Abstract: A method for recovering failed chunks, the method may include (i) obtaining a failure indication about a failure of a first number (X1) of failed chunks; wherein the chunks were stored in a group of disks, the group of disks is configured to store a second number (?) stripes of multiple (N) chunks, wherein each stripe comprises a first plurality (K) of data chunks and a second plurality (R) of parity chunks; wherein R exceeds ( X ? 1 ? ) ; and (ii) performing at least one recovery iteration until fulfilling a stop condition. Each recovery iteration of the at least one recovery iteration may include (a.i) selecting valid chunks to provide selected valid chunks, wherein a number of selected chunks is smaller than a product of a multiplication of R by ?; (a.ii) retrieving valid data chunks that are relevant to the selected valid chunks; and (a.iii) attempting to reconstruct the failed chunks based on the retrieved chunks.

Abstract: Some aspects may include determining whether to allow a skip over a portion of required content based on the amount of time elapsed since a portion of required content was played. The amount of time elapsed since a portion of required content was played may be measured based on the sum time of content played, or may be based on the amount of wall time elapsed. The determination of whether to allow a skip over a portion of required content may be made based on comparing the amount of time elapsed since a portion of required content was played to a threshold amount of time. Some aspects may allow free navigation within content if the amount of time elapsed is less than the threshold, and may restrict navigation or require playback of required content if the amount of time elapsed is greater than the threshold.

Abstract: In general, embodiments of the present invention provide systems, methods and computer readable media for a defining and executing state machines that act based on messages received on a message queue.

Abstract: Methods and systems may provide media content via retail display devices and/or portable electronic devices to assist consumers in retail environments. Potentially relevant media content may be intelligently obtained, stored, and/or distributed based on a number of considerations to ensure that relevant content will be available for a variety of consumers having a variety of retail needs. Through specific techniques described herein, the methods and systems herein may overcome technological and logistical challenges associated with distributing content among computing devices that are often limited in computing capabilities. Furthermore, the methods and system herein may provide media content in a manner that promotes authors who create and share media content via social media services.

Abstract: A method, computer system, and a computer program product for media consumption gap filling are provided. Notification that a first user has selected a first broadcast channel to view while the first broadcast channel is showing a first program may be received. A desired program scheduled to be presented via the first broadcast channel at a time after an end of the first program may be determined. A first duration may be calculated that starts at a current time and ends at a scheduled time of commencement of the desired program. First gap-filling content that has a duration sufficient to fill the first duration may be identified. The first gap-filling content may be from a first personalized media corpus associated with the first user. The first gap-filling content may be presented.

Abstract: A communication control device that includes a synchronization detection unit that detects a synchronization timing from a synchronization signal and a transmission control unit that causes a communication unit to transmit a control signal., for changing a communication route of data to which a flag specified on the basis of the synchronization signal, to a network switch that performs relay between a reception device and a plurality of transmission devices that transmits the data to which the flag is added while changing the flag at the synchronization timing.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention may be found in a system and/or method for zero overhead parallel entropy decoding. Exemplary aspects of the invention may comprise a decoder that comprises a demultiplexer. An encoded bit stream may be demultiplexed into a plurality of sub-streams. The encoded bit stream may be constructed without adding one or more bits to the encoded bit stream to facilitate the demultiplexing. Exemplary aspects of the invention may also comprise an encoder that comprises a multiplexer. Each of a plurality of encoded sub-streams may be multiplexed into an encoded bit stream. The encoded bit stream may be constructed without adding one or more bits to the encoded bit stream to indicate the multiplexing.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus is provided that comprises an input configured to receive an image and a Laplacian generator configured to generate, from the image, a Laplacian pyramid that represents the image as a series of frames that contain different frequency components of the image. The image processing apparatus also comprises a compressor configured to compress the Laplacian pyramid for writing to memory.

