Abstract: An embodiment of a system and method for providing video on demand provides pre-scheduled multicasts of videos as well as dynamically initiated transmissions of the front portion of videos. Users may first receive a dynamically initiated front portion of a video and then be merged into a pre-scheduled multicast. Preferably, the dynamically initiated transmission is also a multicast. Preferably, multiple admission controllers and a single server coordinate the dynamically initiated transmissions for any one video. Preferably, interactive controls are supported without requiring extra server-side resources. Preferably, latency is automatically equalized between users admitted via the pre-scheduled and the dynamically initiated transmissions. Preferably, a user receiving a video via a pre-scheduled multicast does not need to change channels to finish receiving the video transmitted.

Abstract: A system for providing video-on-demand service, broadband internet access and other broadband services over T-carrier systems including a pull multiplexer cherrypicker at the head end is disclosed. The pull multiplexer receives upstream requests and cull out MPEG or other compressed video packets, IP packets and other data packet types to satisfy the requests or to send pushed programming downstream. The downstream can be DSL or HFC. Each customer has a cable modem, DSL modem or a gateway which interfaces multiple signal sources to a LAN to which settop decoders, digital phones, personal computers, digital FAX machines, video cameras, digital VCRs etc. can be attached. Each gateway can coupled the LAN to a DSL line or HFC through a cable modem or a satellite dish through a satellite transceiver. A PSTN and conventional TV antenna interface is also provided.

Abstract: A system and method that integrates a plurality of media service systems offering different multimedia services such as media storage, syndication, delivery, and billing services. The system and method also provides automated file transcoding. In embodiment, a method of the present invention includes receiving a plurality of physical media files, organizing the plurality of physical media files so that different bit-rates and formats of a single source material are organized into a media database entity, receiving user specified delivery settings for the distribution of the physical media file, generating a release database entity storing the delivery settings of the physical media file, generating an address indicating the storage location of the release, and transmitting the address to a remote computing device.

Abstract: The invention relates to delivering a program to an individual business or residence. In one embodiment, a process for pre-storing a portion of a program distributed on a plurality of distribution conduits and in a linear schedule with staggered start times is described. A first start time of the program is determined for a first distribution conduit, and a second start time of the program is determined for a second distribution conduit. A stagger time between the first start time and the second start time is also determined. A segment of the program equal in length to the stagger time is stored.

Abstract: The client application provides VCR functionality in a data-centered video multicast network (36) through active prefetching of the fragments from broadcast channels. The player (10) has a user interface (12) that supports a plurality of VCR functions (14–26). Plural buffers (32) and their associated loaders (34) download video data under control of a manager module (38). The manager module accesses the playback pointer (40) and employs feasible point calculation module (42) to cause the loaders to selectively download segments so that VCR functions can be supported while maintaining continuous playback after the VCR function is performed.

Abstract: For providing video-on-demand (VOD) a set comprising a plurality of N video programs at staggered time intervals is repeatedly transmitting from a VOD server to a network for access by a view box of an user; responsive to a request for access to a selected program by the user, there is selection of that in-progress transmission of the selected program for which a lead-in portion is shortest and storage of the program in a buffer associated with the view box as it is transmitted. A previously stored beginning portion of the selected program having a time length sufficient to compensate for that time interval is selected, in a memory associated with the view box, and outputting to the view box for display. The in-progress transmission stored in the buffer is continuously spliced to a conclusion of the beginning portion. All different video programs in a same set are transmitted with mutual time shifts equal to a fraction of the staggered interval.

Abstract: A technique for allocating bandwidth in a digital broadband delivery system (DBDS) using a bandwidth allocation manager to dynamically assign a content delivery mode to a plurality of digital transmission channels based on an allocation criteria received from a subscriber is disclosed herein. The bandwidth allocation manager determines a bandwidth allocation schedule for a predetermined bandwidth based on allocation criteria comprising a criteria received from a subscriber. The allocation criteria received from the subscriber may comprise a subscriber reservation request which is processed by the bandwidth allocation manager to determine the bandwidth allocation schedule.

