Abstract: A television display device for use with a television display for displaying television services, an input for providing at least one command to the television display device and a broadcast stream containing a stream of key files including data representing respective key images, the television display device including a memory for storing a plurality of control images and for maintaining continuously in memory at least one of said key files, an event selector for selecting an event and associating the event with a selected one of the plurality of control images, an action selector for selecting an action and associating the action with the selected control image, a display section for detecting the event and, in response, producing display information for displaying for a predetermined period the selected control image on a portion of the television display superposed on the television service being viewed and a command section for initiating the action conditional on whether or not a control command is pro

Abstract: A multimedia packet re-multiplexer system having a plurality of multimedia sources, each multimedia source sending incoming multimedia packets, each packet having a header which includes a packet identifier (PID) to determine the packet type. The system includes an interface multiplexer (mux) for periodically scanning the multimedia sources for the incoming packets. The system also includes a main storage device for storing each incoming packet, a secondary storage device having a cut-through mechanism for storing the header of each incoming packet, an input classifier for selecting a process for each packet stored in the main storage device, in accordance with the corresponding header from the secondary storage device.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating one or more carousels. A carousel includes a plurality of modules, at least one of which exhibits multiple instances, that are arranged in a module schedule. The apparatus may create, through multiple iterations, two or more module schedules for a carousel, and the optimum module schedule may then be selected and implemented on the carousel.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for transmitting a plurality of data items from a transmitter to one or more receivers. Each data item (Di) is identified by a unique number (i) within a given range. According to the invention, a field (F) comprising both ends (k1,k2) of said range is also transmitted. This allows a receiver to check whether all data items have been received and to check which data item(s) is (are) missing, if any. The invention may generally be used in systems delivering data items to multimedia stations. The invention is particularly suitable for transmitting electronic programme guide information in a television broadcast system.

Abstract: A digital television signal, a digital television receiver, and a method for processing a digital television signal are disclosed, which can solve problems encountered when only general broadcast programs are defined as events on a PSIP. The digital television receiver includes a tuner for receiving a digital television signal including an EIT carrying information for events on defined virtual channels, a demodulator arranged to demodulate the signal, a demultiplexer for demultiplexing the EIT from the signal demodulated by the demodulator, a decoder for parsing the EIT, the parsed EIT including an event type field defining an actual event, a dummy event, wherein the dummy event corresponds to an undecided domain on an EPG, and a controller arranged to store the parsed EIT in a database.

Abstract: A video publishing and viewing system that allows the user to select a video on the user's network or on the Internet and produce a hierarchical menu describing the video content. The editing user can perform the entire process of selecting the video, creating the hierarchical menu along with descriptive text, and uploading the file from the same system, which is run entirely in a Web browser. The produced index is independent of the file formats as well as different play rates (low and high bandwidth). The same index appears for all viewings (or listenings) of the file. The system includes an auto-export feature that allows external search engines to look inside the video menu and make the video itself clickable and searchable as if it were a book (through the menu). The system also allows the user to build on already annotated videos by creating a new program from program fragments (hierarchical menu items) such that destructive video editing is not required.

Abstract: A streaming media publishing system and method for use in delivering streaming media to personal computers. The streaming media publishing system and method preferably delivers streaming media content by way of a broadband satellite-based communications network. A content processing center receives media content in analog. digital and textual formats from a content provider or corporation. The media content is processed at the content processing center to produce a streaming media presentation. The streaming media presentation comprises a video and audio stream that includes searchable metadata that is integrated with HTML web pages. The content processing center communicates by way of a satellite or terrestrial link 18 with a cache server that stores the streaming media presentation. The streaming media presentation displayed on the client personal computers using web browser software and by selecting an thumbnail representative of the presentation.

Abstract: Broadcasting waves transmitted from a broadcasting device include operation control information for operating peripheral devices on a receiver side in accordance with the contents of a broadcast program in addition to broadcast data about said broadcast program. The receiver outputs the broadcast data to a display device, and transmits an operation command signal dependent on the operation control information to the peripheral devices to operate the peripheral devices in accordance with the contents of the broadcast program. As a result, an air conditioner raises or lowers room temperature and an illumination device blinks according to the progress of the program.

