Abstract: Methods and systems for a content server to select sets of video streams having different encoding parameters for transmitting the sets of video streams to a media device are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a method for transmitting video streams for a media program from a server to a media device includes: selecting, by the server, first encoding parameters including a first bitrate for a first set of video streams for the media program based on a first estimated bandwidth capacity for a network linking the server and the media device, transmitting the first set of video streams from the server to the media device, determining, by the server, second encoding parameters including a second bitrate for a second set of video streams for the media program, and transmitting the second set of video streams from the server to the media device.

Abstract: An example method includes requesting a data stream using a buffer with an initial maximum window size for buffering received data associated with the requested data stream, receiving into the buffer one or more data segments associated with the data stream, removing from the buffer one or more data segments for use by a receiving device, and determining a current window size of the buffer, wherein the current window size is equal to the maximum window size less any data segments which have been received that have not been removed from the buffer. The method further includes comparing the current window size to a predetermined threshold, and in response to determining that the current window size is less than the predetermined threshold, increasing the maximum window size, and initiating a buffer size increase timer having a current timer value and a timer expiration value.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a content server to select sets of video streams having different encoding parameters for transmitting the sets of video streams to a media device are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a method for transmitting video streams for a media program from a server to a media device includes: selecting, by the server, first encoding parameters including a first bitrate for a first set of video streams for the media program based on a first estimated bandwidth capacity for a network linking the server and the media device, transmitting the first set of video streams from the server to the media device, determining, by the server, second encoding parameters including a second bitrate for a second set of video streams for the media program, and transmitting the second set of video streams from the server to the media device.

Abstract: A content moving device which enables providing content stored on a first user device, such as a DVR, in a first format and resolution to be provided to a second user device, such as a portable media player (PMP) in a second format and resolution. The content moving device identifies content on the first user device as candidate content which may be desired by the PMP and receives the candidate content from the DVR. The content moving device transcodes the candidate content at times independent of a request from the PMP for the content. The content moving device may provide a list of available transcoded content to the PMP for selection, and provide selected content to the PMP. The content moving device may also provide information relating to any protection schemes of the content provided to the PMP, such as DRM rights and decryption keys.

Abstract: A method includes providing a variant playlist file that identifies a plurality of variant streams each corresponding to a different encoding of a same media presentation; tracking a first set of media segments encoded at a first bitrate that correspond to a first playlist file for a first variant stream associated with the variant playlist file; responsive to a second encoded bitrate associated with a second set of media segments that correspond to a second variant stream being higher than the first encoded bitrate: determining a number of media segments to include in a plurality of media segments from the second set of media segments that correspond to the first set of media segments; and providing, to the client device, a second playlist file that identifies a plurality of media segments from the second set of media segments that correspond to respective ones of the first set of media segments.

Abstract: A digital media distribution device that includes an encoder, a decoder coupled to the encoder, and a transcoder coupled to the decoder. The encoder is configured to encode input data that is received by the digital media distribution device into a first data format. The decoder is configured to decode output data to be output by the digital media distribution device. The transcoder is configured to convert the encoded input data from the first data format into a second data format. The digital media distribution device is configured to be coupled to a computer network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for streaming media content to a client device includes a server providing, for the client device, a variant playlist file that identifies a plurality of variant streams having different encoded bitrates; tracking sequence numbers of a first set of media segments downloaded by the client device from a first playlist file that corresponds to the first variant stream encoded at a first bitrate; receiving, from the client device, a request for a second playlist file that identifies a second set of media segments from a second variant stream encoded at a second bitrate; determining whether to identify, in the second playlist file, at least one media segment in the second set of media segments that has a same sequence number as any of the media segments, from the first variant stream, downloaded by the client device; and providing, to the client device, the second playlist file.

Abstract: A content moving device which enables providing content stored on a first user device, such as a DVR, in a first format and resolution to be provided to a second user device, such as a portable media player (PMP) in a second format and resolution. The content moving device identifies content on the first user device as candidate content which may be desired by the PMP and receives the candidate content from the DVR. The content moving device transcodes the candidate content at times independent of a request from the PMP for the content. The content moving device may provide a list of available transcoded content to the PMP for selection, and provide selected content to the PMP. The content moving device may also provide information relating to any protection schemes of the content provided to the PMP, such as DRM rights and decryption keys.

Abstract: A digital media distribution device that includes an encoder, a decoder coupled to the encoder, and a transcoder coupled to the decoder. The encoder is configured to encode input data that is received by the digital media distribution device into a first data format. The decoder is configured to decode output data to be output by the digital media distribution device. The transcoder is configured to convert the encoded input data from the first data format into a second data format. The digital media distribution device is configured to be coupled to a computer network.

Abstract: A digital media distribution device that includes an encoder, a decoder coupled to the encoder, and a transcoder coupled to the decoder. The encoder is configured to encode input data that is received by the digital media distribution device into a first data format. The decoder is configured to decode output data to be output by the digital media distribution device. The transcoder is configured to convert the encoded input data from the first data format into a second data format. The digital media distribution device is configured to be coupled to a computer network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for streaming media content to a client device includes a server providing, for the client device, a variant playlist file that identifies a plurality of variant streams having different encoded bitrates; tracking sequence numbers of a first set of media segments downloaded by the client device from a first playlist file that corresponds to the first variant stream encoded at a first bitrate; receiving, from the client device, a request for a second playlist file that identifies a second set of media segments from a second variant stream encoded at a second bitrate; determining whether to identify, in the second playlist file, at least one media segment in the second set of media segments that has a same sequence number as any of the media segments, from the first variant stream, downloaded by the client device; and providing, to the client device, the second playlist file.

