Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product for managing content sessions within a network is presented. The systems disclosed herein are able to detect a requirement to modify bandwidth usage within the network either proactively or reactively. In response, example embodiments apply an adaptive bit rate adjustment technique to the content sessions to adjust a data rate associated with each content session according to the requirement to modify bandwidth usage within the network. Example embodiments also then apply a quality of service adjustment technique to the content sessions to adjust a bandwidth allocation assigned between a client and server based upon the adaptive bandwidth adjustment technique. Application of the adaptive bit rate and quality of service adjustment techniques may be policy based. Example embodiments also may monitor a plurality of servers supporting content sessions, detect a failure at a first server and move content sessions to a second server.

Abstract: A channel allocation mechanism for manages bandwidth using a channel profile to assure an available channel for supporting the highest expected bandwidth request by leaving a contiguous segment available to support such requests. Configurations discussed further below define a profile for expected media types, and associate each channel with a profile designating the media types assignable on that channel. Each media type includes a service and a bitrate, thus different formats of the same service (such as SD and HD) are distinguished. Each profile specifies a media type, and each channel is associated with one or more profiles. Further, a mapping of channels to associated profiles includes a reserve designation, indicating that other (unreserved) be fully assigned before assigning the reserved channels. The reserved channels provide a contiguous block of bandwidth, so that large bandwidth requests do not encounter assignment failure from a plurality of sparsely allocated channels.

Abstract: A video server delivers video on demand (VOD) and other video services responsive to a remote selection application over an IP network from a personal communication device of a user, such as a cellphone or smartphone. The remote selection application drives a user interface of available content, and transmits a user selection request to the video delivery server via a public access network such as the Internet. The video server correlates the identity of the requesting user with a video services channel in communication with a settop box or similar device of the user, and delivers the content to the client video device for rendering. In contrast to conventional VOD, in which the video services request emanates from the settop box on the same communication path (QAM channel) as the downstream signals containing the VOD content, the remote selection application is independent of the client device on an HFC network.

Abstract: A configuration as discussed herein includes a content management system. The content management system can reside in a central location or be distributed amongst multiple different locations in a network environment. In general, the content management system keeps track of configuration information for the retrieval of content. For example, the content management system identifies a presence of one or more content delivery sources in the network environment. The content management system utilizes the contact information to communicate with content delivery sources for discovery of configuration information. The configuration information can indicate: i) a respective address of the content delivery source, ii) a type of content outputted by the respective address, iii) a format of the content such as streaming data outputted by the respective address. The configuration information can be used to identify an address in which to retrieve requested content according to a desired format.

Abstract: A method, system and devices for delivering a switched digital video (SDV) channel to a network element, such as an end user set-top box, based on the decoding capabilities of the network element. The system determines whether to deliver the SDV channel in a first format, such as MPEG-4, or a second format, such as MPEG-2. When only network elements capable of decoding MPEG-4 content are tuned to the SDV channel, the system can realize bandwidth savings by delivering only the MPEG-4 version of the SDV channel. When legacy network elements capable of decoding only MPEG-2 content tune to a particular SDV channel, the system delivers only the MPEG-2 version of the SDV channel. The methods and devices can be used in headends, including those that deploy switched digital video, and other appropriate locations within the content distribution system, such as within the edge devices in the distribution hub.

Abstract: A dynamic service group discovery and mapping approach avoids manual assignment of stream channels for transporting video services to the client devices that provide the video services to an end user. Client devices, such as set-top boxes, receive video services such as video on demand (VOD), switched digital video (SDV), pay-per view (PPV) and other narrowcast types of video for selective transmission. Each client device scans for visible stream channels, and sends a report indicative of visible stream channels to a dynamic mapping server. The dynamic mapping server applies aggregation rules for determining, based on the reported stream channels, which client devices are in the same service group. By receiving reports from each client device, the dynamic mapping server identifies groupings of service groups by combining sets of client devices receiving common channels, and “builds” the service groups as additional reports indicate common stream channels visible to multiple set top boxes.