Abstract: A partial order procedure planning device 10 is provided with: a first generation unit 11 which generates a first condition of a removable order relationship under a predetermined restriction among order relationships between operations in a serial procedure in which a plurality of operations, which transit the state of a state element from an initial state to a target state, are arranged in series; a second generation unit 12 which generates a second condition of an order relationship, which is required to satisfy a transient requirement that is required to satisfy the state element while a state among the order relationships is transitioned from the initial state to the target state; and a determination unit 13 which determines, as the order relationship to be deleted from the serial procedure, an order relationship which satisfies the generated first condition, but does not satisfy the generated second condition.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for alerting users to media events of interest using social media analysis are provided herein. A computer-implemented method includes collecting user media preferences indicating events of interest to a given user; buffering at least a portion of media content associated with the collected user media preferences of the given user; monitoring social media for one or more events of interest to the given user based on the collected user media preferences of the given user; identifying at least one event that satisfies one or more predefined interest criteria for the given user based on the monitored social media contributions of other parties and the collected user media preferences of the given user; and notifying the given user of the at least one event of interest.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method and apparatus for publishing information and a method and apparatus for processing information are provided. An embodiment of the method for publishing information can comprise: receiving a request for publishing a video playing application, the request for publishing including configuration information of the video playing application; applying a preset video interactive template to the video playing application, the video interactive template including a processing logic relating to a video; and publishing, based on the configuration information, the video playing application applied with the video interactive template. According to some embodiments, by applying the preset video interactive template, a developer may complete the development and the publishing of the video playing application without paying attention to the processing logic of the video, thereby effectively reducing the development costs.

Abstract: Content intended for delivery to one or more consuming users may be recorded by a content distribution system. The recording or archival of the content may allow users to retrieve the content at a later time without providing specific instructions to record the content. Storage of the content may include retrieving programming information describing the content and storing the information in association with the content. In one or more arrangements, descriptive data for content may be generated based on user feedback. Additionally or alternatively, content storage may include fragmentation of the content into a number of segments or segments of a specified size. Content may further be paused and resumed between multiple devices, taking into account the capabilities and compatibilities of the devices and a network through which the content is to be delivered.

Abstract: The scheduling device divides the execution duration into a plurality of unit periods. The scheduling device then allocates each of the plurality of physical machines to a physical machine group that may execute, while satisfying the constraint conditions, migration of the virtual machine operating on the allocated physical machine and maintenance work on the allocated physical machine within one or more unit periods of the plurality of unit periods. Thereafter, for each of the plurality of physical machine groups, the scheduling device creates individual schedule information indicating a work execution duration of migration of the virtual machine operating on the allocated physical machine and that of maintenance work on the allocated physical machine within one or more unit periods of the plurality of unit periods, and outputs overall schedule information obtained by integrating the individual schedule information on each of the plurality of physical machine groups.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable media can receive, from a client computing device, a request for a first portion of a content item. The first portion of the content item is determined based on a likelihood of consumption value associated with the content item. The first portion of the content item is transmitted to the client computing device. The first portion of the content item is prefetched by the client computing device.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for managing shipped physical objects. The methods and systems comprise receiving data associated with a journey of the shipped object and determining, using a processor, alert conditions based on the received data. Alert conditions are representative of risk of damage, loss, or delay associated with the shipped object. In addition, the methods and systems comprise transmitting one or more alternative options for mitigating the alert condition to a user, receiving a selection of one of the alternative options, and modifying the journey based on the received selection.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements in a client node and a server node support a decision on decoding and playout of a certain content in the client node. The methods and arrangements relate to the determining, conveying and obtaining of information related to the characteristics (level) required for decoding and playing out the certain media content at a non-regular playout rate. The method and arrangement in the client node further relate to determining, based on the obtained information, which playout rate(s) is/are supported by the client node in regard of level. The methods and arrangements enable the client node to refrain from attempting to decode and play out of the content at a non-regular rate requiring a level which is not supported by the client node.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an audio playing method and device. The method may include the following. When a loading speed of a present audio file containing target audio content is changed during the present audio file is played, a target definition for playing the target audio content is determined. It is determined whether to report an audio file acquisition request to a server based on a preset strategy. When it is determined to report the audio file acquisition request to the server, the audio file acquisition request is reported to the server. The audio file acquisition request may include the target definition and an identifier of a target audio file containing the target audio content. An audio playing instruction sent by the server is acquired. The audio playing instruction may include the target audio file corresponding to the identifier and the target definition. The target audio file is played.