Abstract: An enhanced television broadcast system may enable the transmission and reception of a real-time event when a new program is about to begin. The real-time event may control access to enhancements from the program that is ending. In some embodiments, these real-time events may constitute triggers that are included within packets transmitted in an Internet Protocol multicast. As one example, the trigger may include a Uniform Resource Locator in the form of a tv: protocol that automatically causes the television display to go to full screen television.

Abstract: A television content provider can reserve and use a television channel can be used to provide interactive content to a user device. Unlike conventional broadcast channels, a user at the user device may view content to an extent (length, depth, or both) that the user desires. The user can pick and choose content to view, may drill down to whatever level of detail that the user desires, contact an originating source of the content, interact with the content in another manner, or the like. Unlike the Internet, the content can be customized for transmission over a television channel, which may allow higher quality and potentially a larger array of content than may otherwise be provided over the Internet. The transmission may be performed over a private network, so that security concerns are reduced.

Abstract: An analog broadcasting receiving device includes a receiving portion for receiving a television broadcasting wave, an EPG extracting portion for extracting EPG data from VBI of the television broadcasting wave, a ROM for storing drive start time of the EPG extraction portion, and a control portion for controlling each portion. The analog broadcasting receiving device outputs a screen that prompts to change the drive start time to desired time. When the desired time is input, the drive start time before the change is deleted while drive start time after the change is stored. When the drive start time after the change has passed, the drive start time after the change is deleted while the drive start time before the change is stored.

Abstract: A system and method of adding hyperlinked information to a television broadcast. The broadcast material is analyzed and one or more regions within a frame are identified. Additional information can be associated with a region, and can be transmitted in encoded form, using timing information to identify the frame with which the information is associated. The system comprising a video source and an encoder that produces a transport stream in communication with the video source, an annotation source, a data packet stream generator that produces encoded annotation data packets in communication with the annotation source and the encoder, and a multiplexer system in communication with the encoder and the data packet stream generator. The encoder provides timestamp information to the data packet stream generator and the data packet stream generator synchronizes annotation data from the annotation source with a video signal from the video source in response to the timestamp information.

Abstract: The described implementations provide for referencing locally and remotely deployed resources in a television-based entertainment system. The entertainment system includes a content provider or network server. The network server accesses a digital broadcast network via any one of multiple different digital broadcasting protocols. The network server distributes source content to a head end component of the system, which in turn distributes the source content to a client device such as a set-top box. The source content includes a number of embedded references to resources such as those deployed locally by the set-top box and/or deployed remotely by the network server. The set-top box utilizes a mapping table to determine actual values of syntactical abstractions in syntax of the embedded references to access and/or launch at least one locally or remotely deployed resource.

Abstract: A method for classification of a program includes receiving transcript information associated with the program, identifying at least one cue of a plurality of cues in the transcript information wherein each of the plurality of cues has associated therewith a type of program, correlating the at least one cue of the plurality of cues identified in the transcript information to the type of program, and classifying the program based on the correlation of the at least one cue of the plurality of cues identified in the transcript information.

Abstract: Aspects for achieving efficient file transfer and traffic management in a digital media distributor system are presented. The aspects include a central site server, at least one local traffic system, and an Internet file server (IFS) coupled between the central site server and the at least one local traffic system. The IFS acts as an intermediary between the central site and the at least one local traffic system, wherein the IFS supports file transfer in both directions between the central site and the at least one local traffic system.

Abstract: A method for providing media to a user via an interactive media services client device coupled to a programmable media services server device includes receiving user input requesting on-screen comments to be provided with a media presentation and providing the user with a media presentation along with comments related to the media presentation.

Abstract: A system and method for allowing an end-user to interact with a system in order to execute an application. Multiple application packets are broadcast to a plurality of end-users, such that the upstream transmission of data from end-users is greatly reduced. Each end-ser further receives media packets, whereas visual objects relating to the application can be displayed on an end-user display unit with visual objects originating from the media packets.

Abstract: An interactive television system includes “connected” receiver units capable of establishing bi-directional connections to remote information stores, such as Web servers, and “disconnected” receiver units unequipped to make such connections. The system supports the use of broadcast triggers that include connectivity values indicating whether an information resource identified by a trigger refers to “connected content” or “disconnected content.” The term “connected content” refers to information resources that require bi-directional connections to remote information stores; the term “disconnected content” refers to information resources, such as a locally stored program guide, that do not require such bi-directional connections. Disconnected receiver units identify and reject connected-content triggers by examining connectivity values broadcast as part of triggers.

