Abstract: Methods of operating a network server device are provided. The methods may include establishing a session with a client device. The methods may also include transmitting a first base segment providing first base content for a first time segment to the client device. The methods may additionally include transmitting a second base segment providing second base content for a second time segment to the client device. The methods may further include transmitting an additive segment including additive content for the second time segment to the client device. Also, the additive content may be synchronized with the second base content. Related methods of operating client devices are also described, as are related network server devices and related client devices.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosed invention include a system and a method for bypassing an emergency alert break-in for a recorded event. For example, in one embodiment, a set top box is disclosed that includes a memory component for storing computer executable instructions; a communication interface for receiving media content data from a cable service provider; a decoder module for decoding the received media content data; an emergency alert break-in monitoring module for identifying an emergency alert break-in from the received data; a digital video recorder controller module for determining whether the identified emergency alert break-in affects a recording of a program on a recorded channel; and an emergency alert break-in bypass module for bypassing the identified emergency alert break-in for enabling the digital video recorder controller module to record the program without the identified emergency alert break-in.

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 client playback architecture for a media content distribution system is provided. In the preferred embodiment, the client playback architecture is a Remote Direct Memory Access (RDMA) based architecture. The RDMA based architecture enables the client playback device to obtain media content from a central server in real-time or in substantially real-time as the media content is needed for playback at the client playback device. More specifically, the playback device includes RDMA enabled playback circuitry operating to perform RDMA transfers for select media content, buffer the media content received as a result of the RDMA transfers, and provide the media content for presentation to one or more associated viewers via one or more audio/video interfaces.

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: Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for reducing bandwidth consumption in a switched broadcast multimedia distribution system. When a subscriber requests a channel, bandwidth is allocated to deliver a current program to the subscriber via the requested channel. The allocated bandwidth is then terminated upon expiration of a timer. The timer may have a defined value, or the timer may correspond to program scheduling.

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 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: Systems and methods allow playback of a media stream received via a network. The media stream is received and stored in a buffer prior to playback. Responsive to receiving the user command to change the content of the media stream, the buffer is flushed prior to receiving the changed content in the media stream.

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: Video-coded information is transmitted over a network at a priority level that is determined based on feedback from the network. In an embodiment, the feedback comprises a response to a request for information on whether the network currently has the available capacity to transmit additional high priority traffic. In an embodiment, a candidate base layer frame is transmitted over a network as a base layer frame if permission to send high priority data was granted and is transmitted over the network as an enhancement layer frame if permission to send high priority data was denied. In a further embodiment, the candidate base layer frame is deleted if permission to send high priority data was denied.

Abstract: In one embodiment an apparatus for splicing an ad into a data stream includes an ad segmenter, an ad variant generator coupled to the ad segmenter, and an ad variant selector coupled to the ad variant generator. The ad segmenter designates end portions, including beginning and ending portions, of the ad and designates an intermediate portion between the end portions. The ad variant generator generates a plurality of variants of at least one end portion. Each variant corresponds to a unique bit-rate. The ad variant selector selects at least one variant for splicing into the data stream based on a buffer level of a data stream buffer.

Abstract: A method, an equipment and a system for reducing a media delay are disclosed. A media processing unit receives a media switching request sent from a media receiving unit, and sends a response message and a media stream of a second media service to the media receiving unit according to the media switching request, where the response message includes information for the media receiving unit to reduce the media delay, so that the media receiving unit performs a media quickening process on the media stream of the second media service according to the received message including the information for reducing the media delay. An equipment and a system for reducing a media delay are also provided, which increase the switching efficiency of the media streams, reduce the difference of the display delay among different user media, and improve the degree of user experience.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for receiving audiovisual programs sent by a server to at least two reception devices. Initially, a first user requests a document from the server that establishes a unicast stream to download said document. Then, a second user requests to receive the same document, even truncated by a part. The server studies the proposal and possibly, for a lower price, agrees to the download. The server then switches the broadcast of the document from a unicast stream to a multicast stream, the first and second devices receiving said document via the same multicast stream. The invention also relates to a device for receiving audiovisual content and a server for implementing the method.

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

Abstract: A system is disclosed for providing broadcast programming to subscriber locations including an intermediate video supplier, subscriber location equipment and one or more video sources. The intermediate video supplier includes a video buffer and a video server that processes received subscriber requests and retrieves, according to the subscriber requests, either of currently broadcast programming or broadcast programming previously buffered in the video buffer by the video server. The subscriber location equipment includes a remote control and a local control unit that transmits the subscriber requests to the video server via one or more data links and receives, from the video server, either of the currently broadcast programming or the previously buffered broadcast programming for display on a local video display via the data link.

