Abstract: An audiovisual distribution system includes a central server and a plurality of audiovisual units. Each unit includes structure for interactively communicating with the user for selecting a piece or a menu, a payment device, a computer network card, and a permanent semiconductor memory containing a multitask operating system comprising at least a hard disc access management task. The order for performing a selected piece is processed as a hard disc sequential access task. The hard disc is declared as a peripheral corresponding to the network card of the unit, enabling a request to be sent through the network to the server for processing.

Abstract: The network unit includes a signaling unit and a video transmitting unit. The signaling unit is configured to receive a request from a decoding device requesting transmission of the video channel. The video transmitting unit is configured to transmit the video channel towards the decoding device, initially as a dedicated multimedia stream dedicatedly supplied to the decoding device and including an anchor frame as a first transmitted video frame, and further in time as a common multimedia stream commonly supplied to a plurality of decoding devices. The video transmitting unit is further configured to transmit the video channel within the dedicated multimedia stream having an earlier time frame with respect to transmission of the video channel within the common multimedia stream, and the video channel is to be initially played at an averagely slower motion speed than the nominal motion speed that the common multimedia stream is to be played.

Abstract: An audiovisual system is provided for a facility having a facility distribution system with a plurality of channels receivable throughout the facility. A plurality of digital media storage devices store digital content files and each reproduce a respective digital content file as respective analog output signals. Each of the respective analog output signals is coupled to respective channels of the facility distribution system. A main server system is coupled to a LAN and provides a directory of subscribed content items in a content library accessible over a WAN. The main server system maintains respective listings of downloaded content items corresponding to each of the digital media storage devices, wherein the main server system is accessible to a user for initiating reproduction of a selected subscribed content item at a selected time.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system and method for improved distribution of content on a communication network. The system and method are adapted to receive a video request message from a client, identify a location of the client, identify a location of one or more overlay nodes nearest to the client, identify a location of one or more network servers nearest to the client, generate network organization information, and publish the network organization information to at least the client.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for intelligently managing on-demand content in a cable services system. High demand video programs (e.g., movies, documentaries, mini-series, educational films, and the like) are stored at cable system hubs that service a number of individual cable customers. When a given video program is requested, the requested title is steamed from the hub servicing the requesting customer rather than streaming the requested program from the cable system head end. The video programs cached at the cable system hubs are determined based on attributes associated with individual video programs including time since initial release, association with other programs, association with hub locations, association with current events, and the like.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are methods for selecting, out of a lineup of IPTV channels, a subset of channels for caching. The methods take into account viewers' tendency to walk through the channels that lie between their current channel and their desired channel if that walking distance is short, and, alternatively, viewers' tendency to jump to a distant channel. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention include any channel selection method which selects for caching any number of channels less than the entire lineup, and where at least two of those channels form a segment of adjacent channels. Other embodiments include methods which rely upon specific extrinsic data, e.g., IGMP and EPG information, for selecting a subset of channels to be cached.

Abstract: Multi-DVR node communication is described. In an embodiment, television-based client devices are each a node of a multi-DVR system where the nodes are implemented for communication with each other. A node status can be communicated from a node of the multi-DVR system to the television-based client devices at the respective nodes of the multi-DVR system. A node status can include a media content identifier of media content being rendered at the node of the multi-DVR system. Additionally, node status updates can be received from each of the television-based client devices at the respective nodes of the multi-DVR system such that one or more of the television-based client devices can request to playback the media content identified in a node status update.

Abstract: A method of providing video-on-demand content includes receiving a request from a set-top box, and determining the video-on-demand content is not stored locally. The request includes a content identifier for the video-on-demand content. The method further includes identifying a peer likely to have the video-on-demand content, receiving at least a first portion of the video-on-demand content from the peer, and providing the video-on-demand content to the set-top box.

Abstract: An interactive information distribution system includes service provider equipment for generating an information stream that is coupled to an information channel and transmitted to subscriber equipment. The service provider also generates a command signal that is coupled to a command channel and transmitted to the subscriber equipment. The service provider also receives information manipulation requests from the subscriber via a back channel. A communication network supporting the information channel, command channel and back channel is coupled between the service provider equipment and the subscriber equipment.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for reserve allocation of event data. A request event is received. The request event is associated with memory storing request event data. Memory for response event data is allocated from a first pool. The response event data is associated with a response, and the response is associated with the request. Upon failure of the allocation of memory for the response event data, memory is obtained for out-of-memory response event data. The out-of-memory response event data is associated with the response event. The request event is completed using the response event.