Abstract: A data distribution center associated with a broadband network system wherein the first broadband network system further includes at least one broadband interface unit (BIntU) transceiver comprising a receiver portion and a transmitter portion. The receiver portion is configured to receive user defined protocol with value-added (UDPVA) packet from the BIntU transceiver. The transmitter portion is configured to transmit return packets that is triggered in response to the UDPVA packets, wherein the data distribution center indicates to the BIntU transceiver that the UDPVA packets forwarded by the BIntU transceiver to the data distribution center are being received by the data distribution center or a second BIntU transceiver.

Abstract: A broadcast network sends audiovisual transmissions to a plurality of receivers. The transmissions contain also short audiovisual transmissions, typically advertising spots and information for triggering the displaying of an advertisement page. The receivers are furnished with a large recording capacity that allows the recording of several short audiovisual transmissions. At a time defined by the information transmitted in the audiovisual transmissions, the short audiovisual transmissions are, upon reception in the receiver, automatically replaced by transmissions of the same type previously recorded in the receiver. The receiver resumes normal displaying of the transmissions at the end of the broadcasting of the audiovisual transmissions of a certain type. According to an improvement, the recording of the transmissions can be performed according to the preferences of the user. The preferences of the user are defined during a configuration phase.

Abstract: A commerce control network is provided for obtaining product information and for purchasing products through a two-way interactive broadcast distribution system, such as a cable or satellite television system. The network includes advanced television set top boxes that provide users with the ability to access product information through the system. A unique identifier is received with the program being viewed and included in the user's request for product information to assure that the information retrieved from the network is timely and related to that program.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method that provides rate controlled insertion of asynchronous data into a synchronous stream in a broadcast system. A calculation of the transmission time for an asynchronous data file is determined from the file size, available data transfer rate, redundancy transmission factor, bandwidth scale factor and connect time latency. Transmission time may be employed to schedule transmission of asynchronous data for use at a predetermined time. Transmission time for multiple files may be combined to determine a transmission start time for a first file such that a last asynchronous file is transmitted by a predetermined time.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and that synchronizes utilization of a data transfer with an audio/video stream. Time information contained within an audio/video stream is monitored for a specified time at which a data transfer may be combined with the audio/video stream. Combination includes logical operations, arithmetic operations, and may include screen windowing or other operations. Time required to request and receive a data transfer may be monitored or estimated such that requests for data are issued in advance of utilization of the data, allowing for data transfer time and network access time or other factors. Requests for a data transfer may be processed employing user information such that returned data transfers reflect a characteristic of the user.

Abstract: A method for modulating one or more fields of video signal (18) with auxiliary signal (20) by use of an encoding improvement, the one or more fields having one or more sub-fields, the one or more sub-fields having a plurality of odd and even scan lines, the plurality of odd and even scan lines having a plurality of pixels, the plurality of pixels each having an intensity comprising obtaining on encoder (12) the video signal from signal source (10), selectively designating on encoder the plurality of odd and even scan lines as up lines or down lines for at least one of the one or more sub-fields for at least one of the one or more fields, calculating an amount of intensity adjustment for the pixels of the plurality of odd and even scan lines on encoder, and adding intensity to the up lines and subtracting intensity from the down lines according to the amount of intensity adjustment for the pixels of the scan lines of video signal on encoder.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide is provided. The interactive television program guide provides a user with the opportunity to select a language for playing television programming and displaying program guide text. Television program audio in the desired language may be obtained from a SAP or digital audio track and played in the selected language. Television related information in the desired language may be obtained from a digital track. If television program audio or related information is not provided in the selected language, the program guide may use a default language. The program guide may coordinate program guide display screen text with languages available for television programs when the programs are broadcast to users.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of communicating audio/video programs (e.g., television content associated with a plurality of channels) includes receiving the audio/video programs over a transport medium. A stream of ancillary data portions associated with a plurality of audio/video programs (e.g., a plurality of television channels or transport stream programs) may be received over a separate delivery mechanism. The ancillary data may include announcements associated with enhancement data according to an Advanced Television Enhancement Forum Specification, for example. One of the audio/video programs is tuned to, with one or more ancillary data portions located and identified with the tuned audio/video program. A special announcement in the ancillary data portions delivered to an expected location is used to locate announcements for the tuned audio/video program.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for synchronizing sound and images in a real-time multimedia communication, such as an audio-video telephone call, through a network gateway, when the source and/or the destination of the audio signals, and optionally also the video signals, are from and/or to separate audio and video communication devices.

