Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems of parallel encoding and publishing media content in a plurality of encoded formats. One exemplary embodiment includes the steps of receiving at least a first portion of a first content stream; communicating the first portion of the stream to a plurality of encoders including a first through Nth encoder, operating said first through Nth encoders in parallel to perform different encoding operations in real time to generate first through Nth encoded versions of said first portion of content; monitoring the encoding status of each of the first through Nth encoders; determining when at least the first through Nth encoders are done processing the first portion of the stream, and publishing, in response to determining that the first through Nth encoders are done processing the first portion of the stream, at the same time, the successfully encoded versions of the first portion of the stream.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for content delivery and managing and conserving network bandwidth in a content delivery system are described. In accordance with one aspect of some embodiments, when the number content playback devices, e.g., IP set top boxes, iPADs, etc., in a region or service group receiving the same program content via individual unicast streams over a first network, e.g., cable network, exceeds a threshold number large, the IP capable playback devices are instructed to switch to receive the same programming content from a local device, e.g., a gateway device, via a home network. The local device receives the programming content via the cable network over a broadcast or SDV or VOD channel established by the cable service provider's headend/hubsite.

Abstract: A video distribution network includes a distribution plant and a first bulk encryption device connected to the distribution plant, wherein the bulk encryption device outputs a first encrypted video service stream to the distribution plant via an internet protocol (IP) interface.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for synchronizing devices corresponding to a customer are described. A plurality of devices are associated with a customer record. The customer indicates which one or ones of the devices are to be synchronized from a content playback perspective. Content delivery delays based on a time stamp included in content sent to the devices to be synchronized is determined by the devices and reported to a control device. Transmission of on-demand content is adjusted on a per device basis, e.g., delayed or advanced, to achieve synchronized delivery. For content transmitted according to a schedule, a delay may be communicated to the playback device and the device delays output of received content to synchronize output with other devices. Customer premise records include a list of devices to be synchronized along with transmission and/or output timing adjustment information on a per device basis.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for synchronizing devices corresponding to a customer are described. A plurality of devices are associated with a customer record. The customer indicates which one or ones of the devices are to be synchronized from a content playback perspective. Content delivery delays based on a time stamp included in content sent to the devices to be synchronized is determined by the devices and reported to a control device. Transmission of on-demand content is adjusted on a per device basis, e.g., delayed or advanced, to achieve synchronized delivery. For content transmitted according to a schedule, a delay may be communicated to the playback device and the device delays output of received content to synchronize output with other devices. Customer premise records include a list of devices to be synchronized along with transmission and/or output timing adjustment information on a per device basis.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for content delivery and managing and conserving network bandwidth in a content delivery system are described. In accordance with one aspect of some embodiments, when the number content playback devices, e.g., IP set top boxes, iPADs, etc., in a region or service group receiving the same program content via individual unicast streams over a first network, e.g., cable network, exceeds a threshold number large, the IP capable playback devices are instructed to switch to receive the same programming content from a local device, e.g., a gateway device, via a home network. The local device receives the programming content via the cable network over a broadcast or SDV or VOD channel established by the cable service provider's headend/hubsite.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for improving channel browsing experience for users by presenting an automatically appearing and automatically scrolling program guide are described. The methods and apparatus are well suited for use with remote control devices with limited numbers of input buttons, e.g., under five buttons, but can be used with remote controls with more buttons. The program guide can be used to allow access to a grid guide to users of hospital remotes or other remotes with limited input keys, e.g., an up down arrow and/or a power button. The method in some embodiments uses time spent on a channel in combination with user selection of an input key to determine an action to be taken, e.g., enter or display the program grid guide and/or select a channel and/or corresponding program being displayed in the grid guide.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems of parallel encoding and publishing media content in a plurality of encoded formats. One exemplary embodiment includes the steps of receiving at least a first portion of a first content stream; communicating the first portion of the stream to a plurality of encoders including a first through Nth encoder, operating said first through Nth encoders in parallel to perform different encoding operations in real time to generate first through Nth encoded versions of said first portion of content; monitoring the encoding status of each of the first through Nth encoders; determining when at least the first through Nth encoders are done processing the first portion of the stream, and publishing, in response to determining that the first through Nth encoders are done processing the first portion of the stream, at the same time, the successfully encoded versions of the first portion of the stream.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for content delivery and managing and conserving network bandwidth in a content delivery system are described. In accordance with one aspect of some embodiments, when the number content playback devices, e.g., IP set top boxes, iPADs, etc., in a region or service group receiving the same program content via individual unicast streams over a first network, e.g., cable network, exceeds a threshold number large, the IP capable playback devices are instructed to switch to receive the same programming content from a local device, e.g., a gateway device, via a home network. The local device receives the programming content via the cable network over a broadcast or SDV or VOD channel established by the cable service provider's headend/hubsite.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing delivery of content to client devices of a network via both multicast and unicast mechanisms. In one embodiment, a system for use in a managed content delivery network is described to bridge multicast to unicast, so that the total network bandwidth consumption is significantly lower than a corresponding unicast-only delivery solution, yet which still provides improved quality of service and user viewing experience as compared to a multicast-only delivery solution. In addition, various exemplary aspects of the present disclosure are readily adapted for real-time multicast to unicast streaming of audio and data to, among other things, minimize network bandwidth usage, while maintaining the guaranteed delivery of unicast streams with little or no modification to the existing client device logic.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for improving channel browsing experience for users by presenting an automatically appearing and automatically scrolling program guide are described. The methods and apparatus are well suited for use with remote control devices with limited numbers of input buttons, e.g., under five buttons, but can be used with remote controls with more buttons. The program guide can be used to allow access to a grid guide to users of hospital remotes or other remotes with limited input keys, e.g., an up down arrow and/or a power button. The method in some embodiments uses time spent on a channel in combination with user selection of an input key to determine an action to be taken, e.g., enter or display the program grid guide and/or select a channel and/or corresponding program being displayed in the grid guide.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for synchronizing devices corresponding to a customer are described. A plurality of devices are associated with a customer record. The customer indicates which one or ones of the devices are to be synchronized from a content playback perspective. Content delivery delays based on a time stamp included in content sent to the devices to be synchronized is determined by the devices and reported to a control device. Transmission of on-demand content is adjusted on a per device basis, e.g., delayed or advanced, to achieve synchronized delivery. For content transmitted according to a schedule, a delay may be communicated to the playback device and the device delays output of received content to synchronize output with other devices. Customer premise records include a list of devices to be synchronized along with transmission and/or output timing adjustment information on a per device basis.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing delivery of content to client devices of a network via both multicast and unicast mechanisms. In one embodiment, a system for use in a managed content delivery network is described to bridge multicast to unicast, so that the total network bandwidth consumption is significantly lower than a corresponding unicast-only delivery solution, yet which still provides improved quality of service and user viewing experience as compared to a multicast-only delivery solution. In addition, various exemplary aspects of the present disclosure are readily adapted for real-time multicast to unicast streaming of audio and data to, among other things, minimize network bandwidth usage, while maintaining the guaranteed delivery of unicast streams with little or no modification to the existing client device logic.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for managing the quality of experience of delivery of content to end-point or user devices. In one embodiment, metrics data pertaining to network conditions being experience by consumer devices attached to a managed network are monitored by a network entity. The monitored metrics are analyzed to determine if a consumer device is experiencing poor network conditions, such as network congestion. Consumer devices that are identified as experiencing poor network conditions are reported to a content delivery network (CDN) entity responsible for providing IP-based content. The CDN entity adjusts content delivery files used by the consumer devices to request particular IP-based content to guide the consumer device to select a version of the content suitable for delivery over consumer device's existing network condition.

