Abstract: A system and method for providing multiple audio streams for a video over a network such as the Internet. The system comprises a server that includes an encryption unit and a slicing unit, a plurality of boxes, and an ordering box. The server encodes multiple audio streams and a single video to be sliced into segments. The sliced segments of multiple audio streams and the single video are seeded to a number of the plurality of boxes. This may be repeated for other videos with multiple streams. When the ordering box makes a request for a single video with a single audio, then the number of boxes with segments of the requested video and multiple audio streams, filters and sends the requested video and requested single audio stream to the ordering box. Similarly, multiple closed caption streams can be handled and provided like the audio streams.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for dynamically adjusting advertisement (“ad”) time for a multicast channel. In one embodiment, a variable ad insertion function operates to receive one or more multicasts of media content from a core distribution network, insert ad timeslots into the media content, and optionally perform late-binding of ads to the ad timeslots. The media content including the inserted ad timeslots and late-binded ads, if any, is then multicast to associated client devices over a feeder network using corresponding multicast channels. For each multicast channel, insertion of ad timeslots into the associated media content is dynamically controlled based on the number of users currently consuming or predicted to consume the multicast channel, the number of client devices receiving or predicted to receive the multicast channel, or both.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing a broadcast program are provided. The apparatus includes: a signal processing unit which generates an audio/video (A/V) file, an application file, and a first electronic program guide (EPG) file by appropriately processing a plurality of A/V signals, application information, and EPG information, respectively, which are included in an input broadcast program transport stream; a synchronization unit which receives the A/V file, the application file, and the first EPG file from the signal processing unit, generates storage information for the A/V file and storage information for the application file, and converts the first EPG file into a second EPG file comprising the storage information for the A/V file and the storage information for the application file; and a storage unit which stores the A/V file, the application file, and the second EPG file.

Abstract: A video server to transmit a plurality of video information, set to a the decode processing mode, the decode processing mode including a combination of allocation, a decoding method, and a buffering method, an allocation indicating which read port of a storage the designated content is output from, the decoding method being for a plurality of decoders, the buffering method being for a plurality of output buffers, the decoding method and the buffering method being based on each of the output modes, and to output a control signal with reference to an identification information depending on the set connection pattern and the set decode processing mode so that connection between an output interface port and an allocated read port is established, the control signal setting the destination of each of the selectors.

Abstract: An enhanced television service provides a shared folder over a television network, such as a fiber optic network. Users, the service provider, or trusted sources, share use of a program folder via television. A user recommends content, such as a program listing, to other geographically dispersed subscribers, by sending the content to the subscribers' shared folder. Users may create a personal content guide for use instead of a standard program guide that contains identical listings for all subscribers. The shared folder may consist of programs from a variety of channels as well as other content and may be populated by trusted sources in remote locations. Users may search for content that matches search criteria and may delete or edit listings from the shared folder. The contents of the folder may not only include program listings, but also other content such as movies, television shows, web sites, photos, home videos, etc.

Abstract: There is disclosed in aspects of the invention a method of evaluating the profit of a substream of encoded video data, a method of operating servers, a network and an apparatus. In the method, a data portion is identified comprising at least some of the data in the substream being evaluated; comparing a decoded version of the video with the data portion present and a decoded version of the video with the data portion removed and calculating an error metric indicative of the distortion between the two versions; and, calculating a profit for the substream dependent upon the error metric.

Abstract: The certificate with specified conditions under which copyrighted material can be played. Copyrighted material, such as videos are stored in a storage unit. They are stored along with a policy that indicates when the information can be played. The information can, for example be encrypted one stored, and the decryption key is available only when characteristics of the policy are met. When those characteristics are not met, the information can not be retrieved at all or only can be retrieved in some very limited format.

Abstract: A ranking system is described for adjusting quality distributions of items responsive to pairwise comparisons. The pairwise comparisons are selected for a user providing a preference between the items in the pairwise comparisons. The selection is determined based on the cost of an error in the rankings of items in combination with the likelihood there is an error in the item rankings. On receiving the comparison result from the user, the quality distributions are updated and can include a confidence modifier to determine the confidence the user's preference is reflective of the actual preference between the items.