Abstract: A client-side intelligent device having background caching of web pages within a digital television (DTV) system and method of same. The present invention includes a digital television system having an intelligent device for interfacing with a user/viewer and controlling the display of information on a display screen. The intelligent device, in one embodiment, is a set-top-box, but could be any intelligent electronic device or computer system. The set-top-box is configured to receive a DTV signal (e.g., land based cable or digital satellite system) that includes audio/visual information as well as data signals in a datacast format. The datacast format includes web pages, e.g., in the HTML (hypertext markup language) format of the world wide web. The DTV broadcasters support multiple channels of information on which content providers can supply a domain of web pages on a periodic basis. The present invention is able to display viewer-selected web pages on the DTV system.

Abstract: The present invention describes and claims a new system and technique or method for decoupling the interpretation of broadcast content information from the display of this information. The information may exist in any of the available types, such as audio, video, or data. In addition, the information may be received in any form, such as streaming or non-streaming, combinations of the two, or even parts thereof. The decoupling and encapsulating of the broadcast content information is accomplished using a content proxy. All content information in the content proxy is accessed via an Application Program Interface. The content proxy employs a hierarchical Document Object Model (DOM) that contains Program and System Information Protocol (“PSIP”) data, that has been converted to an eXtendible Markup Language format using a conversion algorithm, broadcast content data, as well as content data or information about all of the hardware, software, and appliances connected within the networked environment.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method and apparatus for inserting advertisement and/or other information into an audio-video presentation during the presentation of non-active imagery. More specifically, in a case of a user interrupting the standard presentation of a content stream via, for example, pressing a pause or stop button on a remote control device, the size of an image region presently displaying the interrupted content stream is reduced, and advertisement and/or other information is inserted into at least portions of the image region formerly occupied by the interrupted content imagery or overlayed onto the interrupted content imagery.

Abstract: A method for recording pushed interactive data streams of a program. A pushed data stream is broadcast to a receiving station. The data stream includes one or more data objects. The data stream may also reference to live data objects which are intended for immediate consumption and become obsolete thereafter. The data stream may include a file table and object properties corresponding to the data objects. When the data stream is received by the receiving station, the individual data objects are extracted from the data stream. The data objects, accompanying object properties and the file table are then stored on a storage device. Data objects which are external to the data stream or to the program (e.g., data objects from other carousels) are retrieved and are also stored. Live data objects are not stored, but references to these data objects are stored, so that when the program is replayed, current versions of the referenced live data objects can be used.

Abstract: The present invention relate to a digital broadcast system, and it is an object of the invention to record contents quickly in a broadcast system which implements interactivity by transmitting a set of data repeatedly, wherein a digital broadcast receiver separates a table corresponding to video images from streams in an arbitrary order and repeats the processing of memorizing the video image data to be identified in the order of obtaining the same by means of the table corresponding to the video images until all of the set of video images have been memorized. This allows for performing, in a short time, storage process of video image data broadcast for the purpose of efficient reproduction by a receiver having no storage function. Additionally, the data is available to viewers at any time after the completion of storage thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling display of content signals begins by receiving a content signal that includes video content and at least one associated content control indicator. The content signal may also include audio content associated with the video content. The processing continues by comparing the at least one associated content control indicator (e.g., a rating of mature subject matter of the content signal) with at least one content control setting (e.g., a parental setting based on allowable viewing of rated content signals). When the associated content indicator compares unfavorably to the content control setting, a video graphics processor scrambles the at least a portion of the video content. The scrambled video content is then provided to a video rendering device for subsequent display.

Abstract: A re-multiplexer module for use in a packet processing system used in cable television headend devices generates two or more output streams from two or more MPEG input transport streams. The re-multiplexer module includes an input processing portion that receives a plurality of input data streams containing packet data, a plurality of packet buffers to store the packet data, an output processor that selectively multiplexes the data packets in the packet buffers, and a host processor that controls the operation of the input processing portion and the output processing portion.

