Abstract: A remote storage digital video recorder (RSDVR) retains multiple copies of media programs so long as the copies are expected to be useful to at least one user. Rather than assigning copies to specific users at the time the program is recorded, copies can be assigned as the users request access to the particular media programs. Copies of unassigned programs can be deleted according to a schedule to reduce disk storage and processing demands on the system. A pool of program copies that are not initially assigned to particular users can be maintained until the user makes a specific request to view the program. This “late assignment” of program copies can substantially reduce the amount of data stored by the RSDVR system without substantially impacting the viewer experience.

Abstract: The subject matter described herein provides systems and techniques for adding an identity (ID) header to IP packets associated with a VoIP call. This ID header may be used to authenticate the source provider/originator of a VoIP call, may be used to traceback to the source provider/originator of the VoIP call, and may be used to create a relationship between the source provider/originator and the destination provider/destination of the VoIP call. Such steps may be performed by a public proxy/platform. The ID header may include a certificate and/or a public encryption key, from a public certificate authority (CA) infrastructure, which assists in authenticating the source provider/originator of the VoIP call. The public proxy/platform may directly route authenticated VoIP calls through a VoIP network towards its destination, bypassing a public switched telephone network (PSTN).

Abstract: A remote storage digital video recorder (RSDVR) retains multiple copies of media programs so long as the copies are expected to be useful to at least one user. Rather than assigning copies to specific users at the time the program is recorded, copies can be assigned as the users request access to the particular media programs. Copies of unassigned programs can be deleted according to a schedule to reduce disk storage and processing demands on the system. A pool of program copies that are not initially assigned to particular users can be maintained until the user makes a specific request to view the program. This “late assignment” of program copies can substantially reduce the amount of data stored by the RSDVR system without substantially impacting the viewer experience.

Abstract: A remote storage digital video recorder (RSDVR) retains multiple copies of media programs so long as the copies are expected to be useful to at least one user. Rather than assigning copies to specific users at the time the program is recorded, copies can be assigned as the users request access to the particular media programs. Copies of unassigned programs can be deleted according to a schedule to reduce disk storage and processing demands on the system. A pool of program copies that are not initially assigned to particular users can be maintained until the user makes a specific request to view the program. This “late assignment” of program copies can substantially reduce the amount of data stored by the RSDVR system without substantially impacting the viewer experience.

Abstract: The subject matter described herein provides systems and techniques for adding an identity (ID) header to IP packets associated with a VoIP call. This ID header may be used to authenticate the source provider/originator of a VoIP call, may be used to traceback to the source provider/originator of the VoIP call, and may be used to create a relationship between the source provider/originator and the destination provider/destination of the VoIP call. Such steps may be performed by a public proxy/platform. The ID header may include a certificate and/or a public encryption key, from a public certificate authority (CA) infrastructure, which assists in authenticating the source provider/originator of the VoIP call. The public proxy/platform may directly route authenticated VoIP calls through a VoIP network towards its destination, bypassing a public switched telephone network (PSTN).

Abstract: A remote storage digital video recorder (RSDVR) retains multiple copies of media programs so long as the copies are expected to be useful to at least one user. Rather than assigning copies to specific users at the time the program is recorded, copies can be assigned as the users request access to the particular media programs. Copies of unassigned programs can be deleted according to a schedule to reduce disk storage and processing demands on the system. A pool of program copies that are not initially assigned to particular users can be maintained until the user makes a specific request to view the program. This “late assignment” of program copies can substantially reduce the amount of data stored by the RSDVR system without substantially impacting the viewer experience.

Abstract: A remote storage digital video recorder (RSDVR) retains multiple copies of media programs so long as the copies are expected to be useful to at least one user. Rather than assigning copies to specific users at the time the program is recorded, copies can be assigned as the users request access to the particular media programs. Copies of unassigned programs can be deleted according to a schedule to reduce disk storage and processing demands on the system. A pool of program copies that are not initially assigned to particular users can be maintained until the user makes a specific request to view the program. This “late assignment” of program copies can substantially reduce the amount of data stored by the RSDVR system without substantially impacting the viewer experience.

Abstract: A remote storage digital video recorder (RSDVR) retains multiple copies of media programs so long as the copies are expected to be useful to at least one user. Rather than assigning copies to specific users at the time the program is recorded, copies can be assigned as the users request access to the particular media programs. Copies of unassigned programs can be deleted according to a schedule to reduce disk storage and processing demands on the system. A pool of program copies that are not initially assigned to particular users can be maintained until the user makes a specific request to view the program. This “late assignment” of program copies can substantially reduce the amount of data stored by the RSDVR system without substantially impacting the viewer experience.