Abstract: An input output (IO) bandwidth control method, an IO access request processing method, an apparatus, and a system relate to the field of storage technologies, where the IO bandwidth control method, executed by a name node, includes determining an IO bandwidth of each data node in at least one data node and an IO bandwidth of a first tenant, and instructing the at least one data node to allocate the at least one IO bandwidth to the first tenant based on the IO bandwidth of each data node and the IO bandwidth of the first tenant, where the at least one IO bandwidth is in a one-to-one correspondence with the at least one data node, and each IO bandwidth in the at least one IO bandwidth is greater than 0 and is less than or equal to an IO bandwidth of a corresponding data node.

Abstract: According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, a computer-implemented method includes detecting an abnormal event in operation of a first partition from a plurality of partitions of a computer server, the first partition being associated with a set of processors of the computer server and with a set of computing resources of the computer server. The method further includes in response, determining the set of processors associated with the first partition. The method further includes adjusting one or more settings of the set of processors to increase the set of computing resources associated with the first partition to complete the abnormal event.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing an alternate content delivery mechanism available to content-based network users. In one embodiment, the network comprises a cable television network, and subscribers are able to retrieve requested content from one or more other subscriber's storage medium and without going outside the cable network (or accessing the network core in any significant capacity) using a peer-to-peer (P2P) network protocol. Using this approach, bandwidth consumption is advantageously pushed out to the edge of the network from the core, also obviating content requests outside the network (e.g., to third-party servers on the Internet). Methods of operating the aforementioned P2P network, and various business paradigms relating thereto, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A mobile system that resolve the communication and engagement challenge that companies face on a daily basis including a mobile video app that compliments existing employee communication of large multinational companies to provide immediate and direct communication to employees in several languages. The system includes a local server that communicates with a mainframe during off peak band width periods and distributing the content locally through a private WiFi network. The system may also be configured as a plug in to a software based inventory system utilizing bar codes that may be scanned to provide video content regarding a particular product.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a power management system includes a detection unit configured to detect a power interruption to a power supply. The system further includes a communication interface configured to, in response to the detected power interruption, provide a message regarding the detected power interruption. In response to the detected power interruption, a computer network switch provides notifications to a plurality of servers connected to the switch to allow the plurality of servers to prepare for a loss in power.

Abstract: A localized peer-to-peer (P2P) network of device for streaming content between users. Devices, such as set top boxes, in a network are configured to communicate with each other, and stream content physically located on each set top box to another set top box. Shows that the user has missed a portion of may be watched from the beginning by transferring such content from other devices within the network. Essentially, any one STB becomes part of a collective community of STBs which share and make each other's content available. The P2P STB network according to embodiments described herein also lessens the load on the centrally located video-on-demand servers by allowing users to watch content being delivered from a neighbor's DVR versus from the central source.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and storage medium associated with content consumption are disclosed herein. In embodiments, an apparatus may include a decoder, a user interface engine, and a presentation engine. The decoder may be configured to receive and decode a streaming of the content. The user interface engine may be configured to receive user commands. The presentation engine may be configured to present the content as the content is decoded from the stream, in response to received user commands. Further, the decoder, the user interface engine, the presentation engine, and/or combination/sub-combination thereof, may be arranged to adapt the presentation to enhance user experience during response to a skip back command, where the adaption is in addition to a nominal response to the skip back command, e.g., display of closed captions. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.

Abstract: Concepts and technologies are disclosed herein for providing streaming video from mobile computing nodes. A request for streaming video captured by a mobile computing node can be received at a computer including a processor that executes a controller. The request can include a parameter associated with the streaming video. The computer can initiate transmission of an inquiry message to two or more mobile computing nodes and receive inquiry message responses from the mobile computing nodes that include the mobile computing node. The inquiry message responses can indicate that the mobile computing nodes can satisfy the parameter. The computer can create a list of the mobile computing nodes that can satisfy the parameter and provide the list to the requestor. The computer can receive a selection of the mobile computing node, and initiate delivery of a video stream to the requestor.

