Abstract: A comprehensive system for assisting users of streaming services is provided. The system is implemented in a client/server environment. Users can manage their streaming service credentials, centralize their service information, discover new services and their video content, and share information with their friends and family. Budget and service optimization is provided.

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 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: 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.

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: 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 o, 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: 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: An advanced multiplexer designed and optimized for next generation on-demand video distribution is described. Features and capabilities include auto-discovery, channel-staggering and compatibility with static Virtual Channel Tables (VCTs). The multiplexer system facilitates auto-discovery by inserting identifiers into MPTSs (Multi-Program Transport Streams). These identifiers are echoed back to the multiplexer by the client set-top thereby indicating correspondence between modulators, service groups, and clients. When modulating multiple channels, FEC frames (Forward Error Correction frames) are staggered across channels to reduce correlation and clipping in the IFFT processor.

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.

Abstract: An advanced multiplexer designed and optimized for next generation on-demand video distribution is described. Features and capabilities include auto-discovery, channel-staggering and compatibility with static Virtual Channel Tables (VCTs). The multiplexer system facilitates auto-discovery by inserting identifiers into MPTSs (Multi-Program Transport Streams). These identifiers are echoed back to the multiplexer by the client set-top thereby indicating correspondence between modulators, service groups, and clients. When modulating multiple channels, FEC frames (Forward Error Correction frames) are staggered across channels to reduce correlation and clipping in the IFFT processor.

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: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method combines a set of digital streams into a set of digital multiplexes. This can include, for example, identifying a first communication channel that is currently accepting packets at a rate that can cause the nominal capacity of the channel to be exceeded. A second communication channel that is currently accepting packets at a rate that is less likely to cause the nominal capacity of the channel to be exceeded is also identified. One or more of the streams that comprise the multiplex that is assigned to the first communication channel are selected to form selected streams. Further, the packets of the selected streams can be reassigned from the multiplex corresponding to the first communication channel to the multiplex corresponding to the second communication channel.

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: A method and apparatus are provided for decoding variable length codewords carried in data blocks. A first buffer is loaded with a succession of data blocks. A second buffer is loaded with a first data block from the first buffer during a decoding cycle. The variable length codewords from the first data block in the second buffer are decoded to recover information. The process continues, with the second buffer being loaded with one data block at a time to successively decode new data blocks during successive decoding cycles.

Abstract: A vector coding scheme for video transform coefficients is provided. A vector is generated to identify a group of coefficients from a block of transform coefficients that qualify for transmission according to predetermined criteria. In an illustrated embodiment, only coefficients having nonzero amplitudes are transmitted. The vector is encoded to provide a vector code word for transmission. The coefficients from the group qualifying for transmission are encoded to provide coefficient code words for transmission. The vector code word correlates the coefficient code words to coefficient locations in the block. In a preferred embodiment, the block is divided into a plurality of regions containing subsets of coefficients. A separate vector is transmitted for each region, correlating the coefficient code words to coefficient locations in the corresponding region of the block.