Abstract: A software system for use with a Digital Television set-top box. The system uses a software bus application programming interface (API) that is specially designed to make the set-top box compatible with two standard DASE architectures: (1) the architecture wherein the procedural application engine contains the declarative application engine, and (2) the architecture wherein the declarative application engine contains the procedural. An application engine manager uses a function call router to intercept all DASE infrastructure APIs incoming from software applications downloaded by the set-top box from a DTV broadcast. All APIs are routed through the application manager, and all application engines are required to implement the software bus API. A specially-designed software interface also enables the convenient installation of additional applications by simply changing one line of software code.

Abstract: Methods and systems for the mass customization of Digital Television broadcasts through the broadcasting of commercials in the form of software applications. Ad-applications are injected into various sub-streams of the transport stream and received in a dormant state by the client-side set-top box. When a commercial is to be shown, a broadcaster broadcasts a generic time-stamped trigger to a dispatching application that performs a keyword matching algorithm to decide which ad-application among those received at the receiver is to be executed. The dispatching application uses the results of the latter comparison to decide which specific dormant ad-application to route to; it then converts the generic trigger into a chosen-ad trigger that is routed to the chosen ad-application. Upon receipt of the chosen-ad trigger, the chosen ad-application executes, thereby displaying an ad customized to the individual viewer's interests.

Abstract: In order to reduce the amount of data to be transmitted by a transmission apparatus, the transmission apparatus transmits control sub-information to a receiving apparatus separately from video data which is actually distributed, and eliminates redundant distribution of video data. The receiving apparatus stores the received video data and creates content in accordance with the control sub-information.

Abstract: A system and method implemented in an interactive television system for managing modules of interactive television applications. The system transmits modules from a broadcast station to a plurality of receiving stations through various paths, such as broadcast channels and modem channels. The receiving stations have module managers which store module requests and which monitor the various channels for modules corresponding to the requests. When modules are transmitted on the monitored channels, they are matched with the corresponding stored requests. If a module matches one of the requests, or if is an auto-loading module, it is stored in the receiving station. If a module has not been requested and is not an auto-loading module, it is ignored. The stored modules are added to a list of modules available for execution or for use by an executing application, and the corresponding requests are deleted.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for broadcasting interactive content without using triggers embedded in the broadcast content. When a viewer sees an item of interest while viewing a program, the viewer can initiate a request for information (RFI) about that item with a single button actuation. When the RFI is entered, a client device, such as a set-top box, detects the RFI and transmits RFI data to a server, including the channel viewed, a time stamp and—in at least one implementation—a system-defined amount of closed captioning data. The RFI data is cross-referenced with program time code information, programming guide information, program information and/or advertiser information to determine the context of the RFI, i.e. what the user saw that made the user enter the RFI. Information about the item is then sent to the viewer as a system message, an e-mail message, a post, or by way of any other delivery mode.

Abstract: Described are a method and apparatus for incorporating broadcast television into Web pages. Broadcast television can be embedded into Web pages using, for example, a “tv:” attribute in conjunction with common HTML tags. Within the “tv:” attribute, a Web-page author can reference a TV station by channel number, network, or broadcast call letters. HTML documents are parsed to recover both the conventional tags and tags that include TV attributes. The resulting Web pages display the identified broadcast TV in a frame specified by the TV attribute. One embodiment supports the presentation of television in the background of an HTML document. In that embodiment, HTML tags corresponding to overlying HTML content are provided with an attribute that defines a level of transparency from zero to one-hundred percent. The transparency attribute allows content providers to overlay any type of HTML information over a broadcast television show without completely obscuring the underlying show.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described that provide enhanced network operator control. According to one aspect of the present invention, a method comprises determining at a head-end and data center whether to inform one or more users of an interactive television service of available content, the one or more users connected with head-end and data center via a network. Responsive to determining to inform the one or more users of the available content, generating a hot key signal indicating availability and a location of the alternate content. The hot key signal is inserted into a content signal transmitted to the one or more users from the head-end and data center via the network.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, a method of providing enhanced hot key functionality comprises receiving a hot key signal from an interactive television service provider's network. The hot key signal indicates availability and a location of alternate content. A determination is made whether the hot key signal is relevant to a user viewing original content from the interactive television service provider. Responsive to determining the hot key signal is relevant to the user, an indication that the hot key signal has been received is displayed on the screen. Responsive to receiving an indication that the hot key is accepted, a determination is made regarding a location on a screen for the alternate content and the original content and the alternate content are displayed in a Picture-In-Picture mode.