Abstract: This invention concerns the transmitting and receiving of digital media packets, such as audio and video channels and lighting instructions. The network (104) is comprised of at least a transmitter device (110) and a receiving device (112). The controllers (122) and (126) of these devices handle the exchanging of configuration messages between the devices (110) and (112). Using the invention, the user is not required to manually configure the processor to receive media packet streams. Instead, a controller (126) of a receiving device (112) operates to receive information on a user selection of media channels and automatically configure the processor of the transmitter device. Further, the receiving device (112) is able to receive media channels using both unicast and multicast protocols. Media channels can be given textual labels which are unique on the unique (104) and easily identify to the user the actual source of the media channel.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method comprising obtaining channel change data for a media processor coupled to a gateway; the channel change data relates to channel changes requested during recurring time periods. A channel viewing profile is determined for the media processor, and a channel viewing map is generated corresponding to a portion of the channel viewing profile for one of the time periods; the channel viewing map comprises a list of predicted channels likely to be requested during a recurrence of the time period. Signals are provided to the media processor corresponding to the predicted channels, each of the predicted channels thereby being available for an instant channel change responsive to a channel change request. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: The methods described herein are configured to correlate frames of a video stream to a system clock. A correlator application receives a frame of a video stream from a capture device via a bus interface, the frame including start frame and end frame timestamps based on a device clock of the capture device. A second start frame timestamp and second end frame timestamp are predicted based on previously received frames and a system clock. A skew value of the frame is calculated based on differences between the start frame timestamps and the end frame timestamps. Upon the calculated skew value exceeding a skew threshold, the frame is corrected to correlate to the predicted start frame and end frame timestamps. The corrected frame is then provided for display. Correcting timestamps of video stream frames in the described manner reduces jitter and enables accurate synchronization of multiple video streams.

Abstract: A distribution system and reception apparatus, and methods thereof, are provided for broadcasting and receiving a plurality of first services from a plurality of different broadcast providers, which broadcast a plurality of second services over a plurality of different broadcast channels, on a transition broadcast channel that is different from the plurality of different broadcast channels. The system includes at least one receiver and a transmitter. The at least one receiver is configured to receive the plurality of first services from the plurality of different broadcast providers. The transmitter is configured to broadcast the plurality of first services over the transition broadcast channel.

Abstract: A network node includes a processor programmed to parse at least a portion of an input block having a plurality of segments, determine whether at least one of the plurality of segments matches a segment stored in a history buffer, and predict a compressibility of the input block based at least in part on whether at least one of the plurality of segments matches a segment stored in the history buffer.

Abstract: In various embodiments, an encoding optimization application encodes a source video sequence. The encoding optimization application partitions a source video sequence associated with a media title into multiple subsequences that include a first subsequence and a second subsequence. Subsequently, the encoding optimization application generates a first encoded subsequence based on the first subsequence and a first value of an encoding parameter. The encoding optimization application generates a second encoded subsequence based on the second subsequence and a second value for the encoding parameter. Notably, the second value of the encoding parameter is not equal to the first value of the encoding parameter. The encoding optimization application then aggregates the first encoded subsequence and the second encoded subsequence to generate an encoded video sequence. At least a portion of the encoded video sequence is subsequently streamed to an endpoint device during a playback of the media title.

Abstract: A communication apparatus configured to transmit data to an apparatus, the communication apparatus including: a storage medium configured to store management information of data to be transferred to the apparatus; a communicator configured to communicate data with the apparatus; a detector configured to detect whether the communication apparatus and the apparatus are connected; an editor configured to select certain data to be transferred and to edit the management information based on the selection without regard to the connection of the communication apparatus and the apparatus; and a controller configured to control transfer of the selected data stored in the communication apparatus to the apparatus via the communicator based on the management information edited by the editor when the detector detects that the communication apparatus and the apparatus are connected, wherein the controller is configured to compare the management information edited by the editor with management information of data stored in

Abstract: A system for multimedia redirection where a virtual desktop client device can utilize the multimedia accessories such as digital camera(s) and/or microphone(s) of nearby mobile devices by utilizing image scanning techniques. The mobile device contains a web browser and image scanning technology, such as a QR code reader. The mobile device scans a QR code displayed by the virtual desktop client device and establishes a connection with a web server on the virtual desktop client device. The multimedia stream captured by the multimedia accessories of the mobile device is streamed to the virtual desktop client device using the connection and is redirected by the virtual desktop client device to the virtual desktop. The virtual desktop client device may also redirect multimedia, such as an audio-out stream received from the virtual desktop, to the mobile device in order to playback audio using the speaker of the mobile device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing access to various resolutions of a video. In one instance, a selection is received of a video resolution from a plurality of video resolutions, wherein the plurality of video resolutions are associated with the video. A determination is then made as to whether to authorize access to the selected video resolution based on a digital right associated with the video resolution. Depending on the determination, the video is displayed at the selected video resolution. In addition, the video may include one or more video layers, and each video layer may correspond to a particular video resolution. Further still, one or more of the video layers may be encrypted and protected by a digital right. Moreover, the encryption technique used to encrypt the video layers of the video may be different for each of the video layers.