Abstract: In a video-on-demand system, memory-based video streams are seamlessly replaced with disc-based video streams. This is achieved by first switching each memory-based video stream to a mixed video stream; and later, switching each mixed video stream to a disc-based video stream.

Abstract: The present invention, in particular embodiments, is directed to methods, apparatuses and systems directed to rate adaptive video transmission. In a particular implementation, the present invention provides a video server that delivers video frames received from a video source in response to video frame requests transmitted by one or more video clients. In such a configuration, video clients essentially pull video frames of a video stream at a rate adapted to various attributes of the client and/or the client application consuming the video stream, such as bandwidth available to the client the video client application requirements, and the like. Additional embodiments also provide for novel video data compression techniques that use client pull mechanisms to achieve an adaptive video streaming mechanism. In one implementation, only lower levels of a multi-resolution or wavelet video stream are requested to optimally utilize system bandwidth.

Abstract: The invention consists of a system and method for transferring video images from video sources to video receivers using a video server as an intermediary. The video server creates a list of all the requests from the video receivers for a video image from a video source. The video server requests the video image from the video source and then sends the video image to each video receiver on the list. The video source is only required to send one image for any number of requests from video receivers and the video sources and video receivers have no direct connection to each other. The load of handling many video sources and many video receivers can be distributed amongst multiple video servers.

Abstract: A method for managing contents of Video On Demand (VOD) services, where a Middle Ware (MW) controls the stored contents on a VOD server according to the VOD service information correlated with a channel is provided. The corresponding device and system are also provided. Therefore, the specific service forms are separated from the stored contents, and the MW controls the contents in a centralized manner according to the service information; the VOD server does not need to store the contents of each service separately, but adds and deletes the stored contents according to the unified control from the MW, thus avoiding repeated storage of the same data for different services.

Abstract: A system for high-speed access and recording includes a demodulator, a buffer memory, and a hard disk. During a write cycle, a content stream is stored in buffer memory and thereafter transferred to the demodulator. When the buffer memory reaches its storage capacity, its contents are transferred to the hard disk for storage. During a read cycle, contents from the hard disk are read and then stored in the buffer memory. The hard disk further includes includes a high-speed zone and a random-access zone, which are configured to operate in a high-speed mode, a random-access mode, and a buffer-cleaning mode.

Abstract: In a DVD playback mode only, the first type interface is disabled and a DVD driver unit having a hardware DVD decoder connected to a DVD reader unit arranged to read video data from a DVD inserted therein is powered on. In the described embodiment, the DVD decoder unit is also connected to the display screen by way of a second type interface is powered on. The video data is read from the DVD by the DVD reader unit and sent by the DVD reader unit to the hardware DVD decoder unit which then decodes the video data before passing it directly to a timing controller unit coupled to the display screen by way of the second type interface. The timing controller unit converts the video data at a native resolution to a display screen resolution that is then displayed on the display screen.

Abstract: Methods, systems and content have been developed for increasing the bandwidth available to a bandwidth-constrained medium for transmitting digital video content. The content that is to be transmitted is compressed in proportion to the desirability of the content. The desirability of the content is determined by obtaining human-factors data indicative of whether a selected item of content is highly desirable. A desirability score derived from the data is assigned to the content. The desirability score determines the compression level. Feedback systems change the level of compression as the desirability of the content changes with time.

Abstract: Techniques for updating a library with a significant number of titles are disclosed. A library in each of the boxes in service is updated synchronously or asynchronously. Any release to update the library is performed by propagating data chunks by a gossip protocol to all boxes in service. A proper release package is then recovered in each box from the received data chunk to update the library. According to one aspect of the techniques, a small set of seeding boxes is designated to propagate at least some or all of respective received data chunks to a set of the boxes. Each of the set of the boxes is caused to recursively propagate its received data chunks to other boxes chosen to continue spreading, if necessary, some or all of the received data chunks among the boxes till each of the boxes in service has received a designated portion of the data chunks.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide system is provided. An interactive television program guide provides users with an opportunity to select programs for recording on a remote media server. Programs may also be recorded on a local media server. The program guide provides users with VCR-like control over programs that are played back from the media servers and over real-time cached copies of the programs. The program guide also provides users with an opportunity to designate gift recipients for whom programs may be recorded.

