Abstract: Methods are provided for inserting advertisements or the like and/or to perform grooming functions for a video, audio and/or data stream. Video programming is received in a network stream. Alternate content, such as advertisements, is received in content stream. The content stream is preconditioned to provide an entrance point therein for splicing the network stream to the content stream. Preconditioning of the content stream can also be performed to provide an exit point for splicing back to the network stream when the alternate content (e.g., advertisements) has concluded.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for combining assets for a streaming video signal. Video assets are provided in an adaptive bit rate format. The video assets may comprise fragments of various types of video content. A stitched manifest identifying a combination of the video assets is created in response to a client request for one or more of the video assets. The stitched manifest is provided to a client and used by the client to request the combination of video assets for playback as one continuous video stream in an order specified by the stitched manifest.

Abstract: A video stream is transcoded to provide a plurality of primary profiles. Individual frames of the video stream have a Presentation Time Stamp (PTS). A PTS is used as a token to identify particular frames to be encoded as Instantaneous Decoder Refresh (IDR) frames in each profile. An IDR frame period is determined, indicative of a desired number of video frames between two IDR frames. An IDR frame is inserted into each profile every IDR frame period. The IDR frames of each profile are aligned with the same IDR frames of the other profiles. The PTS of each IDR frame in each profile is monitored. Upon determining that a PTS is out of alignment, the next PTS of the affected profile is aligned with the corresponding PTS of remaining profiles. Backup transcoders produce backup profiles that are maintained in alignment with each other and with the primary profiles.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems that create numerous high-quality output streams at different spatial or temporal resolutions from a single input stream. An input stream is transcoded at a first transcoder module to provide N output streams, wherein each of the N output streams comprises different versions of the input stream. Parameters are obtained during transcoding of the input stream and provided to a second transcoder module together with the input stream. The input stream may be transcoded at the second transcoder module to produce M output streams based on the parameters received from the first transcoder module. The parameters received from the first transcoder module may be used to enhance the transcoding at the second transcoder module.

Abstract: A method for processing media files includes receiving a request to download a first media file and, in response to receiving the request, generating a first signature that describes a first characteristic of the first media file. The method also includes determining whether the first signature matches any of a first plurality of stored signatures. The method also includes generating a second signature that describes a second characteristic of the first media file in response to determining that the first signature matches one of the first plurality of stored signatures. Additionally the method includes determining whether the second signature matches any of a second plurality of stored signatures and, in response to determining that the second signature matches one or more of the second plurality of stored signatures, denying the request to download the first media file.

Abstract: A full spectrum modulator processes a plurality of CATV channels from separate paths. Each path has (i) a first filter for pulse shaping an input channel signal and upsampling a channel frequency thereof, (ii) an interpolator for interpolating the output of the first filter to a common sample rate, and (iii) a decimator for centering the output of the interpolator on a predetermined channel bandwidth. An IDFT processor receives channel signal outputs from the decimators. A polyphase filter bank receives IDFT processed parallel channel signals from the IDFT processor. A commutator converts the processed parallel channel signals from the polyphase filter bank to a single stream of data. A second filter upsamples the single stream of data to a fixed output sampling rate and low pass filters alias signals therefrom. Both standard and harmonically related carrier CATV channel frequency plans are accommodated.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for combining assets for a streaming video signal. Video assets are provided in an adaptive bit rate format. The video assets may comprise fragments of various types of video content. A stitched manifest identifying a combination of the video assets is created in response to a client request for one or more of the video assets. The stitched manifest is provided to a client and used by the client to request the combination of video assets for playback as one continuous video stream in an order specified by the stitched manifest.

Abstract: A video stream is transcoded to provide a plurality of primary profiles. Individual frames of the video stream have a Presentation Time Stamp (PTS). A PTS is used as a token to identify particular frames to be encoded as Instantaneous Decoder Refresh (IDR) frames in each profile. An IDR frame period is determined, indicative of a desired number of video frames between two IDR frames. An IDR frame is inserted into each profile every IDR frame period. The IDR frames of each profile are aligned with the same IDR frames of the other profiles. The PTS of each IDR frame in each profile is monitored. Upon determining that a PTS is out of alignment, the next PTS of the affected profile is aligned with the corresponding PTS of remaining profiles. Backup transcoders produce backup profiles that are maintained in alignment with each other and with the primary profiles.

Abstract: A full spectrum modulator processes a plurality of CATV channels from separate paths. Each path has (i) a first filter for pulse shaping an input channel signal and upsampling a channel frequency thereof, (ii) an interpolator for interpolating the output of the first filter to a common sample rate, and (iii) a decimator for centering the output of the interpolator on a predetermined channel bandwidth. An IDFT processor receives channel signal outputs from the decimators. A polyphase filter bank receives IDFT processed parallel channel signals from the IDFT processor. A commutator converts the processed parallel channel signals from the polyphase filter bank to a single stream of data. A second filter upsamples the single stream of data to a fixed output sampling rate and low pass filters alias signals therefrom. Both standard and harmonically related carrier CATV channel frequency plans are accommodated.

Abstract: A system for routing media content files having different format characteristics to a plurality of clients over a communication network includes a content translation router. The content translation router is capable of retrieving the content files. In addition, the content translation router includes processing modules for concurrently modifying content files having differing format characteristics to be compatible for transmission over the communication network for viewing at different ones of the clients.