Abstract: Systems and methods presented herein provide for maintaining data pertaining to asset insertions into COD content. In one embodiment, a system includes a database that maintains campaign data of a plurality of assets, and a processor that monitors insertions of at least a portion of the assets in a first COD content to record campaign data of the inserted assets. A storage module stores the recorded campaign data of the inserted assets in a list. The processor is also operable to detect a request for asset insertions in a second COD content, to determine that the database of campaign data is unavailable for the asset insertion request of the second COD content, to retrieve the list of campaign data from the storage module, and, in response to determining the unavailability of the database, to direct asset insertions in the second COD content based on the list of campaign data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing and distributing video information in an interactive information distribution system by storing video information on either a centralized or de-centralized secondary storage partition in a network of provider and subscriber equipment, and therein distributing the video information to a subscriber having made a request for such video information.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments, there are provided mechanisms and methods for comparing results of performing a plurality of operations with results of simulating the plurality of operations. These mechanisms and methods for comparing results of performing a plurality of operations with results of simulating the plurality of operations can enable optimized performance of operations, reduced processing time, increased confidence in processing results, etc.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a video server includes an ingesting device, a storage controller, storage devices and a control processor. The control processor controls the ingesting device and the storage controller to store the video signal. When one of the storage devices is replaced, the storage controller restores redundant or divisional data and reconstructs data stored in the original storage devices. When the control processor receives a request for ingesting a video signal and sufficient resources for ingesting do not remain while the control processor causes the storage controller to reconstruct the data, the control processor causes the storage controller to suspend reconstruction, and controls the ingesting device and the storage controller to perform the ingesting.

Abstract: Video on demand is orchestrated between systems by linear program (LP) based multimedia storage and retrieval. An LP based storage and retrieval system can partition multimedia data into an integral number of segments. Further, the LP based storage and retrieval system can store a first amount of the integral number of segments in a storage device of storage devices of a storage network in response to a determination that a storage size of the storage device satisfies a first condition with respect to the first amount of the integral number of segments. Furthermore, such system can store a segment of a second amount of the integral number of segments in a remote storage device of the remote storage devices in response to a determination that the segment satisfies a second condition with respect to a defined number of remote storage devices of the storage devices that have stored the segment.

Abstract: An intelligent television can provide various interfaces for providing video-on-demand (VOD). The user interfaces include unique visual representations and organizations that allow the user to utilize the intelligent television more easily and more effectively. Particularly, the user interfaces pertain to the display of VOD content and better organizations thereof. Further, the user interfaces provide unique process of transitioning between the VOD content.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling registered users to select and purchase video sessions from a network to be viewed from any video display devices connected to the network are disclosed. Specifically, these purchased video sessions can be stored within the network and accessed from any viewable display device connected to any video endpoint device at any time upon the users' request. In one embodiment, the stored video sessions can be downloaded and recorded onto a recording medium for future use.

Abstract: An intelligent television can provide various interfaces for providing video-on-demand (VOD). The user interfaces include unique visual representations and organizations that allow the user to utilize the intelligent television more easily and more effectively. Particularly, the user interfaces pertain to the display of VOD content and better organizations thereof. Further, the user interfaces provide unique process of transitioning between the VOD content.

Abstract: An intelligent television can provide various interfaces for providing video-on-demand (VOD). The user interfaces include unique visual representations and organizations that allow the user to utilize the intelligent television more easily and more effectively. Particularly, the user interfaces pertain to the display of VOD content and better organizations thereof. Further, the user interfaces provide unique process of transitioning between the VOD content.

Abstract: A system for distributing and selecting audio and video information using a coaxial cable network includes a jukebox unit connected by a modulator to the cable television distribution network. A channel is allocated to the transmission of audio or video information. A device effects user interaction with the television for the remote selection of at least one audio or video information item from a plurality of information items to be transmitted by this channel using the cable network. An identifier identifies the ordering television, and a billing device accommodates for billing selections to the user.

Abstract: A queue management module receives a message to queue location information for multimedia content. The queue management module stores the location information in a queue corresponding to a subscriber. The queue management module receives a message for location information from a video distribution module. The queue management module transmits a message for retrieval of multimedia content to the video distribution module. In other examples, a queue agent module transmits a message for location information for multimedia content to a queue management module. The queue agent module receives a message for retrieval of content from the queue management module. The queue agent module retrieves the multimedia content from the remote content server using the location information received in the message for retrieval of content. A data storage module identifies available storage in limited storage provided for the subscriber and stores the retrieved multimedia content in the limited storage for the subscriber.

Abstract: Described are computer-based methods and apparatuses, including computer program products, for input queued content switching using a playlist. A retrieval sequence is generated using a plurality of content requests based on content location information. A first portion of content is requested to be queued at a first content source, and a second portion of content is requested to be queued at a second content source. A content stream of the first portion and the second portion of content is generated using the retrieval sequence. The generating includes selecting the first portion of content from a queue associated with the first content source and transferring the first portion of content to an output buffer, then terminating transfer of the first portion of content and initiating transfer of the second portion of content from a queue associated with the second content source. The portion of content in the output buffer is transmitted to a client device.