Abstract: A resource manager transforms the MPEG7 descriptors into an active and composite storage, processing, and presentation component in a storage area network (e.g. iSCSI). The active component can enable fast search and retrival operation directly on the logical disk blocks which maps well with the multimedia video stream and images data. It can also support content addressable search on the video and image files and play the media blocks directly. In addition, it enables a dynamic configuration of a media processing function after it is loaded in an execution environment. The data block is moved from the iSCSI interface directly into processing modules and presentation modules via decoder, buffer, and constraint control units.

Abstract: A D-server controller, a VoD-server controller and a policy server are described herein which implement diagnostic tools that proactively detect and prevent potential problems with different components and services in an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) network.

Abstract: Admission of a new disk stream is based on the probability of overcommitting disk bandwidth based on parameters related to the disk. These fixed parameters are determined either by retrieval from the disk or by investigating the disk. Probability functions of the disk parameters may be obtained. Exemplary disk parameters may be average disk seek time, probabilistic determination of the amount of data exchange during a single exchange, and probabilistic information about reading versus writing.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for time-based access to digital content are provided. Access to a set of digital content is provided for a predetermined period of time. During the predetermined period of time, a user can access (e.g., download, play) any digital content in the set of digital content. At the end of the predetermined period of time, the user is denied access to the digital content regardless of where the content is stored (e.g., in a digital content library, on a computer system controlled by the user, on a playback device controlled by the user). Simplified access and control of digital content is thereby provided in the form of time-based access.

Abstract: A data providing system in which program deliverers store programs and deliver the stored programs to requesting subscriber terminals has a program allocation control unit that allocates new programs or qualified programs to multiple program deliverers, then selectively deletes the programs from the program deliverers. This allocation scheme assures that even newly added programs can be transmitted efficiently to the subscriber terminals.

Abstract: A system and method automates a scheduled retrieval, storage, and access of media data. Media data is retrieved from an external source and downloaded to an end user media device storage for subsequent playback at the end user media device. Media data is accessible from the end user media device storage based upon criteria including a selection of the end user, rules regulating the media data, and whether a playback time of the media data is sufficient to retrieve additional media data. The system performs regularly scheduled dynamic controls to determine whether additional media data is required for continuous and uninterrupted access of the media data.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer products for storage of video via Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) are disclosed herein. Exemplary embodiments include a network-based method for video storage. The method includes receiving a request to store at least one video, retrieving the at least one video through an Internet Protocol television (IPTV) network, and storing the at least one video in a video repository in communication with the IPTV network.

Abstract: A system for and method of electronic content distribution is disclosed. Such content may be electronic book content, newspaper content, magazine content, and other types of content. The system includes: a processor having logic configured for filtering electronic content to remove incorrect information. The electronic content is automatically gathered from one or more content sources external to the system. The system also includes logic for assembling electronic content in a manner indicative of a predetermined template, and distributing the assembled electronic content for transmission at a scheduled time. The system also includes a communication network having an active channel configured to transmit the assembled electronic content. The system also includes a media device configured to receive and display the assembled electronic content when the media device is communicatively coupled to the active channel.

Abstract: Media distribution systems may include methods and apparatus to perform memory management on a wireless devices configured to receive non-real time portions of media services. Such methods and apparatus may be based upon an allowable capacity of presentations storable in device memory, as well as on a required memory associated with each presentation in a media service. Such methods and apparatus allow a device to subscribe to a media service based upon sufficient available memory in the device to support the service.

Abstract: Provided is a method for processing updated data of an application in a headend or a subscriber's terminal of a digital data broadcasting system. The method of the present research forms updated object modules and non-updated object modules among the objects of the application data, transmits them to a subscriber's terminal, abstracts the updated objects in the subscriber's terminal among the objects transmitted from the headend, and outputs them onto a screen, when the objects of the application data are updated in the headend.