Abstract: A method for further processing data recorded on a computer arranged in a computer network. A quantity of data is recorded on the computer and stored in a memory. A quantity of supplementary data describing a property of the quantity of is generated centrally or peripherally in real time and stored. This quantity of supplementary data is used to specifically access or extract a selected quantity of the quantity of data recorded and stored.

Abstract: Video data is moved thru a video-on-demand system by the following steps: a) segregating, from an operating system program, a hidden section of a random-access semiconductor memory which cannot be paged by the operating system program; b) writing video data into the hidden section of the memory at addresses which are selected by a video server application program; c) sending, from the video server application program to a network interface circuit, messages which identify the selected addresses; and d) issuing read commands, from the network interface circuit with the selected addresses as identified in the messages, which read the video data directly from the hidden section of the memory into the network interface circuit for transmission to a network.

Abstract: Improved approaches for delivering media programs to viewers (e.g., subscribers) are disclosed. The media programs are typically broadcast in accordance with a schedule. The media program can be delivered to viewers through multicast or unicast. According to one aspect, the media programs are buffered (e.g., cached) in a data packet format such that producing unicasts for particular viewers requires less computation and resources such that more concurrent unicasts are able to be effectively supported.

Abstract: A data-providing system comprising a first data-transmitting section (control unit 1), a control section (control unit 3), and a second data-transmitting section (control unit 3). The first data-transmitting section transmits a continuous stream of content data that consists of multimedia content groups, each composed of program data and auxiliary data items. The control section processes data items obtained by dividing each program data, attribute data of the auxiliary data items and user profile data, thereby to automatically assemble new data. The second data-transmitting section changes the order in which to transmit the auxiliary data items inserted in a program, in accordance with the new data assembled by the control section.

Abstract: A method for providing assets includes providing information to a user regarding at least one asset from a pool of assets, where the pool of assets includes a subset of available assets and a subset of unavailable assets, and then receiving a user's request for an asset from the pool of assets to define a requested asset. The method further includes determining whether the requested asset is: (a) within the subset of available assets; or (b) within the subset of unavailable assets. The method further includes, when the requested asset is within the subset of available assets, immediately providing the requested asset to the user. Further, the method includes, when the requested asset is within the subset of unavailable assets, offering to provide the requested asset to the user when a number of requests for the requested asset exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: A method and structure that allows a user who has access to an audio/visual object to cause an interactive control element of an interactive multimedia system to grab and store off for future retrieval the audio/visual object by simply activating a selection mechanism of the interactive multimedia system.

Abstract: A system (100) has a collection of programs on a central storage device (112). The system (100) supplies a particular program to a plurality of client terminals (104, 106) in a near-video-on-demand fashion using a redundant broadcast schedule. The users of the client terminals have a maximum waiting time until the client terminal can present the start of the program. An individual client terminal (104) may offer a shorter maximum waiting time to its user by prerecording a fraction of the program that is broadcast as part of the broadcast schedule.

Abstract: Digital content is extracted from single and multiple-program transport streams for subsequent non-real-time (background) transmission in a bandwidth-efficient manner. At an encoder, several null and/or nonessential (N/N) packets (e.g., packets of unused programs) in a transport stream are replaced by an annotation packet (AP) to obtain non-real-time packets. The non-real time packets are inserted into null packet locations (NU) of a real time transport stream. At a decoder, the annotation packets are used to regenerate a specified number of null packets to maintain the original separation of packets of the non-real time data (for timing purposes), allowing existing hardware and/or software to decode the selected program.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for distributing multi-media data, e.g., video and audio data, corresponding to television programs, movies, local advertising, etc. are described. Video on demand services such as pay-per-view (PPV) services are supported by caching initial portions of PPV programs in user devices such as cable set top boxes and satellite receivers. In response to a request for a PPV movie, the user is immediately presented with the movie by outputting data corresponding to the requested program from the cache. During the presentation of the PPV program to the user, the cached data is supplemented with broadcast data obtained from a time staggered repetitive broadcasting of the requested PPV movie. A variety of regional news programs are also made available to a user of the invention through the use of program segment caching. Regional news program segments are cached prior to presentation time.

