Abstract: A video production device is deployed to produce a video production stream of an event occurring within an environment that includes a plurality of different video capture devices capturing respective video input streams of the event. The video production device is programmed and operated to: receive a plurality of video input streams from the video capture devices; automatically select one of the video input streams as a current video output stream, in accordance with a visual activity based switching technique that identifies which of the plurality of video input streams is associated with a detected speaker; and provide the selected video input stream as the current video output stream.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are provided for optimizing streaming bitrate in response to variations in processor load. In various embodiments, a streaming media server includes a processor and a computer-readable storage medium, which stores computer-readable code or instructions. When executed by the processor, the computer-readable code causes the server to encode segments of a video stream at a final variable bitrate (ABRFINAL). The encoded segments are transmitted from the server, over a network, and to a first client media receiver for presentation to an end user. The steps of encoding and transmitting are repeated during a streaming video session with the first client media receiver, while varying a value of ABRFINAL based, at least in part, upon a running average of a processor load placed on the processor (LOADAVG).

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are provided for optimizing streaming bitrate during multiclient streaming sessions based, at least in part, on display profiles associated with client media receivers to which different video streams are concurrently provided. The method may be carried-out by a streaming media server in communication with first and second client media receivers over a network. In various embodiments, the method may include establishing at the streaming media server first and second bandwidth allotment thresholds based, at least in part, on display profiles assigned to display devices associated with the client media receivers. During an ensuing multiclient streaming session, the streaming media server further encodes segments of video streams at variable bitrates regulated in accordance with the established bandwidth allotment thresholds.

Abstract: A system includes a processor and a memory. The memory stores instructions executable by the processor to receive first and second media units with respective first and second time stamps that are assigned based on a first clock cycle time and a data transmission rate, and to assign an adjusted time stamp to the second media unit based on the first clock cycle time, a second clock cycle time, the first time stamp, and the data transmission rate.

Abstract: Timed text that is provided in a television broadcast or media stream can be enhanced to provide an improved user experience. A scrollable text window can be provided in a media player application, for example, that can allow the user to quickly “catchup” from a missed moment. The timed text may be enhanced to allow links to dictionaries, encyclopedias, online sources, thesauruses, translating services, and/or the like. Further implementations could use automated tools to automatically generate program summaries for watched or unwatched content.

Abstract: Devices, systems, method, and program products are provided, which support temporally-seamless change functionalities during multichannel streaming sessions established between a streaming media server and a client media receiver. In embodiments, the method includes outputting, to a display device, a first streaming channel contained in a streaming channel bundle and assigned a high priority level. When receiving a channel change request to view a second streaming channel, the client media receiver monitors for additional channel change requests over a predetermined wait period. If an additional channel change request is received within the wait period, the client media receiver repeats the step of monitoring.

Abstract: Various arrangements for performing secure domain name system (DNS) routing are presented. A secure signature may be generated using an internet protocol (IP) address of an authorized device. An encoded character string may be generated that comprises the IP address. The domain name server may receive a request for an IP address mapped to the hostname. The hostname may be validated using the secure signature. The IP address of the authorized device may be decoded from the encoded character string at least partially in response to the hostname being validated by the domain name server. The IP address decoded from the encoded character string may be transmitted at least partially based on the hostname being validated and the request for the IP address.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed towards providing fast setup of a storage device communicatively coupled to a television receiver. During initial setup of the storage device, an initial portion of the storage device is partitioned to provide accessibility for the television receiver to store content. However, the initial partition is only a subset of the maximum storage capacity of the storage device, which results in a second remainder portion of the storage device that is inaccessible for the television receiver to store audiovisual content. In response to a triggering event, the television receiver initiates a full partition process to partition the remainder of the storage device that was previously inaccessible for storing content. Once partitioned, the television receiver can then utilize the remainder portion of the storage device for storing long-term recorded content. The television receiver also converts the initial partition into a buffer that is used to temporarily store content.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed toward providing a customized over-the-air channel mapping to each content receiver in a geographical area based on crowdsourced mappings of available channels from at least a subset of the content receivers in that geographical area. When a new content receiver is installed in the geographical area, the customized over-the-air channel mapping is provided to the new content receiver and used by the new content receiver as its internal list of available over-the-air channels without performing a scan of its own. At least a portion of the content receivers in the geographical area perform a round-robin-type scan to identify new or missing channels in the geographical area. The customized over-the-air channel mapping is then updated when a new channel or missing channel threshold is reached. And the updated customized over-the-air channel mapping is provided to each content receiver in the geographical area.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided for assisting user selection of media content viewed utilizing a media receiver. In an embodiment, the method includes the step or process of establishing whether high interest media content is currently displayed via the media receiver. If high interest media content is currently displayed via the media receiver, it is determined when user input is received causing the media receiver to display other media content following commencement of an advertisement set disrupting viewing of the high interest media content. When so determined, the media receiver then monitors for cessation of the advertisement set. If the media receiver does not resume display of the high interest media content prior to cessation of the advertisement set, the media receiver further performs at least one specified action in response to cessation of the advertisement set.