Abstract: A system for enhanced network communications is provided. The system includes a data management section configured for connection to and to receive data packets from a CATV content provider, a telephony service provider, a telephony subscriber, an Internet, a WAN, a MAN or a LAN, and configured for connection to a network transmission equipment or a broadcast equipment of a service provider. The data management section includes a hardware broadcast routing device. The broadcast routing device includes a plurality of ports, and the broadcast routing device is configured to route the data packets in parallel over the plurality of ports to the network transmission equipment or the broadcast equipment of the service provider. A computer readable storage medium tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by a data management section and a method for enhanced network communications are also provided.

Abstract: A method for video data retrieval is provided. The method comprises receiving a search criteria, the search criteria comprising an identification of an event recording system and an identification of a type of timestamp of an event record of the event recording system, retrieving from the event recording system identified by the search criteria an at least one event record, each event record comprising a timestamp identified by the search criteria, and retrieving from a digital video recorder server an at least one video record with a timing data encompassing the timestamp of the at least one event record, the timestamp of the type identified by the search criteria.

Abstract: There is provided a stream transmitter for generating and transmitting a digest stream that is a single stream into which digests, each having a predetermined time length, cut out from the respective plurality of video contents stored in a contents storage are combined. This configuration allows a user to view the digest stream, which collects the digests of the respective contents, and select a desirable program by viewing each digest.

Abstract: In a content distributed-storage system in which divided content data obtained by dividing content data of a single unit having a plurality of pieces of frame image data into a plurality of pieces is stored so as to be distributed to a plurality of node devices, unique identification information is assigned to each of the divided content data, each of the node devices can obtain the divided content data on the basis of the identification information. In the system, content catalog information having the identification information of at least one piece of the divided content data and key frame information including information indicative of an offset position of the frame image data in each of the divided content data, is stored. An instruction related to playback of the content data from the user is received.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for retrieving media files from a customer premise device are disclosed. For example, the method receives a request from a subscriber to access a media file, and verifies the media file is stored on a customer premise device. The method provides the media file via a communication network to the subscriber if the media file is verified as being stored in the customer premise device.

Abstract: The Video-on-Demand Asset Mass Storage System provides the capability to determine the current Asset Multiplicity of each Distinct Asset, including identical Distinct Asset copies, and provides the capability to determine the current Asset Multiplicity of each Alias. The implementation maintains Asset Multiplicity measures as the system operates over time, i.e., as the system and its consumers or the operator create and delete Multi-Media Assets or reorganize Video on Demand Library inventories.

Abstract: The system for electronic retail sales of multi-media assets operates as an overlay application on existing multi-media communication networks to receive individual consumer purchase requests for a selected multi-media asset and deliver a copy of that multi-media asset to the consumer's designated online personal storage space, which represents a network-based consumer multi-media library. In addition, the network-based consumer multi-media library enables the consumer to store consumer generated multi-media assets. The consumer can then access the contents of their network-based consumer multi-media library at any desired time and place, with the consumer selected multi-media asset being delivered to the requesting consumer in a mode appropriate for the consumer's communication device over the multi-media communication network that serves the consumer's presently active communication device.

Abstract: Techniques for sharing data among a plurality of networked devices, also referred to network nodes, are discussed. To best use an available uploading bandwidth of a device sharing data with a receiving device, a portion of the data is uploaded within the available uploading bandwidth, and another portion of the data is uploaded from another device locally caching the same data. To satisfy the minimum transmission rate of the data to the receiving device, both portions of the data are concurrently uploaded from the two devices to the receiving device. In reference to a predetermined minimum uploading bandwidth and the available uploading bandwidth, the two portions of data are interleaved and must be reassembled to recover the data for consumption in the receiving device. A size of the first portion of the data is determined by a server in view of the available uploading bandwidth a designated supplying box has.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for improved program acquisition for use with MPEG-2 based systems. In an aspect, a method includes receiving a program association table (PAT) associated with an MPEG-2 transport stream, and identifying program map tables (PMTs) included in the PAT. The method also includes caching the PMTs, receiving a request to present a program, determining if a PMT associated with the program has been cached, and acquiring the selected program using information from the cached PMT. An apparatus includes means for receiving a PAT associated with an MPEG-2 transport stream and means for identifying PMTs included in the PAT. The apparatus also includes means for caching the PMTs, means for receiving a request to present a program, means for determining if a PMT associated with the program has been cached, and means for acquiring the selected program using information from the cached PMT.