Abstract: An advanced multiplexer designed and optimized for next generation on-demand video distribution is described. Features and capabilities include low-latency client interactions, quality of service management, session based encryption management, support for multiple video formats, and support for multiple video decoding standards. Indicators are embedded in new video segments to identify start-of-segment transition points, enabling rapid transitions from one video segment to another. Low-latency operation is achieved by rapid switching, and by coordinating flushing of video buffers and buffer restoration.

Abstract: An SDRAM convolutional interleaver with two paths. Symbols are assigned to a given one of the two paths, then are sorted to minimize (to one) a number of breaks in a sequential Interleaver write address. After sorting, the symbols are stored staggered in SRAM and burst written to SDRAM. Before writing to SDRAM, data is accumulated for four symbols at a time, and the data is written four symbols wide to optimize SDRAM access time. 8 bit symbols are written 32 bits at a time to SDRAM.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for managing the insertion of overlay content into a video signal are provided. A video signal is received from a video source. In addition, overlay content is provided in one or more overlay content signals. A tag is appended to the video signal and/or the overlay content signals. The tag contains identifying information. Overlay content selected from one of the overlay content signals may then be inserted into the video signal in accordance with the identifying information to produce a modified video content. The identifying information may comprises various types of information identifying the source or subject matter of the overlay content or video signal, the destination of the overlay content or video signal, information identifying the geographic region where the overlay content is to be inserted, or key words or other information to enable matching of the overlay content with an appropriate video signal.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for delivering video programs are provided. A plurality of video programs are provided in a fragmented, adaptive bit rate format. A request for a respective video program from the plurality of video programs is received from each of a plurality of clients. The requested video programs are multiplexed for delivery to the clients in a multiplex over a shared, fixed-bit-rate transmission channel. The requests may be for the same or different video programs. The requests for the video programs may occur at the same or at different times. In the fragmented, adaptive bit rate format, the fragment delivered to the client may not be the same as the requested fragment and is dependent on multiple criteria, including the bitrate and quality of the requested and delivered fragments, the total available delivery bandwidth, and other fragment requests made on the channel. The resulting multiplex may be either a constant bit rate multiplex or a variable bit rate multiplex.

Abstract: The present invention provides a balanced video distribution system, as well as corresponding methods and apparatus, which utilize feedback from the channel multiplexers as well as rate estimation and predictive rate control. Packets of a video stream are received at an input buffer. A transmission deadline is determined for the packets. A fullness level of the input buffer is also determined. A future time at which said packets can be transmitted may be estimated based on the buffer fullness level. A bit rate of the video stream can be adjusted based on the estimated future time and the transmission deadline. For example, the bit rate may be adjusted in proportion to a difference between the estimated future time and the transmission deadline.

Abstract: An advanced video multiplexer system designed and optimized for next generation on-demand video distribution is described. The system optimizes identifies a multi-program transport stream best able to accommodate new sessions based upon Quality of Service (QoS) and QAM utilization ratios. MPTS channels are rebalanced via re-grouping and transrating as necessary to optimize bandwidth utilization. Multiple video formats are supported via built-in transcoding. The multiplexer manages encryption resources and supports new sessions using previously allocated encryption resources where possible. Sessions can be grouped into encryption channels either by using a single authorization tier per channel policy, or by requiring all clients of the group to be in physically separated service groups. Encryption channels can be released when a channel no longer serves any clients or when one or more other channels that have been assigned the same entitlement can accommodate any remaining clients.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for delivering a plurality of video on demand (VOD) streams to customers. Video streams are received from a VOD server. The received streams are statistically multiplexed to transrate them and to optimize their video bandwidth. The statistically multiplexed streams are modulated, and then delivered to customers as single program transport streams.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the processing of multiple data streams with common resources. More particularly, this invention relates to a technique for time-multiplexed processing of, for example, multiple digital video programs. In one embodiment, an exemplary method provides for time-multiplexed processing of a set of digital streams includes storing each received packet in a random access memory. For each stream, the deadline for the arrival of the next packet at the receiver is determined and a priority based on the deadline is assigned. The stream with the highest assigned priority is identified as an identified stream. In some embodiments, the processing state of the identified stream is then restored. One or more packets of data corresponding to the identified stream are retrieved from random access memory to produce retrieved packets. The processing state is saved after the retrieved packets have been processed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for inserting advertisements and/or to perform grooming functions after a video, audio and/or data stream has been transrated and/or encrypted. In this manner, ad insertion and grooming can be performed close to the edge of a video distribution network. Transrating and encryption of a program into which content is to be later inserted can be accomplished before the program is transmitted. Thus, a single encrypted version of a program can be transmitted from a central point in the network to multiple recipients, while providing the benefits of subsequent targeted ad insertion or grooming downstream of the central point.

Abstract: An advanced video multiplexer system designed and optimized for next generation on-demand video distribution is described. The system optimizes identifies a multi-program transport stream best able to accommodate new seesions based upon Quality of Service (QoS) and QAM utilization ratios. MPTS channels are rebalanced via re-grouping and transrating as necessary to optimize bandwidth utilization. Multiple video formats are supported via built-in transcoding. The multiplexer manages encryption resources and supports new sessions using previously allocated encryption resources where possible. Sessions can be grouped into encryption channels either by using a single authorization tier per channel policy, or by requiring all clients of the group to be in physically separated service groups. Encryption channels can be released when a channel no longer serves any clients or when one or more other channels that have been assigned the same entitlement can accommodate any remaining clients.