Abstract: A system and method is disclosed allowing a cable network provider to dynamically allocate a network resource, in the form of channel bandwidth, for conveying either analog or digital assets. Certain assets are distributed in a cable network in an analog manner but only during certain time periods. The network resources could be used for offering digital services at other times. A programmable RF switch allows network resources to be switched to convey digital assets when the analog channels are not required. The digital assets conveyed may comprise movies, games, or music and can be transferred during ‘off-hours’ for local storage in the set top box in anticipation of future requests by a user. When the asset is requested, the set top box first checks if the asset is locally available, and if so, spools it out locally.

Abstract: Flexible systems and methods are disclosed that may be used for provisioning, configuring, and controlling a host embodied in a cable set top box or other digital device attached to a digital communication network, such as cable distribution network. An enhanced services system maintains various host files for various types of hosts that a cable subscriber may purchase and connect to the cable network. The Enhanced Services Server interacts with the host using the host files. The host files may be downloaded from the host manufacturer into a database that distributes the modules as required to the various enhanced services systems. The host may be purchased by the cable subscriber and provisioning may be initiated by the retailer at the time of purchase using a provisioning network interacting with the appropriate cable system serving the subscriber. This abstract is not intended to limit or construe the scope of the claims.

Abstract: A technique is described for managing the local storage of digital assets, such as audio, (moving or still) pictures, text, executable code and combinations thereof, in the storage device of a user appliance, such as a personal video recorder, set top box, mobile phone or storage server. A digital asset is received that is intended for local storage in the storage device and that has been pushed down from a source. A rank order is assigned to each digital asset stored or to be stored in a storage device that has a finite capacity storage space for storing digital assets. The assigned rank orders of one or more of the digital assets are repeatedly examined and a digital asset having a rank order that is lowest among the examined rank orders may be deleted. Each rank order is assigned based on predefined default ranking rules and user instructions pertaining to one or more of the digital assets that are capable of causing a deviation from the default ranking rules, if any have been provided by the user.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for a user to initiate a request for program content to a cable services provider wherein the program content is not stored locally at the cable service provider. The cable services provider headend queries a librarian as to a location from which the content may be downloaded. Additionally, the librarian may inform the cable service provider if a license is required in order to download the content. The cable service provider obtains a license, if necessary, and initiates a request for the download from the appropriate content provider. Once obtained, the cable services provider informs the viewer the content is available and streams the content to the viewer.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising an input capable of receiving a bandwidth optimized transport stream is provided. The bandwidth optimized transport stream can be produced by receiving a transport stream of variably compressed program data bearing transport packets and one or more null transport packets. One or more of the null transport packets is selectively replaced with another to-be-remultiplexed non-null data bearing transport packet. Independently of determining an amount of information carried by a program data bearing transport packets from time to time in the received transport stream, at least one selected program bearing transport packet is scheduled for output in an output remultiplexed bitstream.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed allowing a cable network provider to dynamically allocate a network resource, in the form of channel bandwidth, for conveying either analog or digital assets. Certain assets are distributed in a cable network in an analog manner but only during certain time periods. The network resources could be used for offering digital services at other times. A programmable RF switch allows network resources to be switched to convey digital assets when the analog channels are not required. The digital assets conveyed may comprise movies, games, or music and can be transferred during ‘off-hours’ for local storage in the set top box in anticipation of future requests by a user. When the asset is requested, the set top box first checks if the asset is locally available, and if so, spools it out locally.

Abstract: Systems and methods for an advertising auctioning capability are disclosed in conjunction with viewing of a movie or other type of program asset in a video distribution system. At certain points of the movie, called avails, advertisements are presented to the viewer. Each advertisement is selected from a plurality of advertisements based on criteria defined for selection. The selection of the advertisements may be based on criteria defined by the auctioning campaign, by the movie, the advertisements, and demographic information of the viewer selecting the movies. The auctioning process can occur in real-time and in various components, including a video on demand server or the viewer's set-top-box. Various tools are disclosed for indicating the avails, and defining the criteria for conduction the advertising auction campaign.

Abstract: Flexible systems and methods are disclosed that may be used for provisioning, configuring, and controlling a host embodied in a cable set top box or other digital device attached to a digital communication network, such as cable distribution network. An enhanced services system maintains various host files for various types of hosts that a cable subscriber may purchase and connect to the cable network. The Enhanced Services Server interacts with the host using the host files. The host files may be downloaded from the host manufacturer into a database that distributes the modules as required to the various enhanced services systems. The host may be purchased by the cable subscriber and provisioning may be initiated by the retailer at the time of purchase using a provisioning network interacting with the appropriate cable system serving the subscriber. This abstract is not intended to limit or construe the scope of the claims.