Abstract: A computer system having a memory for providing streaming media in one of a plurality of streaming media protocols includes a first plurality of interfaces configured to initiate reading of packet meta-data and packets of payload data from a memory, and a second plurality of interfaces configured to output streaming media packets to a client system at a requested pace, wherein the streaming media packets are determined in response to the packet meta-data, to the packets of payload data, and to a streaming media protocol requested, wherein the packet meta-data and the packets of payload data are read from the memory at a pace independent of the requested pace for the streaming media packets, and wherein the second plurality of interfaces support more than one streaming media protocol.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a stored program controlling apparatus includes: a program transmitting unit that transmits a program file stored in a first memory to a second memory; and an attribute granting unit that grants a deletion prohibiting attribute to the program file transmitted to the second memory.

Abstract: A computer software product, methods and apparatus for improved video communications are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided that is configured to send v-mail messages. The v-mail messages contain a video stream that is stored on a second device on a network. In one embodiment, the second device is configured to associate multiple video streams to a thread and allow users access to stored video content and associated files. This Abstract is provided for the sole purpose of complying with the Abstract requirement rules that allow a reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure contained herein. This Abstract is submitted with the explicit understanding that it will not be used to interpret or to limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.

Abstract: To facilitate instant playback of an ordered title (e.g., a movie), a file pertaining to the title is fragmented into a header and segments. The header is seeded in all boxes in service and none, one or more segments are distributed to the network of boxes. When the title is ordered, the header is instantly played back while the segments, if not locally available, are streamed in respectively from the boxes having the segments to enable continuous playback of the ordered title. Should one of the boxes fails to deliver the segment according to a certain requirement (e.g., a lower transmission rate), the box gets immediately replaced by a substitute machine that continues to supply the segment from where it was stopped.

Abstract: Access to movies ranging from very popular movies to unpopular movies is managed by configuring sets of data movers for associated movie rankings, reserving data mover local cache resources for the most popular movies, reserving a certain number of streams for popular movies, negotiating with a client for selection of available movie titles during peak demand when resources are not available to start any freely-selected movie in disk storage, and managing disk bandwidth and primary and local cache memory and bandwidth resources for popular and unpopular movies. The assignment of resources to movie rankings may remain the same while the rankings of the movies are adjusted, for example, during off-peak hours. A movie locked in primary cache and providing a source for servicing a number of video streams may be demoted from primary cache to disk in favor of servicing one or more streams of a higher-ranking movie.

Abstract: A method and system for providing customer premise equipment (CPE) code to one or more pieces of CPE in a cable system having a national code repository (NCR) in communication with a number of headend units, wherein the headend units deliver code received from the NCR to the one or more pieces of CPE.

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: An apparatus for reproducing a television broadcast program digest which stores a broadcast signal indicative of contents of at least one television broadcast program and guide data of the at least one television broadcast program. The apparatus pre-stores a period of time and a weight point as data for at least one attribute concerning program contents every different television broadcast program. The apparatus reads the broadcast signal and guide data of the at least one television broadcast program when a digest reproduction is performed. In accordance with the guide data, the apparatus reads a period of time and a weight point for each attribute corresponding to a television broadcast program consistent in terms of content with or similar to the at least one television broadcast program. The apparatus reproduces a partial signal having a length of time based on the weight point and the period of time.

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: With at least one implementation described herein, one or more viewers are able to watch the same source multimedia content at multiple locations within an environment (e.g., a household). With at least one implementation described herein, a viewer is able to resume watching such content at a new location (or “locus”) from the point that she bookmarked the content at an original location. This abstract itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. The scope of the present invention is pointed out in the appending claims.

Abstract: Improved approaches for evaluating performance of data storage systems used with computers are disclosed. The performance evaluation of the data storage systems utilizes dynamic performance evaluation by use of data throughput as a diagnostic. The data storage systems include, for example, either disk drives or RAIDs. In one embodiment, the invention identifies a sustained performance rate for a disk drive or RAID.

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.