Abstract: An embodiment is a cross-layer video quality manager that coordinates a plurality of video processing and network processing techniques to improve the quality of experience of, for example, a streaming video.

Abstract: A method includes storing a video program in a storage device. The video program includes a sequence of video signal frames. The method further includes selecting, without user input, key frames from the sequence of video signal frames. The method further includes generating a plurality of index page frames. Each index page frame includes at least one thumbnail image. Each thumbnail image corresponds to a respective one of the selected key frames.

Abstract: A data synchronization unit provides Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) synchronization for a headend. The headend includes a network data source and transmits a plurality of data streams on a transmission medium. Included in the plurality of data streams is a first timing information element packet (TIE) generated by the network data source. The plurality of data streams are multiplexed by a multiplexer into a combined data stream. The data synchronization unit extracts the first timing packet from the combined data stream. The data synchronization unit then generates a second timing packet that compensates for a time delay of the multiplexer and inserts the second timing packet into the combined data stream in place of the first timing packet.

Abstract: A first embodiment of a circuit configured to be coupled to a network controller and a network is disclosed. The first embodiment includes a first circuit configured to receive bits of data from the network at a first frequency. The first embodiment also includes a second circuit, coupled to the first circuit. The second circuit is configured to generate, to the network controller, a first signal synchronous with a second frequency when the first circuit receives a predetermined number of bits. In response to the first signal, the network controller is configured to latch, at a second frequency, the predetermined number of bits. A second embodiment of a circuit configured to be coupled to a network controller and to a network is provided. The second embodiment includes a first circuit configured to transmit bits of data (bits) to the network at a first frequency. The second embodiment includes a second circuit, coupled to the first circuit.