Abstract: This document discloses methods for enabling viewers to control and manage the presentation of programs based on specified types of rating categories and content attributes that the viewer desires not to be presented. The invention provides program data corresponding to each program. The data contains (1) time-varying information related to the content of discrete portions of the television program and, optionally, (2) corresponding data controlling the presentation of that content. By way of example, the program data includes rating and content attribute values as well as control data indicating to which media component the value applies or instructions corresponding to the ways in which each portion of the program may be disabled, modified, replaced, and/or edited. A set top box or other configured consumer electronics device combines the program data with data input by the user concerning the programming the user desires to disable and the methods therefor.

Abstract: An interactive television system includes “connected” receiver units capable of establishing bi-directional connections to remote information stores, such as Web servers, and “disconnected” receiver units unequipped to make such connections. The system supports the use of broadcast triggers that include connectivity values indicating whether an information resource identified by a trigger refers to “connected content” or “disconnected content.” The term “connected content” refers to information resources that require bi-directional connections to remote information stores; the term “disconnected content” refers to information resources, such as a locally stored program guide, that do not require such bi-directional connections. Disconnected receiver units identify and reject connected-content triggers by examining connectivity values broadcast as part of triggers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an interactive digital system enabling viewers full and active participation in experiencing a live broadcast event. Particularly, the presentation of the live event is personalized for the viewer through the provision of various options, including multiple video streams, associated with different camera angles, for example, and integrated audio and graphics segments. Further, information obtained from related Web sites can be integrated into the live program. Various video and audio streams are collected from a live event and forwarded to a central control studio. Graphics are created at the central studio on a personal computer or chyron device. After receiving the video, audio and graphics signals, the signals are digitized and compressed in digital compressors. These signals are then combined with special data codes into a “digital package,” and subsequently, transmitted over a cable distribution system.

Abstract: A terminal for interactive telebroadcasting system comprising on the one hand a unit for adaptation to the physical telebroadcasting medium and on the other hand a control unit. The first unit comprises a receiver for receiving of a telebroadcast signal and for producing downstream information extracted from the signal, a transmission time based generator for generation of a transmission time base from the downstream information and a transmitter for transmission of a return signal, which are clocked as a function of the transmission time base. The second unit comprises a calculation unit having means of generating upstream information. The calculation unit is clocked as a function of the transmission time base.

Abstract: A method and apparatus located at the end-user of a communications system that inserts auxiliary information, which is stored in a local storage, into a stream of information containing markers therein.

Abstract: Described are a method and apparatus for incorporating broadcast television into Web pages. Broadcast television can be embedded into Web pages using, for example, a “tv:” attribute in conjunction with common HTML tags. Within the “tv:” attribute, a Web-page author can reference a TV station by channel number, network, or broadcast call letters. HTML documents are parsed to recover both the conventional tags and tags that include TV attributes. The resulting Web pages display the identified broadcast TV in a frame specified by the TV attribute. One embodiment supports the presentation of television in the background of an HTML document. In that embodiment, HTML tags corresponding to overlying HTML content are provided with an attribute that defines a level of transparency from zero to one-hundred percent. The transparency attribute allows content providers to overlay any type of HTML information over a broadcast television show without completely obscuring the underlying show.

Abstract: A data stream format for transmission of data frames between a computer and a video client via an interface, the data stream being a plurality of data frames transmitted sequentially, each data frame comprising: a frame header; video data, the video data following the frame header; and audio data, the audio data following the video data.

Abstract: The present invention provides for methods, systems, and devices for simultaneously receiving and processing multimedia asset packages transmitted by a plurality of multimedia content providers. The methods and systems of the present invention implement a multiport catcher appliance configured to receive a plurality of transmissions, simultaneously, from multiple content providers in a multimedia asset distribution system. The multimedia catcher receiver includes a multimedia network interface unit configured to simultaneously receive multimedia data segments from content providers, a multimedia network interface unit that provides the multimedia data segments to a receive unit, a receive unit configured to reconstruct and validate a multimedia asset package using multimedia data segments transmitted by a content provider, and a content management system to manage multimedia asset packages and provide multimedia asset packages to a multimedia server.