Abstract: A technique for managing the streaming of digital video content to multiple clients involves identifying an attribute of a content element that is streamed to a client and selecting a protection mechanism for the content element as a function of the attribute, wherein the protection mechanism enables streaming of the content element to the clients in the event of a resource failure. In an example, the identified attribute is an indication of the popularity of the content element (e.g., as measured by the number of active streams), such that the protection mechanism is selected as a function of the popularity of the content element. In an embodiment, protection mechanisms that offer a higher level of protection are selected for the more popular content elements and protection mechanisms that offer a lower level of protection are selected for the less popular content elements.

Abstract: A technique for streaming digital video content to multiple clients involves establishing a logical group of IP-connected stream servers, generating state information at multiple stream servers within the logical group, sharing the state information amongst stream servers in the logical group, and using the shared state information to respond to resource failures within the logical group. By sharing state information within the logical group of stream servers, stream servers with the shared state information can quickly take over the active streams from a failed stream server within the logical group. The quick transition of responsibility from one stream server to another enables the streaming network to provide continuous streaming of digital video content to the viewer without interruption.

Abstract: A technique for transitioning streamed digital video content between stream servers involves identifying a transition identifier that indicates a point at which streaming of the digital video content transitions from a first stream server to a second stream server and then transitioning the streaming from the first stream server the second stream server at a point in the digital video content that corresponds to the transition identifier. For example, the first stream server stops streaming the digital video content at a point in the digital video content that corresponds to the transition identifier and the second stream server starts streaming the digital video content at a point in the digital video content that corresponds to the transition identifier.

Abstract: A technique for managing the streaming of digital video content to multiple clients involves identifying an attribute of a content element that is streamed to a client and selecting a protection mechanism for the content element as a function of the attribute, wherein the protection mechanism enables streaming of the content element to the clients in the event of a resource failure. In an example, the identified attribute is an indication of the popularity of the content element (e.g., as measured by the number of active streams), such that the protection mechanism is selected as a function of the popularity of the content element. In an embodiment, protection mechanisms that offer a higher level of protection are selected for the more popular content elements and protection mechanisms that offer a lower level of protection are selected for the less popular content elements.

Abstract: An electronic device that receives a signal indicative of the sound made my a musical instrument in order to determine the instantaneous rate of play of melodic notes on that instrument in terms of notes played per second and display the rate in real time via a display. The regularity of the musician's rate of play is further indicated by the stability of the display reading. Individual sustained melodic notes are identified utilizing differential capacitance and circuit delay time constants to generate a voltage differential in response to a step signal. The device is also selectively operable as a conventional metronome to provide an exemplary sound cue to the musician corresponding to a given number of notes per second and convertible by a switch or foot pedal to monitor the musicians rate of play as he tries to match the demonstrated rate.

Abstract: A technique for managing the streaming of digital video content to multiple clients involves identifying an attribute of a content element that is streamed to a client and selecting a protection mechanism for the content element as a function of the attribute, wherein the protection mechanism enables streaming of the content element to the clients in the event of a resource failure. In an example, the identified attribute is an indication of the popularity of the content element (e.g., as measured by the number of active streams), such that the protection mechanism is selected as a function of the popularity of the content element. In an embodiment, protection mechanisms that offer a higher level of protection are selected for the more popular content elements and protection mechanisms that offer a lower level of protection are selected for the less popular content elements.

Abstract: An electronic device that receives a signal indicative of the sound made my a musical instrument in order to determine the instantaneous rate of play of melodic notes on that instrument in terms of notes played per second and display the rate in real time via a display. The regularity of the musician's rate of play is further indicated by the stability of the display reading. Individual sustained melodic notes are identified utilizing differential capacitance and circuit delay time constants to generate a voltage differential in response to a step signal. The device is also selectively operable as a conventional metronome to provide an exemplary sound cue to the musician corresponding to a given number of notes per second and convertible by a switch or foot pedal to monitor the musicians rate of play as he tries to match the demonstrated rate.

Abstract: An in-line surge suppressor having a body with a bore. The body formed from a first portion and a second portion dimensioned to couple together. An inner conductor positioned within the bore and a shorting element extending between the inner conductor and the body. The shorting element having at least two loop segments, each of the loop segments arranged in a separate plane. Each of the loop segments interconnected with at least one other loop segment by a transition section.

Abstract: A technique for transitioning streamed digital video content between stream servers involves identifying a transition identifier that indicates a point at which streaming of the digital video content transitions from a first stream server to a second stream server and then transitioning the streaming from the first stream server the second stream server at a point in the digital video content that corresponds to the transition identifier. For example, the first stream server stops streaming the digital video content at a point in the digital video content that corresponds to the transition identifier and the second stream server starts streaming the digital video content at a point in the digital video content that corresponds to the transition identifier.

Abstract: An in-line surge suppressor having a body with a bore. The body formed from a first portion and a second portion dimensioned to couple together. An inner conductor positioned within the bore and a shorting element extending between the inner conductor and the body. The shorting element having at least two loop segments, each of the loop segments arranged in a separate plane. Each of the loop segments interconnected with at least one other loop segment by a transition section.