Abstract: A video on demand (VOD) asset management system (100). Content is moved within the VOD system in accordance with predetermined variables such that certain content, such as that which is in high demand, is located on a server (120, 125) which is nearer to a subscriber (130), and content which is in lesser demand is located on a server (110, 115) which is more remote from the subscriber. Content may also be duplicated or moved within the system based upon other variables such as demographics of the subscriber, whether there is an advertising campaign for the content, and the age of the content.

Abstract: When the user initiates the retrieval of the primary content information item by means of entering a user input into the data processing system, e.g. zapping a digital TV that switches channels upon receipt of the user input, he/she has to wait a noticeable time before the rendering and play-out of the primary content information item actually starts. The length of the delay is predicted, on the basis of which one or more secondary content items are rendered and played out to the user during this delay. The invention can also be used for bridging the waiting time in an online ordering system, when loading a program on a personal computer, and in an IMS-based IPTV network.

Abstract: A system, method, and web-based application platform enabling a television viewer to utilize an Internet device to request a Video-On-Demand (VOD) server to stream a selected video to the viewer's Set Top Box (STB). An Internet Protocol (IP) connection is established between the Internet device and an application executing at a web site, and an Internet device identifier is passed to the application. The application communicates with the VOD server to obtain a listing of available videos, and provides the listing to the Internet device. When the viewer selects a video, the application accesses an equipment-mapping table, which associates the Internet device identifier with an STB identifier. The application then sends the STB identifier and a request for the selected video to the VOD server, which delivers the video to the STB over a television delivery system.

Abstract: A method, program product and system are provided to enable a new software interface and program to manage DVR content including methods for separating storage partitions, e.g. by user and also on a shared basis on local media. The partitions may either be logical or physical partitions and may be allocated differently based on the user. In an exemplary illustration, a shared partition/buffer is used for multiple users who may each initiate the recording of various shows or recordings which may be shared by other users. The interactive shared partition is used to allow multi-room coordination, messaging, content cloning, user-to-user notifications, and specific user to user messaging facilities, with the capability of setting notifications for other parties on the addition/removal of content, “pushing” recommendations of shows to other users of a shared DVR system, and allowing messages to be left to other users regarding content.

Abstract: A job processing system has first to third servers. The first server has a job generation program for generating jobs as requested. The second server has a storage device for storing attribute information on and a file for use in processing each job generated by the first server, a management table for managing job management information on each job by assigning a unique ID to each job, and a queue control program for registering job management information in the management table, referring to the management table, and registering the file for and attribute information on each job in the storage device. The third server has one or more job processing programs for processing jobs acquired from the second server, batch control program for acquiring jobs from the second server and issuing responses concerning the processed jobs, and a storage device for storing attribute information on and a file for each job acquired.

Abstract: A content delivery server may allow users to redirect browsed content from one system to another. A user may install or activate a plug-in to a browser, such as an Internet browser, and the plug-in may be linked to the user's account on another service. As the user browses content from the browser, the user may select a command to cause the browsed content to be delivered to the other service, ingested by the other service, and made available to the user from the other service.

Abstract: Systems and methods for allocating bandwidth in a switched digital video (SDV) system based on channel interest. In some embodiments, bandwidth is deallocated from channels and allocated to requested channels having a higher interest. Tiered approaches for allocating bandwidth are disclosed. Embodiments in which QAMs are allocated across services in a multi-service system based on interest are also disclosed. Embodiments for accommodating emergency access system (EAS) functionality in a SDV system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method, program product and system are provided to enable a new software interface and program to manage DVR content including methods for separating storage partitions, e.g. by user and also on a shared basis on local media. The partitions may either be logical or physical partitions and may be allocated differently based on the user. In an exemplary illustration, a shared partition/buffer is used for multiple users who may each initiate the recording of various shows or recordings which may be shared by other users:The interactive shared partition is used to allow multi-room coordination, messaging, content cloning, user-to-user notifications, and specific user to user messaging facilities, with the capability of setting notifications for other parties on the addition/removal of content, “pushing” recommendations of shows to other users of a shared DVR system, and allowing messages to be left to other users regarding content.

Abstract: A system and method of generating an output signal includes a receiving system generating a plurality of signals having a first format, an encoder 162 encoding the plurality of signals into a plurality of transport streams and a multiplexer 210. The system also includes a local area network 130 routing the plurality of transport streams to the multiplexer 210 to form a combined signal, a modulator 214 modulating the combined signal to form a modulated signal and a system 202 forming the output signal from the modulated signal. In one aspect, the output signals may be satellite uplink signals.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention provide novel solutions for providing real-time content in an on-demand environment. In a novel aspect of some embodiments, a real-time on demand server may be configured to integrate real-time content with on-demand content. This can allow a subscriber to enjoy the benefits of on-demand programming without having to forego access to real-time news, sports, weather information and/or the like.