Abstract: Provided are a multimedia data reproducing method and an apparatus for controlling a multimedia data reproducing speed based on a multimedia data packet receiving speed. The method including controlling a reproducing speed of the multimedia data based on a first time difference between times at which a plurality of packets including the multimedia data are respectively received and a second time difference between times to respectively reproduce the multimedia data corresponding to the plurality of packets; and reproducing the multimedia data at the controlled reproducing speed.

Abstract: In a system that is capable of operating in a broadcast mode and a switched mode, it is advantageous to be able to shift program delivery between the two modes. Thus when one video program is being delivered to at least a first customer in a first mode, this program may be delivered to at least a second customer in a second mode that is different from the first mode. In this manner, the video program that is being delivered to first customer will be maintained in the original mode while new requests for this program will be served in a different mode until the delivery of the program to the first customer has been completed. In other words, legacy program delivery is maintained until the program delivery has been completed or otherwise terminated, while delivery of the program in response to new requests for the same program will be delivered in a different mode instead.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for efficiently and flexibly providing caption data (e.g., closed captioning) to subscribers of a content-based network, such as for example Internet protocol television (IPTV) subscribers. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a server performing real-time extraction and encapsulation of caption data, transport of caption data to client devices over the network, and use of one or more applications running on the client devices to decode and display the caption data consistent with the multimedia (audio/video) content with which it is associated. In one variant, instant messaging (IM) infrastructure is used to authenticate clients and receive and display the caption data via a separate transport process. Server and client-side apparatus adapted for caption data receipt, decoding and display are also disclosed.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of providing contextual information during video buffering includes playing a video in response to a user input. The video includes metadata and tags. The computer-implemented method also includes extracting contextual information based on the metadata and the tags. Further, the computer-implemented method includes pausing the video for video buffering. Furthermore, the computer-implemented method includes displaying the contextual information during the video buffering. The computer-implemented method includes resuming the playing of the video subsequent to the video buffering.

Abstract: A system and method for cleaning television viewing behavior data collected from set top boxes by detecting and correcting various problems that can occur in the viewing data. Three problems that may be detected and corrected by the system include: overflows of memory buffers; inclusion of non-human generated tuning events; and presence of clock offsets. After cleaning the television viewing behavior data, the cleaned data may be used to analyze audience viewing behavior in a manner that achieves a higher degree of accuracy than can be achieved by using uncleaned television viewing behavior data.

Abstract: Presented herein is a method of presenting alternative audio content for an audio/visual content segment, such as a television program or a motion picture. In the method, the audio/visual content segment is received into a media content receiver. The audio/visual content segment includes primary visual content and primary audio content. A request to receive alternative audio content for the audio/visual content segment is transmitted. After transmitting the request, the alternative audio content is received into the media content receiver. The primary audio content is replaced with the alternative audio content to generate a revised audio/visual content segment. The revised audio/visual content is transferred for presentation to a user.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for dynamically creating and inserting an application into an MPEG program transport stream. The application may be subsequently run on a customer premises equipment (CPE) device to effect switching between content streams for presentation to viewers based on other available data, such as targeting information.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for time-shifted access to media content. The time-shifted access may be facilitate with a time-shift buffer and the use of time-shift buffers to mark periods in time from which time-shifted access is to be begin according to triggering events registered at output devices being used to facilitate the time-shifted access.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating content to users that includes a prioritizer and a listing module communicating the category and content identifier for a content to the prioritizer. The prioritizer associates a lifecycle having a plurality of lifecycle states with the category, assigns a first priority to the content in response to a first lifecycle state of the plurality of lifecycle states, changes the first lifecycle state to a second lifecycle state and changes the first priority to a second priority in response to changing the first lifecycle state to the second lifecycle state.

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: Systems and methods can be used to provide reduced latency in channel changing for interactive programming. In some implementations, such systems and methods can include identifying a rapid channel change mode and filtering older requests when a device detects the rapid channel change mode. In other implementations, such systems and methods can predict channel change requests and identify predicted channels associated with the predicted requests. The predicted channels can thereby be requested in advance.

Abstract: A system and method for broadcasting content includes a content provider which interfaces with one or more clients through a network. The content provider includes a scheduler responsive to requests for content from clients. The scheduler provides the content in blocks by making the blocks available to requesters by a plurality of streams wherein a subsequent requester accesses blocks from previous requester's streams complemented by a subset of blocks as a stream for this requester to complete an entire set of blocks for the subsequent requester. By manipulating the scheduler as a function of user requests, this system and method is able to provide a video on demand service at a fractional bandwidth usage of a conventional VOD system.