Abstract: A system for multimedia redirection where a virtual desktop client device can utilize the multimedia accessories such as digital camera(s) and/or microphone(s) of nearby mobile devices by utilizing image scanning techniques. The mobile device contains a web browser and image scanning technology, such as a QR code reader. The mobile device scans a QR code displayed by the virtual desktop client device and establishes a connection with a web server on the virtual desktop client device. The multimedia stream captured by the multimedia accessories of the mobile device is streamed to the virtual desktop client device using the connection and is redirected by the virtual desktop client device to the virtual desktop. The virtual desktop client device may also redirect multimedia, such as an audio-out stream received from the virtual desktop, to the mobile device in order to playback audio using the speaker of the mobile device.

Abstract: A method and system for switching media streams of a video. A first media stream of the video is played in a SHOW mode in a client system as the first media stream is received. Aa switch is made from playing the first media stream to playing a second media stream of the video in the SHOW mode as the second media stream is being received. The switch preserves video content continuity of the video and includes pausing play of the first media stream. A pausing rank is associated with each timecode in the first and second media streams. The pausing occurs at a timecode in the first media stream at which the associated pausing rank is not less than a predesignated threshold.

Abstract: In accordance with one implementation, a method for mitigating cache transfer time entails reading data into memory from at least two consecutive elliptical data tracks in a main store region of data storage and writing the data read from the at least two consecutive elliptical data tracks to a spiral data track within a cache storage region.

Abstract: The size of a source application is reduced by compressing a plurality of invoked files, such as SO files, in the source application with a compression algorithm that has a higher compression rate compared to a default compression rate. A decompression file that corresponds with the compression algorithm is inserted into a plurality of invoking files in the source application so that the source application itself can decompress the invoked files that were compressed with the compression algorithm.

Abstract: This system provides wired and/or wireless access throughout a multimedia network built on a distributed architecture which can be transparent to the user. This multimedia network includes content which is imported or generated within the network. The system allows for the content provider to determine the license status of content and update the license status of content which was previously provided by that provider. The external content can be accessed in real time or downloaded and stored within the system for later access at the convenience of the user. The usage of some content is controlled by the use of encryption and other protection methods. The system allows for storage of live video by storing the digitized video and allowing the user to control how, when and where the content is viewed. The system makes available multiple multimedia services to all users in the network or connected via the internet.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for obtaining a multimedia session are provided. The method includes transmitting a first request to a network entity to receive information on a content view of a second client device, transmitting a second request to the network entity to invite the second client device to join an existing multimedia session comprising the client device, and synchronizing the content view of the second client device with a content view of the existing multimedia session by using the assistance of the media managing server.

Abstract: Innovations for category-prefixed data batching (“CPDB”) of entropy-coded data or other payload data for coded media data, as well as innovations for corresponding recovery of the entropy-coded data (or other payload data) formatted with CPDB. The CPDB can be used in conjunction with coding/decoding for video content, image content, audio content or another type of content. For example, after receiving coded media data in multiple categories from encoding units, a formatting tool formats payload data with CPDB, generating a batch prefix for a batch of the CPDB-formatted payload data. The batch prefix includes a category identifier and a data quantity indicator. The formatting tool outputs the CPDB-formatted payload data to a bitstream. At the decoder side, a formatting tool receives the CPDB-formatted payload data in a bitstream, recovers the payload data from the CPDB-formatted payload data, and outputs the payload data (e.g., to decoding units).

