Abstract: A method for allocating content requests to a server pool includes directing a stream requesting a novel title to one of a least-busy server in a server pool and a least-miss-traffic server in the server pool; setting the server to which the novel title was directed to the requested title's preferred server; directing a stream requesting a familiar title to the title's preferred server; and directing a stream requesting a crowded title to one of a least-busy server and the least-miss-traffic server.

Abstract: “A method of selecting a stream server to which to direct a content title includes (a) comparing a top-tier cache ease of entry for each of multiple of stream servers, (b) if one of the stream servers has a more favorable top-tier cache ease of entry than each of the other stream servers, selecting the one stream server with the more favorable top-tier cache ease of entry to which to direct the title, (c) if the top-tier cache ease of entry for all of the stream servers is equal, comparing a next-lower-tier cache ease of entry for each of the plurality of stream servers, and (d) if one of the plurality of stream servers has a more favorable next-lower-tier cache ease of entry than each of the other stream servers, selecting the one stream server with the more favorable next-lower-tier cache ease of entry to which to direct the title.

Abstract: A method for allocating content requests to a server pool includes directing a stream requesting a novel title to one of a least-busy server in a server pool and a least-miss-traffic server in the server pool; setting the server to which the novel title was directed to the requested title's preferred server; directing a stream requesting a familiar title to the title's preferred server; and directing a stream requesting a crowded title to one of a least-busy server and the least-miss-traffic server.

Abstract: A method for providing text-to-speech instant messaging is provided. The method includes receiving a convertible instant message from a sender using a text communication device for a recipient using a speech communication device. The convertible instant message is converted from text to speech by a text-to-speech converter in a media application server. The media application server provides the converted instant message, along with response options, to the recipient. The recipient selects one of the response options, and the media application server sends a response message to the sender that includes the response option selected by the recipient.