Abstract: A content moving device which enables providing content stored on a first user device, such as a DVR, in a first format and resolution to be provided to a second user device, such as a portable media player (PMP) in a second format and resolution. The content moving device identifies content on the first user device as candidate content which may be desired by the PMP and receives the candidate content from the DVR. The content moving device transcodes the candidate content at times independent of a request from the PMP for the content. The content moving device may provide a list of available transcoded content to the PMP for selection, and provide selected content to the PMP. The content moving device may also provide information relating to any protection schemes of the content provided to the PMP, such as DRM rights and decryption keys.

Abstract: A content moving device which enables providing content stored on a first user device, such as a DVR, in a first format and resolution to be provided to a second user device, such as a portable media player (PMP) in a second format and resolution. The content moving device identifies content on the first user device as candidate content which may be desired by the PMP and receives the candidate content from the DVR. The content moving device transcodes the candidate content at times independent of a request from the PMP for the content. The content moving device may provide a list of available transcoded content to the PMP for selection, and provide selected content to the PMP. The content moving device may also provide information relating to any protection schemes of the content provided to the PMP, such as DRM rights and decryption keys.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing streamed media to client devices includes providing, for a client device, a variant playlist file that identifies a plurality of variant streams each corresponding to a different encoding of the same presentation but each presenting the same content having the same duration; and receiving, from the client device, a first request to provide a first set of identifiers that directs the first client device to a first set of media segments from a first variant stream of the plurality of variant streams in the variant playlist file, wherein the first set of media segments corresponds to a first encoding. The method further includes, responsive to the first request, providing a second set of identifiers that directs the client device to a second set of media segments, which corresponds to a second encoding, to use in downloading a first portion of the content.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for streaming media content to a client device includes a server providing, for the client device, a variant playlist file that identifies a plurality of variant streams having different encoded bitrates; tracking sequence numbers of a first set of media segments downloaded by the client device from a first playlist file that corresponds to the first variant stream encoded at a first bitrate; receiving, from the client device, a request for a second playlist file that identifies a second set of media segments from a second variant stream encoded at a second bitrate; determining whether to identify, in the second playlist file, at least one media segment in the second set of media segments that has a same sequence number as any of the media segments, from the first variant stream, downloaded by the client device; and providing, to the client device, the second playlist file.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a content server to select sets of video streams having different encoding parameters for transmitting the sets of video streams to a media device are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a method for transmitting video streams for a media program from a server to a media device includes: selecting, by the server, first encoding parameters including a first bitrate for a first set of video streams for the media program based on a first estimated bandwidth capacity for a network linking the server and the media device, transmitting the first set of video streams from the server to the media device, determining, by the server, second encoding parameters including a second bitrate for a second set of video streams for the media program, and transmitting the second set of video streams from the server to the media device.

Abstract: An example method includes requesting a data stream using a buffer with an initial maximum window size for buffering received data associated with the requested data stream, receiving into the buffer one or more data segments associated with the data stream, removing from the buffer one or more data segments for use by a receiving device, and determining a current window size of the buffer, wherein the current window size is equal to the maximum window size less any data segments which have been received that have not been removed from the buffer. The method further includes comparing the current window size to a predetermined threshold, and in response to determining that the current window size is less than the predetermined threshold, increasing the maximum window size, and initiating a buffer size increase timer having a current timer value and a timer expiration value.

Abstract: Video data is received in 2D or 3D format from different channels as a user scrolls through an electronic guide. The video data may be displayed in a portion of the on screen display along with graphic and text associated with the EPG data. The received video data may be converted to a suitable format to be displayed with Electronic Program Guide (EPG). The video data may be converted from a 3D to a 2D format to be displayed with the EPG data. The video data may be converted from a 2D format to a 3D format, while the EPG data displays in a 2D format. The video data may be converted from one 3D format to another 3D format for display with the EPG data. The selection of converting the received video data can be based on a display format of a previously viewed channel prior to requesting the EPG to be displayed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a content server to select sets of video streams having different encoding parameters for transmitting the sets of video streams to a media device are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a method for transmitting video streams for a media program from a server to a media device includes: selecting, by the server, first encoding parameters including a first bitrate for a first set of video streams for the media program based on a first estimated bandwidth capacity for a network linking the server and the media device, transmitting the first set of video streams from the server to the media device, determining, by the server, second encoding parameters including a second bitrate for a second set of video streams for the media program, and transmitting the second set of video streams from the server to the media device.

Abstract: A method (300) and apparatus (400) for three-dimensional television (3DTV) image adjustment includes loading (342, 344) default 2D-to-3D image setting values from a default settings memory to a user adjustment settings memory, annunciating (346) the default 2D-to-3D image setting values, receiving (361, 362) a 2D-to-3D image settings value adjustment, saving (370) the 2D-to-3D image settings value adjustment in the user adjustment settings memory, and applying (390) the 2D-to-3D image settings value adjustment to a 2D-to-3D converted image. These methods and apparatuses allow individual users to set 3DTV image settings to their personal preferences to compensate for brightness reductions caused by 3DTV glasses, depth perception sensitivities, and other image quality factors.