Abstract: A video optimizer receives a request to optimize a source file and stream the optimized file. The request may be accompanied by a key uniquely identifying the original source file to be optimized and an optimized version of the source file to stream to the client. The key uniquely identifies the source video file as it exists on an origin server to prevent transmission of modified source video and the optimized version of the source file by optimization parameters to ensure compatibility with the user device. The video optimizer queries a cache database in response to the received request, which contains references keys and locations of optimized source files among local caches in a cluster of video optimizers. The cache database responds indicates whether a matching optimized version of the source file exists in a local cache of a given video optimizer in the cluster.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus relating to content streaming, e.g., in a home network, in a manner that reduces the chance of streaming of content to a device which is not authorized to receive the content. In an exemplary method of controlling content streaming on a home network in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the method involves receiving at a home network gateway a first video on demand service request message from a first device coupled to the home network, storing a portion of said first video on demand service request message in memory, receiving at said home network gateway a second message, and determining based on a portion of said second message and a portion of said stored first video on demand service request message whether to provide the requested video on demand service.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for enhancing streaming performance through controlled and selectively-applied reductions in the color depth of streamed video content. In various embodiments, the method includes receiving, at a streaming media server, a request transmitted over a communications network to stream video content to a client media receiver. In response to this request, a streaming video session is initiated between the client media receiver and the streaming media server. During the streaming video session, the streaming media server obtains the video content as video input data having an original color depth; generates an encoded video stream from the video input data, while selectively reducing a color depth of the encoded video stream; and transmits the encoded video stream over the communications network to the client media receiver. The streaming media server repeats the steps of generating and transmitting until termination of the streaming video session.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a method includes electronically receiving a media presentation description (MPD) from a network. The MPD describes multimedia content that includes alternative representations of a plurality of media types, and the MPD includes information indicative of how the alternative representations are encoded. The method also includes selecting one of the plurality of alternative representations for at least one of the plurality of media types based on information included in the MPD, requesting the selected one of the plurality of alternative representations piece-by-piece, and electronically receiving a piece of media data.

Abstract: A method, system, computer medium, and other embodiments for integrating unrelated web services with stand-alone media-based devices are provided. Users can access and control the media-based device conveniently with a web-browser through various portals on the Internet. In an embodiment directed to a single web session, users program the media-based device by clicking on one or more hyperlinks or hypertexts in the form of advertisements of upcoming broadcasts. The advertisements may be web-hosted or sponsored by web portals.

Abstract: An interactive television system is provided in which an interactive television application is used to support network-based or local personal video recorder capabilities. A user may use this application to view lists of program listings. The user may select a program listing of interest. The interactive television application may allow the user to set a reminder for the selected program at the scheduled broadcast time. This application may also allow the user to set a reminder for the selected program at a later time at which the program is not scheduled to be broadcast. The user may be provided with a reminder at this later time. In response, the user may direct the network-based or local personal video recorder to play back the program or may defer the reminder again. The interactive television application may collect information on program usage and popularity to determine how long to retain certain programming.

Abstract: Systems and/or methods for use in connection with digital downloading jukeboxes are provided. Such systems and/or methods may be used to provide enhanced communications capabilities, e.g., to registered users of jukeboxes. In certain exemplary embodiments, users may become registered users directly at a jukebox. Registered users also may, in certain exemplary embodiments, receive coupons for free plays, import playlists from hardware devices and/or software applications, receive special pricing when playing certain instances of media, play playlists in whole or in part, create and/or manage playlists directly at a jukebox, establish and manage connections with other registered users, etc. Still further, in certain exemplary embodiments, one or more channels may be predefined and/or set up for a jukebox.

Abstract: Streaming media, such as audio or video files, is sent via the Internet. The media are immediately played on a user's computer. Audio/video data is transmitted from the server under control of a transport mechanism. A server buffer is prefilled with a predetermined amount of the audio/video data. When the transport mechanism causes data to be sent to the user's computer, it is sent more rapidly than it is played out by the user system. The audio/video data in the user buffer accumulates; and interruptions in playback as well as temporary modem delays are avoided.

Abstract: Streaming media, such as audio or video files, is sent via the Internet. The media are immediately played on a user's computer. Audio/video data is transmitted from the server under control of a transport mechanism. A server buffer is prefilled with a predetermined amount of the audio/video data. When the transport mechanism causes data to be sent to the user's computer, it is sent more rapidly than it is played out by the user system. The audio/video data in the user buffer accumulates; and interruptions in playback as well as temporary modem delays are avoided.