Abstract: The invention relates to the transmission of MPEG encoded television signals from a Video-On-Demand server (1) to a receiver (2) via a network (3). Non-linear playback functions such as ‘pause’ and ‘resume’ require a very accurate control of the bit stream, taking account of typical network aspects such as network latency and remultiplexing. In order to allow the receiver to flawlessly resume signal reproduction after a pause, position labels (p; 5,6; 7a,7b,8a,8b) are inserted into the bit stream at positions where the server can resume transmission of the signal after an interruption. Upon a pause request, the decoder initially continues the reproduction until such a position label is detected. The subsequent bits delivered by the network are ignored, i.e. they are thrown away. Upon a request to resume reproduction, the receiver requests the server to retransmit the signal starting at the detected position.

Abstract: A system and method implemented in an interactive television system for scheduling delivery of modules of interactive television applications from a broadcast station to a receiving station. In one embodiment, a list of modules and corresponding start times, end times and durations is provided. Minimum beginning times and maximum beginning times are determined for each of the modules. The modules in the list are prioritized, first according to minimum beginning times and then according to maximum beginning times. A module having the earliest maximum beginning time is selected from those modules for which the minimum beginning time is equal or prior to a current time. A portion of the selected module is scheduled. After a portion of a module is scheduled, the information in the module list is updated, the modules in the list are re-prioritized, and another module is selected for scheduling. This is repeated until all of the modules have been scheduled.

Abstract: A video-on-demand system encodes multiple video streams from media content, such that the video streams have staggered intra-frame intervals. When a client device requests a video stream, the video-on-demand system selects one of the multiple video streams based on the position of the intra-frames, and transmits the selected video stream to the client device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a virtual video on demand services is disclosed. The method and apparatus disclose the storing of a segment of the video program in advance for VOD viewing at a later time. When the subscriber selects VOD service, a pre-stored video segment is retrieved for presentation to the subscriber. Remaining video program segments simultaneously broadcast on a plurality of channels are recorded in parallel while the pre-stored video program segment is retrieved and presented to the user.

Abstract: A method for display of near video on demand programs broadcast over a network system to a receiver operable to record at least one channel. The program includes a plurality of segments broadcast over two or more channels during a plurality of time intervals. The method includes displaying a first segment of the program as it is broadcast at a first time interval and recording a second segment of the program at the first time interval if the second segment is not scheduled for broadcast at a second time interval. The second segment is displayed if broadcast at the second time interval or the recorded second segment is played at the second time interval if not broadcast. The steps of recording and displaying are repeated for remaining segments of the program until the last segment of the program is displayed. A method for scheduling broadcast of near video on demand programs and a system for displaying near video on demand programs are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for providing multimedia presentations on demand in a near on demand environment. The method comprises providing beginning segments for pre-recording by subscribers. Each beginning segment corresponds to ones of a plurality of multimedia presentations and each beginning segment has a duration at least as long as a predetermined time interval. Each one of the plurality of multimedia presentations are transmitted concurrently on a plurality of channels with identical presentations transmitted on different channels with start times of each transmission having a periodic interval not exceeding the predetermined time interval.

Abstract: A random access pointcast video delivery system provides the capability for a viewer to select a video advertisement. The video advertisement is automatically customized responsive to the application of the viewer's video content preferences to a video segment map defining a plurality of video segments. The viewer is compensated for the verified apparent viewing of the selected advertisement independently of the purchase of the advertised product or service. Where the advertisement is associated with a credit, the viewing of the advertisement subsidizes the viewer's receipt of other video and communication services. Where a viewing of a video results in a purchase, a deposit in the purchase is automatically escrowed until after the buyer has received satisfactory delivery of the purchase.

