (VOD) asset management system (100). Content is moved within the VOD system in accordance with predetermined variables such that certain content, such as that which is in high demand, is located on a server (120, 125) which is nearer to a subscriber (130), and content which is in lesser demand is located on a server (110, 115) which is more remote from the subscriber. Content may also be duplicated or moved within the system based upon other variables such as demographics of the subscriber, whether there is an advertising campaign for the content, and the age of the content.

Abstract: A targeted integrated image is created for delivery to a user. Content of potential interest to the user is determined based on at least one user preference. This determination may be made prior to or during the user's request for an image, such as video content, or while the user is receiving an image, such as a menu or programming guide. An image representing the content of potential interest to the user, such as a barker is selected and combined with another image of interest to the user to form a targeted integrated image for delivery to the user. The user preference may include information representing content viewing habits or content ordering habits of the user. The user preferences may be associated with the identity of the user.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses and systems for inserting advertisement segments into trick content. Advertisement segments present in the original video content are extracted from the video content and merged with other navigation segements to generate associated trick content. The advertisement segment may be inserted into the trick files may be displayed at their normal playback speed, a different apparent playback speed, or displayed in a different direction. Additionally, alternative content of the advertisement segment may be inserted into the advertisement segment to provide specialized versions of the advertisement content to be displayed in trick content mode, or the content may be completely different fro the original advertisement content, such as session specific advertisement content or even user specific advertisement content based on user preferences.

Abstract: Scheduled data is received and distributed in a system, such as a DSDD system. A schedule director receives a schedule representing inventory of data available from a data source and desired times for distributing the data. The schedule director coordinates with one or more resource managers that maintain information regarding resource utilization in the system. The schedule director negotiates with the resource managers to reserve resources in the system for receiving the scheduled data from the data source, storing the received data, and/or preparing the received data for delivery to a user. Resources are reserved based on the schedule and the resources determined to be available. The resources are reserved to perform at least one task, independent of other resources in the system.

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 video on demand (VOD) asset management system (100). Content is moved within the VOD system in accordance with predetermined variables such that certain content, such as that which is in high demand, is located on a server (120, 125) which is nearer to a subscriber (130), and content which is in lesser demand is located on a server (110, 115) which is more remote from the subscriber. Content may also be duplicated or moved within the system based upon other variables such as demographics of the subscriber, whether there is an advertising campaign for the content, and the age of the content.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a diagnostic system which utilizes a microprocessor within the power module to control the diagnostic function of all field replaceable modules powered thereby; additional diagnostic hardware being located on each replaceable module which may be utilized in normal operation for functions of the module and, on an interrupt basis, it is utilized in diagnostic functions; the diagnostic hardware in the power module serving to collect the diagnostic test data from all the functional modules powered thereby, the data being transmitted thereto over a diagnostic data bus. If a plurality of power supplies are present in the system, each power supply has a microprocessor for control, each such microprocessor being coupled to the replaceable modules and the diagnostic circuitry therein; a bus being provided between the processors in the power supplies so that one such microprocessor can become a master diagnostic to process all the diagnostic messages from the system.

Abstract: A peripheral controller is provided for controlling data transfers between peripheral devices operably on one type of data bus to devices operable on a second data bus. An intermediate buffer is utilized so that data is read into one memory block from the sending data bus and read out of another memory block to the receiving data bus. Controls are provided to prevent overwriting data which has not been transmitted and to prevent data transfers from the buffer until at least one block of memory has been filed.