Abstract: A method and apparatus for scheduling delivery of graphics and video to an on-screen display is described. The method comprises accessing a schedule comprising at least one video, at least one template, and layout information, wherein the at least one video and the at least one template are associated with each other and scheduled to run at least one start time. In one embodiment, the system is a video server that provides a combined output stream of both video and graphics to a set top box, TV, computer or other display device. In another embodiment of the invention, the video server creates a script that relates video, graphics, and layout information to each other as web components. The web components are provided from the video server to a set top box, and the set top box utilizes a web browser to assemble the web components together.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically providing continuous programming on a broadcast channel. The method and apparatus detect the occurrence of an event, selects content to use as the continuity programming in view of at least one characteristic of the event, and transmits the selected content through the broadcast channel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a transition between multimedia content, e.g., video clips. The method and apparatus detects a transition trigger that identifies that a transition is necessary at a specific point within a currently playing video clip. The method and apparatus select a driver level API for producing a desired transition effect, then executes the selected API to produce the transition effect. The transition API controls a video decoder such that a currently playing video can be altered at the transition point to have a specific transition effect. Controlling the luminance and audio signal levels of the decoder creates the desired transition effect.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to facilitate the automated management and broadcast of digital media content at a digital distribution facility, resulting in a hosted broadcast capability. The system includes an automated interface for scheduling the use of a digital media content distribution facility, including buying or selling of digital media broadcast capacity and satellite, terrestrial and cable-based digital content delivery services. The scheduling and sale may occur via a website that presents Content Originating Customers (COC) with a graphic representation of available broadcast capability, and allows the customer to interactively buy or bid for use of that capability.

Abstract: A method of data management for efficiently storing and retrieving data in response to user access requests. The method includes receiving a request from at least one client for a title not resident in a storage server, where the title includes a play track having a plurality of chapters. The retrieval from a secondary storage device of play track portions proximate chapter delineation points is initiated, and bandwidth capacity and quality-of-service (QoS) parameters associated with the secondary storage device is determined. In the case of a client request to begin presentation of the title at one of the chapters, streaming of retrieved portions of the play track chapter to the client is initiated, masking latency associated with the secondary storage device is provided, and retrieval of at least unretrieved portions of the play track chapter and subsequent play track portions from the secondary storage device is initiated.

Abstract: A storage server for efficiently retrieving data from a plurality of disks in response to user access requests. The server comprises a plurality of processors coupled to disjoint subsets of disks, and a custom non-blocking packet switch for routing data from the processors to users. By tightly coupling the processors to disks and employing an application-specific switch, congestion and disk scheduling bottlenecks are minimized. By making efficient use of bandwidth, the architecture is also capable of receiving real-time data streams from a remote source and distributing these data streams to requesting users. The architecture is particularly well suited to video-on-demand systems in which a video server stores a library of movies and users submit requests to view particular movies.