Abstract: Described herein are, among other things, distributed processing methods and systems for frame rate conversion. In an embodiment, a transcoding management machine manages a distributed transcoding process, creating a plurality of video segments and assigning the video segments across a set of distributed transcoding resources for frame rate conversion. The management machine typically sends a given segment to a given transcoding resource along with instructions to convert the frame rate to a specified output frame rate. In addition, the management machine can send certain transcoding assistance information that preferably facilitates the frame rate change process and helps the transcoding resource to create a more accurate output segment. Hence, in some embodiments, each transcoding resource can perform its transcode job independently, but with reference to the input segment it is responsible for transcoding and the assistance information provided by the management machine.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described herein for providing a media guidance application that identifies users accessing the same media asset, determines which users desire to communicate with each other, and provides an asset-integrated notification to each of the users desiring to communicate, facilitating communication between the users. For example, other users with a desire to communicate with an initial user that are accessing the same media asset as the initial user may be indicated by inserting a media element representative of the other users directly into the media asset watched by an initial user.

Abstract: Systems and methods for adaptive streaming with augmented video stream transitions using a media server in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, a media server includes multimedia content including a set of alternative streams of video data and a processor, wherein the processor is configured to receive a request to stream multimedia content, stream a first stream of video data, where the first stream of video data is one of the set of alternative streams of video data contained in the multimedia content, receive a request for a second stream of video data, where the second stream of video data is one of the set of alternative streams of video data contained in the multimedia content, transmit an image in response to the request for the second stream of video data, and stream the second stream of video data.

Abstract: Playback and distribution systems and methods for multimedia files are provided. The multimedia files are encoded with flags associated with the content data of the multimedia files. Through the use of the flags, playback of the content is enhanced without significantly increasing the file size of the multimedia file.

Abstract: Systems and methods for adaptive bitrate streaming of media including subtitles utilizing HTTP in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. One embodiment of the invention includes selecting a portion of the source media using the source encoder, transcoding the selected portion of the source media into a plurality of alternative portions of encoded video, where each alternative portion is encoded using a different set of encoding parameters and commences with an intra frame at the start of a closed group of pictures (GOP), writing each of the alternative portions of encoded video to a separate container file using the source encoder, writing a subtitle stream segment from each subtitle track corresponding to the selected portion of the source media to a separate container file using the source encoder, and associating a font file with at least one of the container files containing subtitle stream segments.

Abstract: Methods and systems to allow for the streaming of media from a file server to a client, where the streaming occurs concurrently with the execution of an information security protocol. The security protocol allows the client to securely receive one or more keys that allow the client to access the media. This permits a user to access the media sooner than would otherwise be possible, while allowing timely performance of security related processing.

Abstract: Systems and methods of providing enhanced digital media playback through application enhancement tracks are described. Application enhancement tracks are derived from the main content that they are associated with and are encoded to aid the performance of one or more functions related to the content, such as visual-search using a video application enhancement track, or trick-play track. In several embodiments, a method of decoding a media file for play back includes obtaining a media file containing compressed content and an accompanying application enhancement track which is a subset of the compressed content, playing back the compressed content, and decoding frames of the application enhancement track at a rate proportional to a visual-search speed and from a location determined by the portion of the compressed content most recently played back.

Abstract: Systems and methods for delivering content according to a customized program lineup are provided. A content source transmits a plurality of media assets in a first schedule according to scheduled transmission times. A processing device may receive a user input to receive the media assets in a second schedule different from the first schedule. When a request to access the content source is received, the processing device may automatically determine, based on the second schedule, whether the user has requested a different media asset than the originally-scheduled asset at the time of the request. If the user has requested a different media asset, the processing device may automatically receive and provide the different media asset instead of the originally-scheduled asset.

Abstract: Systems and methods for saving encoded media streamed using adaptive bitrate streaming in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, a playback device configured to perform adaptive bitrate streaming of media includes a video decoder application and a processor, where the video decoder application configures the processor to select a download stream from a set of alternative streams of video data, measure streaming conditions and request a stream of video data from the alternative streams of video data, receive portions of video data from the requested stream of video data, decode the received video data, save the received video data to memory, when the received video data is from the download stream and separately download and save the corresponding portion of video data from the download stream to memory, when the received video data is not from the download stream.

