Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for supporting advertisement (ad) insertion into a media stream. The device receives notification of an upcoming ad break within the media stream, determines whether the upcoming ad break contains only pre-scheduled spots, and if the upcoming ad break does not contain only pre-scheduled spots, determines whether the upcoming ad break includes any addressable spot based on a broadcasting schedule stored on the device. Otherwise, the device sends a request with information about the at least one addressable spot and the upcoming ad break to an ADS proxy hosted by a client ad server unit within the content delivery network, receives a response message from the ADS proxy identifying a default asset for each addressable spot, retrieves the at least one default asset from a content distribution network, and sends the at least one default asset to a splicer for insertion within the media stream.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for supporting advertisement (ad) insertion into a media stream. The device receives notification of an upcoming ad break within the media stream, determines whether the upcoming ad break contains only pre-scheduled spots, and if the upcoming ad break does not contain only pre-scheduled spots, determines whether the upcoming ad break includes any addressable spot based on a broadcasting schedule stored on the device. Otherwise, the device sends a request with information about the at least one addressable spot and the upcoming ad break to an ADS proxy hosted by a client ad server unit within the content delivery network, receives a response message from the ADS proxy identifying a default asset for each addressable spot, retrieves the at least one default asset from a content distribution network, and sends the at least one default asset to a splicer for insertion within the media stream.

Abstract: Various methods and processing systems are disclosed that provide a computing device in a multi-rail splicer system for inserting content. The method may include receiving a first cue request message from a first splicer associated with a first rail in the multi-rail splicer system, determining a first splice time value for the first splicer based on a time included in the received first cue request message, receiving a second cue request message from a second splicer associated with a second rail in the multi-rail splicer system, determining a second splice time value for the second splicer, sending commands to insert the content stream into their respective rails at their determined splice time values, multicasting a content stream to the first and second splicers, the content stream including audio, video, and an ad beacon in a data packet identifier (PID), and consolidating content insertion results into a single verification file.

Abstract: A resource such as a server derives multiple streams of data based on particular content. Each of the multiple streams of data is encoded to enable play back of the content according to a different level of quality. The server transmits the multiple streams of data of differing levels of quality on a multicast link downstream to one or more intermediate nodes that, in turn, distribute the streams of data to end users. For example, an intermediate node retrieves a respective stream of data from the multiple streams of data and forwards the selected stream of data over a second portion of the multicast link to a respective client device. The intermediate node can transmit a different stream of data to the respective client device depending on available bandwidth. The client device plays back the transmitted stream of data to produce a rendition of the particular content.

Abstract: Techniques disclosed herein include systems and methods for transmitting TV program related content to IP connected devices on a home network, or other local area network. Users can watch television while simultaneously receiving content related to TV programs currently being displayed on a television. TV centric and TV program related content can be transmitted to IP connected devices. Moreover, this TV program related content can be displayed at the same time as a television program is being displayed on a television. As such, the system can provide media synchronization within home network using the set-top box as a gateway for delivering the content. Users can watch TV at home, and at the same time receive TV program related content on a laptop, tablet computer, mobile phone, etc.

Abstract: A resource such as a server derives multiple streams of data based on particular content. Each of the multiple streams of data is encoded to enable play back of the content according to a different level of quality. The server transmits the multiple streams of data of differing levels of quality on a multicast link downstream to one or more intermediate nodes that, in turn, distribute the streams of data to end users. For example, an intermediate node retrieves a respective stream of data from the multiple streams of data and forwards the selected stream of data over a second portion of the multicast link to a respective client device. The intermediate node can transmit a different stream of data to the respective client device depending on available bandwidth. The client device plays back the transmitted stream of data to produce a rendition of the particular content.