Abstract: Provided are a method, an audio/video (AV) control point (CP) device, and a home network system for executing AV content in segment units defined using a protocol enabling interoperability between various devices existing in a home network. The method includes a control point extracting segment-related information about audio/video (AV) content stored in a first AV device, and the control point controlling a second AV device to execute the AV content using the segment-related information in segment units.

Abstract: A disclosed method of distributing multimedia content to end users in a multimedia content distribution network includes segmenting time in a series of intervals referred to herein as limited-chain relay (LCR) intervals. The LCR intervals may have a duration of time T although an LCR interval may be terminated before the duration expires. During any interval, the LCR distribution method includes responding to a first request for a program of multimedia content (PMC) from a first requestor by delivering the PMC from a video server to the customer premises equipment (CPE) of the requestor and storing the PMC on the CPE of the first requestor. The method further includes responding to subsequent requests for the PMC that occur before the time T and before the interval terminates otherwise from subsequent requestors by delivering at least some portion of the PMC to the subsequent requestors from the CPE of at least one previous requestor.

Abstract: A method and system for a video workflow automation platform (VWAP) for publishing a video feed in multiple formats is described.

Abstract: A content transmission selection system is disclosed. The content transmission selection system receives requests from viewers for specific video content items. Using characteristics of the designated content item, the content transmission selection system determines whether to transmit the content item over a broadcast network or a broadband network.

Abstract: In embodiments of an adaptive timeshift service, a live content server distributes live television content to television client devices. The live television content from the live content server can be recorded into a buffer of a timeshift server as the live television content is being distributed. Both the live television content from the live content server and recorded television content can be simultaneously recorded into the buffer of the timeshift server.

Abstract: A media transmission system and method for the transmission of a desired one of a plurality of broadcast media channels to a remote client over a data connection is disclosed. The system includes means for routing data for a first one of the broadcast media channels over the data connection to the remote client and means for routing data for an alternate one of the channels over the data connection following receipt of a channel change request from a user. This allows efficient use of a limited bandwidth data connection.

Abstract: A device receives, from one of a set-top box/digital video recorder (STB/DVR) or a user device, a request to allocate an amount of storage, and allocates the amount of storage based on the allocation request, logically extending the user's available storage. The device also receives, from the one of a set-top box/digital video recorder (STB/DVR) or a user device, a request to record content, and records the content to one or more portions of the allocated storage based on the record request.

Abstract: Disclosed is a digital recording apparatus, which includes: a storage device; a processing circuit, coupled to the storage device, for receiving a video signal and storing the video signal to the storage device in the form of a plurality of video files, and for generating an index data structure comprising a plurality of entries corresponding to the video files respectively; and a displaying device, coupled to the processing circuit, for displaying a video concept of the video files; wherein the processing circuit searches and compares the index data structure according to a time counting value when displaying the video concept to determine a first video file to be read of the video files and a first location of the first video file.

Abstract: A method begins by a processing module receiving a plurality of playback requests for a stored program, wherein the stored program is stored in a dispersed storage network (DSN) memory as sets of encoded data slices. In response to the playback requests, the method continues with the processing module entering a loop that begins with retrieving a group of sets of encoded data slices, generating copies therefrom, and storing the copies. The loop continues with the processing module sending a unique copy of the copies to a requesting device. The method continues with the processing module existing the loop when the last group of the request has been retrieved and repeating the loop when it has not.

Abstract: A high definition television (HDTV) is capable of displaying one or more streams. Typical stream changing is accomplished by freshly determining the stream settings (frame rate, resolution, refresh method) as each stream is detected, resulting in slow to tortuously slow stream surfing. Here, the HDTV stream settings are stored in a list of present streams, so that stream surfing may continue at much higher rates without redetermining the stream settings with each stream change. The improved stream surfing may be turned on or off at user discretion. Additionally, individual streams, as well as other audio/video inputs may also be edited to user-desired stream settings by accepting user inputs. The HDTV may automatically detect HDTV settings for each currently tuned stream of a list of potential streams, or may download the HDTV setting for a specific location of the HDTV.