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: A video playback device, provided in a P2P-based network, comprises a channel pre-cached buffer, for storing a plurality of video blocks corresponding to a number of pre-cached channels; a display interface, for receiving a request for channel browsing from a viewer and executing playback of the video blocks pertaining to a selected channel indicated on the request; and an agent module, for receiving the request for channel browsing from the display interface, obtaining a seed/peer list pertaining to the selected channel indicated on the request, and downloading the video blocks from seed and/or peer nodes based on the seed/peer list; characterized in that the agent module applies an automatic refreshing mechanism for updating the corresponding video blocks to each pre-cached channel by supplying the most updated video blocks in the channel pre-cached buffer.

Abstract: Technology which facilitates a reduction in time of the presentation of video content after a viewer changes channels is described. Frames of a video stream associated with a channel are analyzed to identify locations of access points in the video stream prior to relaying the video stream to a presentation device. Information indicating the locations of access points is stored. The video stream is then time shifted on a continuous basis and is transmitted to the presentation device which made the request for as long as the presentation device remains tuned to the channel corresponding to the request. A first available frame on or before an access point of the time shifted video stream is selected based on the stored information, which is used to commence the transmission of the time shifted video to the presentation device, which facilitates a more immediate presentation of video content.

Abstract: An audio context object gathers multiple channels of audio data from an audio device and stores each channel of data separately in a ring buffer. Clients of the audio context can request any number of channels of data at any interval from the audio context. Multiple clients can share the same audio device. The ring buffer used by the audio context object stores the channels of audio data in a two-dimensional array such that each channel of audio data is stored in contiguous memory.

Abstract: A method for providing a progressive download service for a playback apparatus supporting a BD-J specification is disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, a standby time and a communication overhead necessary for receiving and playing a A/V data by a playback apparatus supporting a BD-J specification are minimized by dividing and playing a first clip and a second clip according to a size of clips.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method performed by a server including obtaining a stream of live data comprising a plurality of segments; storing the plurality of segments to form a recorded stream; transmitting the plurality of segments as a near-live feed to one or more nodes in a network; transmitting the recorded stream to another node in the network; and transitioning from transmission to the another node of the recorded stream to the near-live feed, the transmission comprising: delaying transmission of the near-live feed to the another node until a new segment of the stream of live data is obtained.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a method for receiving non-real time content involves receiving a transport stream containing an Internet Protocol stream of packets containing non-real time content, non-real time service metadata and non-real time content metadata; demultiplexing the Internet Protocol stream of packets to produce: non-real time content, non-real time service metadata, and non-real time content metadata. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: A system for multicast streaming of programs over a packet network includes a node having a processor that conditions a video bitstream such that packets containing an I-frame are located near program specific information (PSI) packets, the processor marking a random join point (RJP) in the video bitstream immediately preceding the I-frame and PSI packets, the node outputting the conditioned and marked video bitstream across the packet network. An edge device of the network includes a buffer that caches packets of the conditioned and marked video bitstream video starting at the RJP, and sends the cached packets to a client receiver.

Abstract: A transmitting terminal can transmit a content held by itself to a specific receiving terminal having no email software as if using a mailer. The transmitting terminal (10) and the receiving terminal (20) are connected to a delivery server (30) via a network (4). The delivery server (30) comprises: a database (36) for registering the device ID that specifies the receiving terminal (20); a content storage (39) for temporarily storing a content transmitted from the transmitting terminal (10); and table (33, 37) for managing contents separately on a per device ID basis of the receiving terminal. The delivery server (30), when receiving a request from the receiving terminal (20), refers to the tables (33, 27) and transmits to the receiving terminal (20) a content, the transmission destination of which corresponds to the device ID of the receiving terminal (20).

Abstract: A method of streaming content includes encapsulating and packetizing HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) content into a MPEG private data Packet Identifier (PID) at a headend of a QAM network. This data service is multiplexed with compressed digital broadcast video content to produce a MPEG transport stream for being transmitted over the network to subscribers. The HLS content is provided to the subscriber in the form of data. At the subscriber location, the MPEG transport stream is received over the QAM network with a tuner that detects HLS content available from the MPEG transport stream in a form of a MPEG private data PID of the MPEG transport stream. The HLS content is buffered from the MPEG private data PID and made available to a wireless IP client device via a local area network connection.

Abstract: A system for redistributing a multiple input audio/video and data signals having a redistributing device equipped to receive signals in a multiple formats and redistribute a selected signal to a user's premises over conductors, preferably existing twisted-pair telephone wire. The redistributing device is in interactive communication with a communications interface located in the user's premises which receives user-input control signals and contains switching circuitry which routes the selected signal to the user's premises where it is received by the receiving unit such as a television receiver. A single redistributing device services an entire multi-user network from a common distribution point, and services multiple users independently. The system of the invention does not interfere with normal use of the telephone network, so users can interactively access services provided by the system and use the telephone at the same time.