Abstract: A resource such as a server derives multiple streams of data based on particular content. Each of the multiple streams of data is encoded to enable play back of the content according to a different level of quality. The server transmits the multiple streams of data of differing levels of quality on a multicast link downstream to one or more intermediate nodes that, in turn, distribute the streams of data to end users. For example, an intermediate node retrieves a respective stream of data from the multiple streams of data and forwards the selected stream of data over a second portion of the multicast link to a respective client device. The intermediate node can transmit a different stream of data to the respective client device depending on available bandwidth. The client device plays back the transmitted stream of data to produce a rendition of the particular content.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for supplying unbound applications with data via in-band program channel signaling are described. Unbound applications are STB or other customer premise device applications which continue to run when a tuner in the device changes between program channels. Applications executed in a STB, in accordance with the present invention, e.g., eBIF applications, continue to run despite changes in program channels with data being supplied via in-band signaling, out of band signaling, or a combination of in-band and out of band signaling. The methods and apparatus are well suited for supporting delivery of program catalog information relevant to an individual program channel using in-band signaling reducing or eliminating the need to delivery a multi-channel program catalog via out of band signaling to support various VOD applications.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing a supervisor such as a parent or guardian with a way to monitor and control the delivery of content, e.g., video and audio programs, to users of devices within a home. Exemplary embodiments include methods and apparatus for operating a home network monitoring device located in a home including detecting delivery of content to one or more users in the home, storing, in the home, portions of content delivered to a first user, presenting some of the stored portions of content to a person responsible for setting content restrictions applicable to the first user, and subjecting further content delivery to the first user via the home network to restrictions established by the person responsible for setting content restrictions applicable to the first user. Some embodiments also detect and report potential attacks, e.g., cyber attacks, on the home network.

Abstract: Techniques disclosed herein include systems and methods for transmitting TV program related content to IP connected devices on a home network, or other local area network. Users can watch television while simultaneously receiving content related to TV programs currently being displayed on a television. TV centric and TV program related content can be transmitted to IP connected devices. Moreover, this TV program related content can be displayed at the same time as a television program is being displayed on a television. As such, the system can provide media synchronization within home network using the set-top box as a gateway for delivering the content. Users can watch TV at home, and at the same time receive TV program related content on a laptop, tablet computer, mobile phone, etc.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing a supervisor such as a parent or guardian with a way to monitor and control the delivery of content, e.g., video and audio programs, to users of devices within a home. Exemplary embodiments include methods and apparatus for operating a home network monitoring device located in a home including detecting delivery of content to one or more users in the home, storing, in the home, portions of content delivered to a first user, presenting some of the stored portions of content to a person responsible for setting content restrictions applicable to the first user, and subjecting further content delivery to the first user via the home network to restrictions established by the person responsible for setting content restrictions applicable to the first user. Some embodiments also detect and report potential attacks, e.g., cyber attacks, on the home network.

Abstract: Techniques disclosed herein include systems and methods for transmitting TV program related content to IP connected devices on a home network, or other local area network. Users can watch television while simultaneously receiving content related to TV programs currently being displayed on a television. TV centric and TV program related content can be transmitted to IP connected devices. Moreover, this TV program related content can be displayed at the same time as a television program is being displayed on a television. As such, the system can provide media synchronization within home network using the set-top box as a gateway for delivering the content. Users can watch TV at home, and at the same time receive TV program related content on a laptop, tablet computer, mobile phone, etc.

Abstract: Techniques disclosed herein include systems and methods for transmitting TV program related content to IP connected devices on a home network, or other local area network. Users can watch television while simultaneously receiving content related to TV programs currently being displayed on a television. TV centric and TV program related content can be transmitted to IP connected devices. Moreover, this TV program related content can be displayed at the same time as a television program is being displayed on a television. As such, the system can provide media synchronization within home network using the set-top box as a gateway for delivering the content. Users can watch TV at home, and at the same time receive TV program related content on a laptop, tablet computer, mobile phone, etc.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an innovative hummingbird feeder. The feeder of the present invention is comprised of a main body, a stopper for the main body and several feeding port assemblies. The present invention allows the consumer to engage stoppers at each feeding port assembly, these stopper prevent spillage during refilling of the nectar reservoir. Additionally, the feeding port assemblies allow access to hummingbirds but prevent access by pests, while presenting a flower-like appearance to the birds.

Abstract: A centerpiece assembly comprising: (a) a base unit capable of supporting a plurality of illumination devices; and adapted to receive ornamentation; (b) at least one imitation candle; wherein the imitation candle includes a light source; a cavity; and a power supply; wherein the power supply is a replaceable battery; and wherein the power supply is adapted to be operationally coupled to an external electronic device via a DC socket; and (c) a support receptacle for each imitation candle; wherein the receptacle is attached to the base unit and is adapted to receive the artificial candle.