Abstract: A distributed and scalable content streaming architecture includes a plurality of controllers and a plurality of servers. The controllers are operable to establish Real-Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP) sessions with individual devices. A controller selects a server to provide a requested media stream to a device. The server may be selected based on its proximity to the device, bandwidth availability, or latency characteristics. The server transmits the media stream using a Real-Time Transport Protocol (RTP) and/or a Real-Time Control Protocol (RTCP). A controller can manage a number of sessions many times greater than the number of streams a server can provide, so a controller typically has access to multiple servers. Additional servers can be added to a system without disrupting system operation.

Abstract: Mechanisms are provided to detect device client capabilities associated with screen size, video and audio codec support, bandwidth limitations, and memory limitations. A content server can intelligently select a media stream for transmission to the device using the client capability information for the device. In some instances, the content server presents prioritized selections to a user and the user can choose the optimal media stream.

Abstract: Data is embedded onto new or existing media metadata tracks during playback of a media stream. A content server provides a media stream to a mobile device. Data associated with the playback of the media stream on the mobile device is obtained by the content server and saved to the media stream itself. Data may include playback statistics, viewing characteristics, channel changes, comment logs, etc. The information can be stored in a time-correlated manner to allow extraction and analysis of data.

Abstract: Mechanisms are provided to detect device client capabilities associated with screen size, video and audio codec support, bandwidth limitations, and memory limitations. A content server can intelligently select a media stream for transmission to the device using the client capability information for the device. In some instances, the content server presents prioritized selections to a user and the user can choose the optimal media stream.

Abstract: A distributed and scalable content streaming architecture includes a plurality of controllers and a plurality of servers. The controllers are operable to establish Real-Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP) sessions with individual devices. A controller selects a server to provide a requested media stream to a device. The server may be selected based on its proximity to the device, bandwidth availability, or latency characteristics. The server transmits the media stream using a Real-Time Transport Protocol (RTP) and/or a Real-Time Control Protocol (RTCP). A controller can manage a number of sessions many times greater than the number of streams a server can provide, so a controller typically has access to multiple servers. Additional servers can be added to a system without disrupting system operation.