Abstract: Receiving and sending videos over a network such as the Internet. In one implementation, users upload videos to a web site in a variety of formats. The videos are transcoded and other users can view the videos by indicating their desire to do so on the site. In one embodiment, a video is streamed to the watching user using Flash and the user watches the video via a Flash player, for example, a flash player in his browser.

Abstract: Systems and methods of controlling communication of data are provided. A method of controlling communication of data may include receiving, at a network component, a request for data associated with a data source. The network component may have a limited capacity to distribute data. The method also includes determining whether the network component is exceeding a first capacity threshold. When the network component is exceeding the first capacity threshold, the method includes determining whether the data source meets a popularity criterion. When the data source meets the popularity criterion, the method includes sending the data associated with the data source.

Abstract: A technique for managing the distribution of digital video content to multiple end-user devices is disclosed. The technique involves statistically multiplexing multiple VBR encoded video streams into an access channel, such as a data over cable service interface specifications (DOCSIS) bonded group, and utilizing quality of service capabilities of an edge device, such as a cable modem termination system (CMTS) or an edge quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) device, to buffer and schedule IP packets, which carry the VBR encoded video streams, so that packets are not dropped during periods of congestion. Utilizing the quality of service capabilities of an edge device makes it possible to statistically multiplex VBR encoded video streams in a narrowcast application such as Video on Demand (VOD) or Switched Digital Video (SDV) while eliminating the need for process intensive transrating/transcoding operations.

Abstract: A method and system for enabling trick plays during a variable bit rate (VBR) playback of a media file transmitted to a user media device as a constant bit rate (CBR) flow includes determining a plurality of access points within the media file. The media file is configured to be played back from each of the plurality of access points. A minimum buffer value is calculated for each of the plurality of access points. The minimum buffer value identifies a minimum amount of the media file to transmit to the user media device before beginning playback of the media file from each of the plurality of access points to substantially ensure that the media file is configured to be played back from each of the plurality of access points continuously and uninterruptedly at a variable bit rate.

Abstract: A network system includes a connectivity services network (CSN), a plurality of access service network gateways, a plurality of base stations, an orchestration device, executing a lifecycle quality-of-experience model for video-on-demand flows, receiving content from the CSN, and a plurality of subscriber stations in communication with the orchestration device through a base station and/or gateway, wherein the orchestration device continuously tracks past service and usage for each of the subscriber stations and predicts future channel conditions and load to determine, periodically or when triggered by critical events, many-to-one assignments from subscriber stations to base stations and allocation of base station resources to subscriber stations assigned to it.

Abstract: A tunerless media presentation unit is described which dispenses with the use of traditional analog television tuners. In its place, the media presentation unit provides a pseudo-tuner which can selectively access streaming digital media information from a multicast and/or unicast network source, and/or a local source. In one implementation, the media presentation unit can simultaneously receive and process multiple streams of media information. This accommodates the use of multiple picture-in-pictures (PIPs), PIP-based channel browsing, PIP-in-guide presentations, and so forth. Various business models can be implemented which charge subscribers fees based on the number of streams they wish to simultaneously receive, and/or the total number of channels that they wish to access (not necessarily at the same time).

Abstract: This method of transmitting coded data, representing a digital video, from a server to a plurality of clients, at least one subset of the clients using congestion control algorithms, uses a plurality of signals for passing from a coded representation of the video at a given quality level to a coded representation at least one quality level different from the given level. The sending (E618) of at least one of the passage signals at least to the subset of clients depends on information representing the behavior of the congestion control algorithms used by the subset of clients.

Abstract: Methods and devices for controlling trick-play video streaming. Upon receipt of a request to play video at a fast-play (e.g., fast-forward or fast-reverse) speed that is some multiple of a normal playback speed, one of multiple possible frame-rate versions of a trick-play track may be selected based on the requested fast-play speed and an available network bandwidth, and a server may stream the selected frame-rate version of the trick-play track to a client for playout. The various frame-rate versions may differ from each other in terms of a rate at which they skip I-frames of the video.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a media processor having a controller to allocate between a video and audio quality in an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) presentation and to utilize a resultant bandwidth as a result of allocation to enhance an audio or video quality in the IPTV presentation in response to a user selection among levels of video quality and audio quality. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Displaying video on a video display device is disclosed. A first video stream from a first video streaming source is displayed on the display device. A second video stream from a second video streaming source is processed on the display device without displaying the second video stream. Displaying the first video stream is ceased and instead the second video stream is displayed. Supporting operations on a video stream is also disclosed. At least one video chunk is received at a first granularity. A determination is made that an operation is to be performed at a different granularity. At least one video chunk is requested at the different granularity.