Abstract: A content management resource transmits a received digital data stream in a respective network data channel to one or more subscribers. The content management resource receives an emergency notification control signal, which indicates occurrence of an emergency message. In response to receiving the emergency notification control signal, the content management resource transmits the emergency message in the digital data channel to the one or more subscribers in lieu of transmitting the received digital data stream of content in the data channel to the one or more subscriber. Thus, a subscriber can tune to a particular channel to play back selected content and be apprised, via receipt of the message over the particular channel, of a corresponding condition such as an emergency.

Abstract: A content management resource transmits a received digital data stream in a respective network data channel to one or more subscribers. The content management resource receives an emergency notification control signal, which indicates occurrence of an emergency message. In response to receiving the emergency notification control signal, the content management resource transmits the emergency message in the digital data channel to the one or more subscribers in lieu of transmitting the received digital data stream of content in the data channel to the one or more subscriber. Thus, a subscriber can tune to a particular channel to play back selected content and be apprised, via receipt of the message over the particular channel, of a corresponding condition such as an emergency.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for improving channel browsing experience for users by presenting an automatically appearing and automatically scrolling program guide are described. The methods and apparatus are well suited for use with remote control devices with limited numbers of input buttons, e.g., under five buttons, but can be used with remote controls with more buttons. The program guide can be used to allow access to a grid guide to users of hospital remotes or other remotes with limited input keys, e.g., an up down arrow and/or a power button. The method in some embodiments uses time spent on a channel in combination with user selection of an input key to determine an action to be taken, e.g., enter or display the program grid guide and/or select a channel and/or corresponding program being displayed in the grid guide.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing a supervisor such as a parent or guardian with a way to monitor and control the delivery of content, e.g., video and audio programs, to users of devices within a home. Exemplary embodiments include methods and apparatus for operating a home network monitoring device located in a home including detecting delivery of content to one or more users in the home, storing, in the home, portions of content delivered to a first user, presenting some of the stored portions of content to a person responsible for setting content restrictions applicable to the first user, and subjecting further content delivery to the first user via the home network to restrictions established by the person responsible for setting content restrictions applicable to the first user. Some embodiments also detect and report potential attacks, e.g., cyber attacks, on the home network.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing a supervisor such as a parent or guardian with a way to monitor and control the delivery of content, e.g., video and audio programs, to users of devices within a home. Exemplary embodiments include methods and apparatus for operating a home network monitoring device located in a home including detecting delivery of content to one or more users in the home, storing, in the home, portions of content delivered to a first user, presenting some of the stored portions of content to a person responsible for setting content restrictions applicable to the first user, and subjecting further content delivery to the first user via the home network to restrictions established by the person responsible for setting content restrictions applicable to the first user. Some embodiments also detect and report potential attacks, e.g., cyber attacks, on the home network.

Abstract: A video distribution network includes a distribution plant and a first bulk encryption device connected to the distribution plant, wherein the bulk encryption device outputs a first encrypted video service stream to the distribution plant via an internet protocol (IP) interface.