Abstract: A distributed resource management mechanism allocates transmission resources by distributing the resources among a plurality of service nodes each responsible for a portion of the resources according to a hash function. A data center receives resource allocation requests from applications, such as video services applications, including a computed hash value based on the desired resource and indicative of the service node for providing the requested resource. A remote resource management client identifies the resource and computes the hash based on a request from the application, and transmits the request to a resource management server on the service node having the resource indicated by the hash, thus avoiding centralized queuing or caching of the resource requests and instead delegating to the service nodes. Service nodes may redundantly share responsibility for the resources through a root node or a cluster arrangement, providing failover if a service node becomes inoperational.

Abstract: A switched digital video (SDV) system includes an SDV manager for coordinating SDV sessions requested by subscriber terminals associated with at least one service group. The SDV system also includes an input for receiving content to be delivered during the SDV sessions and at least one edge device for receiving transport streams that include an SDV program provided by the input and for transmitting each transport stream over an access network to at least one of the subscriber terminals on one of a plurality of SDV channels. In response to receipt of a message from a subscriber terminal in a first service group indicating that an EAS event is occurring, the SDV manager is configured to suspend reclamation of network resources allocated to the first service group which otherwise occurs when subscriber terminals tune off an SDV channel.

Abstract: A video server delivers video on demand (VOD) and other video services responsive to a remote selection application over an IP network from a personal communication device of a user, such as a cellphone or smartphone. The remote selection application drives a user interface of available content, and transmits a user selection request to the video delivery server via a public access network such as the Internet. The video server correlates the identity of the requesting user with a video services channel in communication with a settop box or similar device of the user, and delivers the content to the client video device for rendering. In contrast to conventional VOD, in which the video services request emanates from the settop box on the same communication path (QAM channel) as the downstream signals containing the VOD content, the remote selection application is independent of the client device on an HFC network.

Abstract: A channel allocation mechanism for manages bandwidth using a channel profile to assure an available channel for supporting the highest expected bandwidth request by leaving a contiguous segment available to support such requests. Configurations discussed further below define a profile for expected media types, and associate each channel with a profile designating the media types assignable on that channel. Each media type includes a service and a bitrate, thus different formats of the same service (such as SD and HD) are distinguished. Each profile specifies a media type, and each channel is associated with one or more profiles. Further, a mapping of channels to associated profiles includes a reserve designation, indicating that other (unreserved) be fully assigned before assigning the reserved channels. The reserved channels provide a contiguous block of bandwidth, so that large bandwidth requests do not encounter assignment failure from a plurality of sparsely allocated channels.

Abstract: A configuration as discussed herein includes a content management system. The content management system can reside in a central location or be distributed amongst multiple different locations in a network environment. In general, the content management system keeps track of configuration information for the retrieval of content. For example, the content management system identifies a presence of one or more content delivery sources in the network environment. The content management system utilizes the contact information to communicate with content delivery sources for discovery of configuration information. The configuration information can indicate: i) a respective address of the content delivery source, ii) a type of content outputted by the respective address, iii) a format of the content such as streaming data outputted by the respective address. The configuration information can be used to identify an address in which to retrieve requested content according to a desired format.

Abstract: A dynamic service group discovery and mapping approach avoids manual assignment of stream channels for transporting video services to the client devices that provide the video services to an end user. Client devices, such as set-top boxes, receive video services such as video on demand (VOD), switched digital video (SDV), pay-per view (PPV) and other narrowcast types of video for selective transmission. Each client device scans for visible stream channels, and sends a report indicative of visible stream channels to a dynamic mapping server. The dynamic mapping server applies aggregation rules for determining, based on the reported stream channels, which client devices are in the same service group. By receiving reports from each client device, the dynamic mapping server identifies groupings of service groups by combining sets of client devices receiving common channels, and “builds” the service groups as additional reports indicate common stream channels visible to multiple set top boxes.

Abstract: A distributed resource management mechanism allocates transmission resources by distributing the resources among a plurality of service nodes each responsible for a portion of the resources according to a hash function. A data center receives resource allocation requests from applications, such as video services applications, including a computed hash value based on the desired resource and indicative of the service node for providing the requested resource. A remote resource management client identifies the resource and computes the hash based on a request from the application, and transmits the request to a resource management server on the service node having the resource indicated by the hash, thus avoiding centralized queuing or caching of the resource requests and instead delegating to the service nodes. Service nodes may redundantly share responsibility for the resources through a root node or a cluster arrangement, providing failover if a service node becomes inoperational.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product for managing content sessions within a network is presented. The systems disclosed herein are able to detect a requirement to modify bandwidth usage within the network either proactively or reactively. In response, example embodiments apply an adaptive bit rate adjustment technique to the content sessions to adjust a data rate associated with each content session according to the requirement to modify bandwidth usage within the network. Example embodiments also then apply a quality of service adjustment technique to the content sessions to adjust a bandwidth allocation assigned between a client and server based upon the adaptive bandwidth adjustment technique. Application of the adaptive bit rate and quality of service adjustment techniques may be policy based. Example embodiments also may monitor a plurality of servers supporting content sessions, detect a failure at a first server and move content sessions to a second server.