Abstract: A characteristic karaoke video-on-demand (VOD) system with a reference index database is provided. According to the reference index database as well as a song request signal inputted by a user, the characteristic karaoke VOD system is able to recommend at least one artist or at least one song to the user to enhance convenience and functionality offered by the characteristic karaoke VOD system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for selectively caching (and de-caching) video content in network so as to reduce content transformation requirements and also cache storage requirements. In one embodiment, a content caching controller associated with a content server differentiates content requests based on content attributes such as the requested codec format (e.g., MPEG or Windows Media), resolution, bitrate, and/or encryption type or security environment. If the content requested by a user is not available with the requested attribute(s), the content server transfers to content to the user by first transforming it. The content server also speculatively caches the transformed content locally, so that a future request for the same content with the same attributes can be filled by transferring without the intermediate transformation step. The controller allows the network operator to optimize use of available storage and transcoding resources.

Abstract: A content delivery system stores large content as frames of video that can be served by content servers already optimized for streaming video. Instead of storing image tiles in separate files, the system treats each tile as a frame of a video and stores the tiles in a video format. This allows transfer of large data from a publisher to a content server by transferring a single file or a small handful of files (rather than thousands or millions of files). Web servers such as MICROSOFT Internet Information Server (IIS) include smooth streaming support that can return individual images as video frames as though the images were stored in separate files. Thus, the content delivery system provides easier management of large data for publishers while continuing to provide a smooth experience consuming the data for clients.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose a cooperative caching method and apparatus, relating to the field of network technologies, to improve the local hit ratio without increasing the local server costs. The technical solution provided in the present invention includes: obtaining, according to cache information, end-to-end delay between a local server and a neighbor server, and popularity in a cache list, a consolidated gain value of a cached video segment and a consolidated gain value of a candidate video segment in the local server; and replacing the cached video segment with the candidate video segment when the consolidated gain value of the cached video segment and the consolidated gain value of the candidate video segment in the local server meet a replacement condition.

Abstract: A system and a method control media rendering in a network using a mobile device. The system and the method manage, control and/or render media in a home network using remote access and/or a remote user interface. The system and the method enable a user to control media rendering from multiple storage devices and/or multiple servers connected to the home network using the mobile device. The system and the method enable a user to control media rendering on multiple rendering devices connected to the home network using the mobile device. The system and the method have a control element hosted on a fixed, non-mobile device connected directly to the home network or connected to the home network as a stand-alone device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for selecting, purchasing and delivering content to users of a network so that the user has “virtual” ownership of and access to the content, thereby obviating the need for physical media (e.g., DVDs or CDs). In an exemplary embodiment, the network comprises a hybrid fiber coax (HFC) network, and on-demand (OD) sessions or broadcast modes are used to deliver the virtual content stored at the head-end (or hub site) to the requesting owner. The purchased content is associated with one or more users when stored, thereby providing the owner(s) unlimited access thereto, without the costs and effort associated with renting/purchasing and maintaining DVDs. The content may also comprise new release content, which would otherwise not be available over the network at that time but for the purchase and delivery mechanisms of the invention. Various other complementary features for enhancing the user's virtual ownership experience are also disclosed.

Abstract: A hierarchical broadcasting device and method are disclosed. In the hierarchical broadcasting method, a broadcast transmitting device may transmit lower layer broadcast data for an existing broadcast to a broadcast receiving device via a first communication network, and may transmit upper layer broadcast data for an improved broadcast to the broadcast receiving device via a second communication network. In this instance, the broadcast receiving device combines the lower layer broadcast data and the upper layer broadcast data in order to display the improved broadcast.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a resource sharing system of set-top boxes. The set-top boxes are arranged in a network. The resources of each set-top box in the network are potentially available to another set-top box in the network that has run out of resources. When a user needs a tuner resource, the set-top box determines if it has a local tuner available. If not, the set-top box attempts to use the tuner of another set-top box in the network. In one embodiment all of the tuners in the network are pooled together and used as a global resource of tuners for all of the set-tops. Alternatively, if a set-top box runs out of resource space on a storage device, it attempts to use the storage device on another set-top box before deleting shows locally to make room for the new show.

Abstract: A cache server control device selects cache servers necessary for storing contents to be reproduced, and allows the selected cache servers 300 store the contents to be reproduced; the cache server control device herein uses a first threshold value when the number of units of the cache servers, for storing the content to be reproduced related to the judgment, is increased; and uses a second threshold value, being smaller than the first threshold value, when the number of units of the cache servers, for storing said content to be reproduced related to the judgment, is decreased.

Abstract: VPI/VCI of an ATM cell is translated into an internal ID by distribute VPI/VCI entries into sections in a table according to a portion of each VPI/VCI entry. A section to be searched according to the portion of a VPI/VCI of the received ATM cell is selected; and a search over the selected section is performed to find an entry corresponding to the VPI/VCI of the received ATM cell. An internal ID corresponding to the found entry is outputted.