Abstract: Playback and distribution systems and methods for multimedia files are provided. The multimedia files are encoded with flags associated with the content data of the multimedia files. Through the use of the flags, playback of the content is enhanced without significantly increasing the file size of the multimedia file.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing multimedia content from one process or component to another process or component over an unsecured connection are provided. One embodiment includes obtaining the cryptographic information, extracting the at least partially encrypted video data from the container file to create an elementary bitstream, enciphering the cryptographic information, inserting the cryptographic information in the elementary bitstream, providing the elementary bitstream to a video decoder, extracting the cryptographic information from the elementary bitstream at the video decoder, deciphering the cryptographic information, decrypting the elementary bitstream with the cryptographic information and decoding the elementary bitstream for rendering on a display device using the video decoder.

Abstract: Systems and methods for adaptive bitrate streaming of media stored in Matroska container files utilizing Hypertext Transfer Potocol (HTTP) in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. In one embodiment, a processor configured, via a client application, to request portions of files from a remote server.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining available bandwidth and performing initial stream selection when commencing adaptive bitrate streaming using Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. One embodiment of the invention includes measuring network bandwidth using a playback device, determining an initial network bandwidth estimate using the network bandwidth measurements, selecting an initial stream from said plurality of streams of encoded media that are encoded at different maximum bitrates rates using the playback device based upon the maximum bitrates of the plurality of streams and the initial bandwidth estimate; and commencing streaming of encoded media by requesting portions of the encoded media from the initial streams using the playback device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for adaptive bitrate streaming of alternative streams of video encoded at resolution and sample aspect ratio combinations and maximum bitrates in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, a source encoder configured to encode a source video stream as a plurality of alternative streams of video for playback on a playback device includes a processor configured to receive multimedia content including source video data having a primary resolution, a primary sample aspect ratio, and a primary frame rate and to encode the source video data as alternative streams of video, where the resolution and sample aspect ratio of at least one of the alternative streams of video are selected to have an aspect ratio that is the same as a predetermined display aspect ratio and at least one of the alternative streams is encoded at a maximum bitrate.

Abstract: Systems and methods for application identification in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. In one embodiment, a user device includes a processor and memory configured to store an application, a session manager, an application identifier, and at least one shared library, and the processor is configured by the session manager to communicate the application identifier and the application identifier data to an authentication server and permit the execution of the application in response to authentication of the application by the authentication server.

Abstract: Systems and methods for delivering content according to a customized program lineup are provided. A content source transmits a plurality of media assets in a first schedule according to scheduled transmission times. A processing device may receive a user input to receive the media assets in a second schedule different from the first schedule. When a request to access the content source is received, the processing device may automatically determine, based on the second schedule, whether the user has requested a different media asset than the originally-scheduled asset at the time of the request. If the user has requested a different media asset, the processing device may automatically receive and provide the different media asset instead of the originally-scheduled asset.

Abstract: Multiphase adaptive bitrate streaming systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. One embodiment of the invention includes a processor configured to request portions of files. In addition, the processor streams encoded media in a first operational phase utilizing a first set of stream switching conditions. When at least one phase transition criterion is satisfied, the client application configures the processor to transition to a second operational phase utilizing a second set of stream switching conditions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing smooth visual search of media encoded for adaptive bitrate streaming using trick play streams are disclosed. One embodiment of the invention includes requesting and buffering portions of video from at least one of the alternative streams using a playback device, decoding the buffered portions of video using a decoder on the playback device, receiving at least one user instruction directing the playback device to perform a visual search of the media, requesting and buffering potions of video from the trick play stream using the playback device, and decoding the buffered portions of the trick play stream using a decoder on the playback device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for adaptive bitrate streaming of alternative streams of video encoded at resolution and sample aspect ratio combinations and maximum bitrates in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, a source encoder configured to encode a source video stream as a plurality of alternative streams of video for playback on a playback device includes a processor configured to receive multimedia content including source video data having a primary resolution, a primary sample aspect ratio, and a primary frame rate and to encode the source video data as alternative streams of video, where the resolution and sample aspect ratio of at least one of the alternative streams of video are selected to have an aspect ratio that is the same as a predetermined display aspect ratio and at least one of the alternative streams is encoded at a maximum bitrate.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining available bandwidth and performing initial stream selection when commencing adaptive bitrate streaming using Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. One embodiment of the invention includes measuring network bandwidth using a playback device, determining an initial network bandwidth estimate using the network bandwidth measurements, selecting an initial stream from said plurality of streams of encoded media that are encoded at different maximum bitrates rates using the playback device based upon the maximum bitrates of the plurality of streams and the initial bandwidth estimate; and commencing streaming of encoded media by requesting portions of the encoded media from the initial streams using the playback device.