Abstract: A system and methods of providing a globally accessible media exchange, whereby media creators, media rights holders, and agents can offer media and media rights to a world-wide market. Media users and publishers can find and preview the media that they need or want and purchase media ownership or license media rights through the media exchange. The media exchange can store digital graphics, audio, and video. The media exchange can also manage the transfer of media and media rights for physical media. In some embodiments, the media exchange can establish a dynamic fair market value based on matching asking prices and bids. Some embodiments could be limited to a single media type such as just audio media.

Abstract: A broadcast apparatus broadcasts broadcast data. In the broadcast apparatus, an acquiring unit acquires broadcast data and a reproduction time period in which the broadcast data is to be reproduced by a reception apparatus, and a broadcasting unit repeatedly broadcasts the broadcast data from a predetermined time period before a start of the reproduction time period to an end of the reproduction time period.

Abstract: A system and method for Near Video On Demand (NVOD) transmission of a program from a server to a plurality of clients. The program is partitioned into segments. Each segment is transmitted repeatedly, with the transmission rate of segments subsequent to the first segment being lower than the transmission rate of the first segment. The transmission of the segments is scheduled in a manner that minimizes the aggregate transmission bandwidth, subject to constraints related to client parameters such as client storage capacity and client recording rates. Preferably, the sequences are partitioned further into subsequences, and redundant subsequences are used for error correction. Preferably, the segments, or the subsegments, include metadata such as segment or subsegment length, segment or subsegment sequence number, or the time until the next transmission of the sequence or subsequence.

Abstract: The broadcast hour and the title of a program is displayed in an EPG (Electronic Program Guide). If the charge of the program is lower than the other corresponding programs, a symbol “Discount” is also displayed. If the program is the last one of NVOD (Near Video On Demand) programs, a symbol “Last” is also displayed.

Abstract: A system for providing on demand responses to consumer impulses produced by a demand stimulus includes a computer processing system and content databases accessible by the computer-processing system having stored stimulus responses corresponding to a plurality of consumer demand stimuli in at least two categories of demand stimuli. A real-time inquiry response system associated with the computer processing system receives inquiries provided by a consumer and identifies the content category with which the consumer inquiry is associated. The computer processing system correlates consumer inquiries received by the real-time inquiry response system with stimulus responses stored in the content database based on the content category identified by the inquiry response system, so that the real-time consumer response system can return to the consumer, in real time, a stored stimulus response which correlates to the consumer inquiry.

Abstract: A multimedia presentation is divided into sequential segments, each segment having a time length, the transmission of the segments of the multimedia presentation is then scheduled according to a specified delay time that does not depend on the time lengths of the segments, and the segments are then transmitted over a broadcast network according to the schedule for each segment so computed. Preferably, a transmission bandwidth of multiple times that of the multimedia presentation is allocated for transmission of the segments and each segment is then transmitted repeatedly based on the computed schedule. In cases of conflict, later segments are scheduled earlier and thus transmitted more frequently than desired. Once transmitted, the segments may be received and stored in temporary storage, and then played back as soon as the delay time has elapsed.

Abstract: A system and method for purchasing broadcast audio and/or video (audio/video) works. According to one embodiment, the system includes a data stream processor that receives a broadcast audio/video data stream and produces from the broadcast audio/video data stream a first audio/video output data stream and a second audio/video output data stream, wherein the broadcast audio/video data stream contains information corresponding to an audio/video work and the first audio/video output stream is in a format that can be recognized and processed by conventional audio/video reproducing equipment; a storage device that stores data included in the second audio/video output data stream, wherein the data corresponds to the audio/video work; and a user interface that enables a user of the system to input to the system an indication that the user desires to purchase the audio/video work.

Abstract: In a broadcasting receiver having a function to set and select an operation mode of the receiver for each user based on input by a plurality of users, the operation mode is selected for each user to make a user setting and stored in a memory in correlation with a predetermined input pattern of an operation key. When having received a user's input in the predetermined pattern, the receiver refers to the memory to select a user setting that corresponds to this input pattern, thus switching the operation mode. It is thus possible to identify the operation mode for each user in use by simple operations.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention that reproduction can always be started excellently without waiting time in Near Video On Demand service.

