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: 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: 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 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: 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.