Abstract: A video encoder system and method for receiving uncompressed streaming video and outputting a continuous compressed video stream. The system a video encoder to compress the input video stream; and a formatter and indexer to receive the compressed video stream, apply indexing metadata and formatting metadata to the video stream, and output a formatted video stream that is capable of storage and access.

Abstract: A switched, digital high-broadband network provides automated control and in-service and out-of-testing of analog video signals, encoded and decoded real time, into MPEG 2 digitized format with a high level of security and protection of content and without attendant degradation of the analog signal sometimes experienced in satellite transmissions. The switch network, typically an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) network, has multiple gateways for connection to video signal sources and sinks. Each gateway includes an analog/digital video switch for receiving the video signals and distributing them to an MPEG 2 encoder for conversion into digital packets. A multiplexer is coupled to the encoder and a digital switch for inserting the multiplexed signal into the switched ATM network. The multiplexer and the digital switch encode destination address information into the digital packets to ensure proper routing.

Abstract: A fault tolerant multimedia program distribution system includes a number of controllers for transmitting instances of predetermined multimedia program information to a communications network at predetermined times, a storage system for storing the multimedia program information, and a multiple access storage control device which allows multiple access to the storage system by more than one distribution controller at any time.