Abstract: A method of distributing audio video content is described. The method includes: receiving configuration data for a plurality of devices; for each device in the plurality of devices, computing a set of bit rates based, at least in part, on the configuration data; encoding audio video content at each bit rate in each set of bit rates to produce a plurality of encoded audio video content streams; splitting each encoded audio video content stream in the plurality of encoded audio video content streams into chunks to produce a plurality of chunked encoded audio video content streams; for each device in the plurality of devices, creating a separate index file, each separate index file including references to at least one of the plurality of chunked encoded audio video content streams; publishing a locator for each separate index file in a catalogue; and transmitting the plurality of chunked encoded audio video content streams and each separate index file to a network.

Abstract: A secondary content distribution system and method is described, the system and method including a receiver for receiving a plurality of differing versions of secondary content from an provider, each one of the differing versions of the secondary content being associated with at least one of a reading mode, and a connection mode, a processor operative to determine a reading mode of a user of a client device, a selector for selecting one of the differing versions of the secondary content for display on the client device display, the selection being a function, at least in part, of matching the determined reading mode with the reading mode associated with the one of the differing versions of the secondary content and the connection mode of the client device, and a display for displaying the selected one of the differing versions of the secondary content on the client device display. Related methods, systems, and apparatus are also described.

Abstract: A Headend system including a video codec to encode a video sequence yielding an encoded video sequence having video packets, a multiplexer, a signal generator to receive a notification of a splice point, analyze at least some of the encoded video packets based on the notification in order to find a random-access-point-packet, the random-access-point being a point from which to start decoding the encoded video sequence by the rendering device so that the video sequence may be rendered for output from the splice point, create a timing signal estimating a location of the random-access-point-packet in the encoded video sequence, and output the timing signal to the multiplexer or transmission equipment. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Abstract: A Headend system including a video codec to encode a video sequence yielding an encoded video sequence having video packets, a multiplexer, a signal generator to receive a notification of a splice point, analyze at least some of the encoded video packets based on the notification in order to find a random- access-point-packet, the random-access-point being a point from which to start decoding the encoded video sequence by the rendering device so that the video sequence may be rendered for output from the splice point, create a timing signal estimating a location of the random-access-point-packet in the encoded video sequence, and output the timing signal to the multiplexer or transmission equipment. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Abstract: A method for television viewing data analysis is described comprising, the method including receiving a query including audience parameters defining characteristics of a subset of a viewing audience, and viewing pattern parameters defining viewing patterns to be analyzed, applying the audience parameters to a database of viewer characteristics and determining therefrom a plurality of viewers from whom data is to be collected, building a viewer query based on the viewing pattern parameters, sending the viewer query to a plurality of viewer devices associated with the plurality of viewers for execution thereat, after execution of the viewer query at the plurality of viewer devices, receiving a viewer query result from at least some of the plurality of viewer devices, and analyzing the received viewer query results to produce a result of the query. Related methods and apparatus are also described.

Abstract: A method for generating a plurality of control words, each control word controlling access to an object. The method includes providing a control word packet (CWP), generating a first control word (CW) from the CWP, providing a second CW generation input and producing a second CW based, at least in part, on both of the following the first CW and the second CW generation input. Control word generating apparatus for generating a plurality of control words is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for generating a plurality of control words, each control word controlling access to an object. The method includes providing a control word packet (CWP), generating a first control word (CW) from the CWP, providing a second CW generation input and producing a second CW based, at least in part, on both of the following the first CW and the second CW generation input. Control word generating apparatus for generating a plurality of control words is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for generating a plurality of control words, each control word controlling access to an object. The method includes providing a control word packet (CWP), generating a first control word (CW) from the CWP, providing a second CW generation input and producing a second CW based, at least in part, on both of the following the first CW and the second CW generation input. Control word generating apparatus for generating a plurality of control words is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for generating a plurality of control words, each control word controlling access to an object. The method includes providing a control word packet (CWP), generating a first control word (CW) from the CWP, providing a second CW generation input and producing a second CW based, at least in part, on both of the following the first CW and the second CW generation input. Control word generating apparatus for generating a plurality of control words is also disclosed.