Abstract: A method for purchasing, downloading, and transferring audio and/or video data files through video broadcasts is disclosed. The user signals the set-top box of his video viewing system that he is interested in downloading the audio/video data file being offered. The box records the time, the channel being viewed, and, where applicable, the user ID. The box then sends this information to the controlling server when it next reports in. The server transmits the requested data, either over the Internet or by broadcasting it back to the set-top box, where it can be downloaded to a desired format.

Abstract: Systems and methods may be provided for retrieving non-on-demand media data and on-demand media data that is provided by separate data sources. On-demand media data may be cached to reduce system latencies and the burden on the distribution network.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is a method for broadcasting information from a server to a client which includes the steps of: (a) broadcasting information at predetermined starting times; (b) broadcasting time-scale modified versions of the information for periods of time, at least one period starting before or after one of the predetermined starting times; (c) receiving a request for the information from the client between the predetermined starting times; and (d) transmitting one of the time-scale modified versions to the client.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a system and method for adaptive video decoding. A method for adaptive video decoding includes determining whether a resource constrained mode is to be initiated, and responsive to a determination that the resource constrained mode is to be initiated, initiating the resource constrained mode, including foregoing the decoding of portions of received video input. For example, adaptive video decoding may include foregoing the decompression and reconstruction of selected video frames during intervals of high demand for memory and/or bus bandwidth resources.

Abstract: A hardware configuration suited for a digital video and audio signal broadcast system such as a near-video on-demand apparatus (NVOD apparatus) includes a compilation unit, a play-out unit, a transmission unit, and a subscriber unit. The compilation unit stores several weeks to several months worth of the video and audio signals obtained by reproducing, compressing, encoding, and editing the broadcast stock according to a long term broadcast schedule of several weeks to several months. The play-out unit stores the video and audio signals stored in the compilation unit for several days to several weeks according to a broadcast schedule of several days to several weeks, reproduces the video and audio signals which become necessary for the real time broadcast, and adds a time difference to these video and audio signals distributed to a plurality of channels.

Abstract: A broadcasting system including a broadcasting apparatus and a receiving apparatus. The broadcasting apparatus transmits an interactive content as a data carousel during a scheduled broadcasting time period, starts pre-transmitting the interactive content a predetermined time before the start of the scheduled broadcasting time period, and repeatedly transmits a cache message instructing a receiving apparatus to cache the interactive content into a storage unit while the interactive content is transmitted during the predetermined time period. The receiving apparatus receives and reproduces the interactive content, and caches the interactive content into a storage unit, not reproducing the interactive content, while the interactive content is received before the start of a scheduled broadcasting time period, and reproduces the interactive content during the scheduled broadcasting time period.

Abstract: A system is presented for two-way digital multimedia broadcast services, enabling a variety of interactive and other applications. These applications include: navigation from one video program to another by selection of objects in the current video; creation and transmission of records of user viewing selection histories; iterative video-based data search and retrieval; dynamic customization of coordination between video content of the broadcast stream and data embedded therein; and the dynamic creation of “personalized” programs by the user without, through the broadcast and selection of overlapping program segments which are themselves customized for a particular user or group of users.

Abstract: In an NVOD system, a data storage unit is provided in a receiving apparatus, whereby a video program can be provided with an instantaneous response equivalent to the VOD system. Namely, the data of the first part of the video data is stored in the data storage unit in advance. When there is a request for reproduction, that stored data is immediately reproduced. The data after the first data is sent from a transmitting apparatus in the same way as an NVOD system heretofore. Buffering is performed in the receiving apparatus, and the resultant data is reproduced continuous with the data of the first part.

Abstract: A near video-on-demand (NVOD) system and method for incorporating and/or updating a commercial (CM) or promotion video program or the like in a video program.