Abstract: Various arrangements are presented for relaying a secure streaming media communication session. A media relay server system may receive from a streaming media client via the Internet a first request for the secure streaming media communication session. A secure streaming media communication session may be established between a private streaming media server and the media relay server system. The media relay server system may establish a Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) communication service between the media relay server system and the private streaming media server via the Internet. The media relay server system may route, via the Internet, encrypted media packets from the private streaming media server to the streaming media client without the encrypted media packets being decrypted by the media relay server system.

Abstract: A method for determining the health of a network includes determining, for a set of clients within the network, a total air percentage for each of the plurality of clients, and determining a total air percentage for a first access point within the network. The method further includes determining a transmit opportunity corresponding to a percentage of time a channel medium is free; determining a total air percentage used by a set of second access points; determining an air margin for the network, and determining an overall health classification for the network based on the air margin.

Abstract: A method of encoding packets of a media stream includes establishing a data connection between a client device and a server, sending a first packet of the media stream from the server to the client device at a first bit rate, receiving, at the server, a first acknowledgment signal from the client device responsive to receipt of the first packet, determining a second bit rate based on the first acknowledgment signal, and sending a second packet of the media stream from the server to the client at the second bit rate.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for providing a media stream transmitted from an encoding system to a remotely-located media player that requests segments of the media stream. In accordance with one embodiment, a method of encoding a media stream provided from an encoding system to a remotely-located client includes establishing a data connection with the client and acquiring, from the client, client information including a client identifier, a public internet protocol (IP) address, and a geographical location associated with the client. The method further includes determining, based on the client information, whether historical bit rate data is available in a historical bit rate data store provided by the encoding system. If such historical bit rate data is available, an initial bit rate parameter is set for the media stream and the media stream is encoded at the encoding system according to the initial bit rate parameter and transmitted to the client.

Abstract: Devices (e.g., client media receivers), methods, and program products are provided enabling personal network streaming and concurrent Wide Area Network (WAN) access. In embodiments, the method is carried-out by a client media receiver utilized with a Personal Video Recorder (PVR) and a display device. The method includes the step or process of identifying a user desire to conduct a wireless PVR viewing session utilizing the receiver, while maintaining wireless access to a WAN. When identifying such a user desire, the receiver: (i) creates a personal Local Area Network (LAN) enabling wireless communication between the receiver and the PVR, and (ii) establishes Dual Virtual Antenna (DVA) parameters defining first and second virtual antennae assigned to the WAN and to the personal LAN, respectively. The second virtual antenna is then utilized to support a wireless PVR viewing session, while WAN data is concurrently routed through the first virtual antenna as needed.

Abstract: A system includes a computing device programmed to generate an aggregated media item that includes individual media items from a plurality of inputs. The aggregated media item combines one or more of the individual media items for a common display. The computing device is further programmed to send the aggregated media item to a media device and receive commands from the media device. The commands identify data from the aggregated media content item to be included in a media output item. The computing device is further programmed to generate the media output item based on the aggregated media content item and the commands.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are provided for optimizing streaming bitrate in response to variations in processor load. In various embodiments, a streaming media server includes a processor and a computer-readable storage medium, which stores computer-readable code or instructions. When executed by the processor, the computer-readable code causes the server to encode segments of a video stream at a final variable bitrate (ABRFINAL). The encoded segments are transmitted from the server, over a network, and to a first client media receiver for presentation to an end user. The steps of encoding and transmitting are repeated during a streaming video session with the first client media receiver, while varying a value of ABRFINAL based, at least in part, upon a running average of a processor load placed on the processor (LOADAVG).

Abstract: Server devices operating on the Internet or another wide area network (WAN) are able to locate client devices using address information obtained from a shared location. Client devices initially determine their own network address information and submit the determined information for a priori storage at the shared location on the WAN. Each server device, in turn, contacts a message service or the like to establish a persistent data connection that is maintained between the message service and the server device over time. After the client device stores its own address information, the client initiates contact with the server via the message service having the previously-established persistent connection. Upon receipt of the instruction from the message service, the server is able to retrieve the client's previously-stored address information from the WAN storage and use the information to establish a connection with the client.

Abstract: Media streaming to a phone, tablet or other mobile device is improved by adapting requests for content in anticipation of the device's future location. If a device is expected to pass through an area with poor wireless signal quality, then requests for media content can be pre-emptively obtained beforehand at places and times where the available bandwidth is more favorable. Further, requests for content may be delayed during lower bandwidth conditions if the device is expected to soon encounter more bandwidth. Content requests can be therefore optimized (or at least improved) based upon the expected bandwidth that will be encountered during the anticipated upcoming movement of the device.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are disclosed enabling smart search functionalities utilizing key scene changes appearing in video content. In various embodiments, the method includes the step or process of, while engaged in playback of the video content, receiving a user command at a playback device to shift a current playback position of the video content to a default search playback position (PPDS). In response to receipt of the user command, the playback device searches a time window encompassing the default search playback position (PPDS) for a key scene change in the video content. If locating a key scene change within the time window, the playback device shifts playback of the video content to a playback position corresponding to the key scene change (PPST). Otherwise, the playback device shifts playback of the video content to the default search playback position (PPDS).