Abstract: A switched digital video (SDV) system includes an SDV manager for coordinating SDV sessions requested by subscriber terminals associated with at least one service group. The SDV system also includes an input for receiving content to be delivered during the SDV sessions and at least one edge device for receiving transport streams that include an SDV program provided by the input and for transmitting each transport stream over an access network to at least one of the subscriber terminals on one of a plurality of SDV channels. In response to receipt of a message from a subscriber terminal in a first service group indicating that an EAS event is occurring, the SDV manager is configured to suspend reclamation of network resources allocated to the first service group which otherwise occurs when subscriber terminals tune off an SDV channel.

Abstract: A method, system and devices for delivering a switched digital video (SDV) channel to a network element, such as an end user set-top box, based on the decoding capabilities of the network element. The system determines whether to deliver the SDV channel in a first format, such as MPEG-4, or a second format, such as MPEG-2. When only network elements capable of decoding MPEG-4 content are tuned to the SDV channel, the system can realize bandwidth savings by delivering only the MPEG-4 version of the SDV channel. When legacy network elements capable of decoding only MPEG-2 content tune to a particular SDV channel, the system delivers only the MPEG-2 version of the SDV channel. The methods and devices can be used in headends, including those that deploy switched digital video, and other appropriate locations within the content distribution system, such as within the edge devices in the distribution hub.

Abstract: A switched digital video (SDV) system includes an SDV manager for coordinating a SDV session requested by a subscriber terminal and a storage medium on which resides content to be transmitted during the SDV session. The system also includes a plurality of edge devices for receiving a transport stream that includes content provided by the storage medium and transmitting the transport stream over an access network to the subscriber terminal on one of a plurality of SDV channels. The SDV manager is configured to cause different renditions of an SDV program to be provided by the edge devices to subscriber terminals associated with different target groups. The target groups each include a plurality of subscriber terminals that is less than a number of subscriber terminals serviced by a distinct edge device or devices.

Abstract: A method is provided by which a subscriber accesses an SDV channel using a set top terminal. The method begins when the set top terminal receives a user request to tune to a first SDV channel. An active services list is also received over an access network. The active services list includes an entry for each currently available SDV program and a time-to-live (TTL) associated therewith. Tuning information is identified for the first SDV channel from its entry in the active services list. The set top terminal tunes to the first SDV channel using the identified tuning information. The channel change information associated with the user request is locally stored in set top terminal for transmission over the access network at a later time.

Abstract: A switched digital video (SDV) system is provided that includes an SDV manager for coordinating SDV sessions requested by subscriber terminals associated with a service group. An input is provided for receiving content to be broadcast during the SDV sessions. At least one edge device is provided for receiving transport streams that include SDV programming provided by the input and for transmitting each transport stream over an access network to at least one of the subscriber terminals on one of a plurality of SDV channels. The SDV manager is configured to (i) monitor bandwidth used by the edge device to provide the SDV programming to the service group and (ii) cause a bit rate of at least one SDV program supplied to the edge device to be adjusted based on the monitored bandwidth usage.

Abstract: A process is provided that may be employed by a set top terminal when a viewer is engaged in a SDV session and is required to switch from one edge device to another. The method begins when a set top terminal receives an SDV program forwarded over an access network by a first digital modulator. The SDV program is received on a first SDV channel associated with the first digital modulator. Next, a request is received to tune to a second SDV channel associated with a second digital modulator to thereby continue receiving the SDV program over the access network. The set top terminal detects an event indicating that a change from the first SDV channel to the second SDV channel will lessen disruption to a viewer of the SDV program. Finally, the set top terminal tunes to the second SDV channel.