Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatus for providing media assets over a network. First metadata corresponding to a first video asset is generated. The first metadata includes text describing contents displayed when the first video asset is played and a pointer to a location within a video file that corresponds to the first video asset. The pointer includes at least two of a start location, an end location, and a duration. The first metadata is transmitted for receipt by a client system capable of playing the first video asset. The client system displays portions of the text of the first metadata to a user of the client system, and uses the pointer of the first metadata to facilitate requesting the first video asset from a video server for transmitting video assets over the network.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatus for providing media assets over a network. First metadata corresponding to a first video asset is generated. The first metadata includes text describing contents displayed when the first video asset is played and a pointer to a location within a video file that corresponds to the first video asset. The pointer includes at least two of a start location, an end location, and a duration. The first metadata is transmitted for receipt by a client system capable of playing the first video asset. The client system displays portions of the text of the first metadata to a user of the client system, and uses the pointer of the first metadata to facilitate requesting the first video asset from a video server for transmitting video assets over the network.