Abstract: A transceiver configured to receive and transmit data in a content oriented network (CON), and a processor configured to obtain a jointly provisioned routing and storage solution resolved according to an aggregated data flow equation generating a conventional data flow of content on a link to a destination, and an aggregated data flow of the content on the link, and a storage indicator, and to determine whether to store and transmit the data.

Abstract: Systems, methods, software, and apparatus are described for facilitating the distribution and management of fragmented content. In one embodiment, a packager packages content into fragments and generates a manifest including policies and metadata associated with the content. A downloader obtains the manifest, and uses it to obtain the content from one or more uploaders. For example, a downloader might forward a search request to one or more trackers, which, in turn, are operable to locate one or more uploaders that can meet the request, subject to any relevant policy limitations. The uploaders forward fragments to the downloader, subject to any relevant policy. The downloader assembles the content from the fragments. The operations and interactions of the entities can be subject to policy limitations associated with the fragments, the content as a whole, or the like.

Abstract: Methods and systems simplify discovery and handoff for multi-frequency broadcast receiver devices, such as mobile TV devices, by providing a virtual home channel that is not dependent on a single frequency network upper layer. The methods and systems may be used in conjunction with a single frequency network upper layer to support areas without upper layer available, or to off load some portion of the common data bandwidth in the single frequency network. For example, the single frequency network may only carry frequency data for the multiple frequency network or only the frequency data for networks with comprehensive market metadata.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method are described for performing video compression. For example, a method according to one embodiment comprises: encoding a plurality of video frames or portions thereof according to a first encoding format; transmitting the plurality of encoded video frames or portions to a client device; receiving feedback information from the client device, the feedback information usable to determine whether data contained in the video frames or portions has not been successfully received and/or decoded; in response to detecting that a video frame or portion thereof has not been successfully received and/or decoded, encoding a video frame or portion thereof according to a second encoding format; and transmitting the video frames or portions thereof to the client device.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods and systems of statistical video multiplexing to improve the performance of video encoding by minimizing delay while achieving high video quality. The video encoders used in the system are capable of calculating the complexity of underlying video sources and communicating the complexity to the multiplexer. Furthermore, the video encoders are capable of estimating the look-ahead complexity, i.e. the future complexity and communicating the future complexity values to the multiplexer. A processor associated with the multiplexer allocates bit rates for the video encoders according to the received complexity values and future complexity values. The bit rate information is then communicated to the video encoders. Each video encoder will then exercise its coding control parameters to regulate the resulting bit rate to be within or close to the allocated bit rate.

Abstract: A server may be used to handle at least some of processing of content that is based on web access operations initiated in a set-top box (STB), wherein one or more links between the server and the STB that are used to forward multimedia broadcasts are configured to free bandwidth for communicating at least a portion of the processed content to the STB. The bandwidth may be freed based on switched digital video (SDV) and/or dedicated IPTV channels or systems. The broadcast links may be reconfigured based on monitoring of multimedia broadcast access by the STB and/or one or more other STBs. The freed bandwidth in the multimedia broadcast links may be configured for unicast transport of processed content to a specific STB, or may be configured for multicast transport of the processed content to a plurality of STBs.

Abstract: The delivery of content is performed over a cable network with a high capacity, and data for control is exchanged over an IP network. A VoD channel is allocated to a bandwidth of a cable network (1) which is divided for every region beforehand, and thus the VoD channel is dynamically allocated in response to the demand for VoD streaming from an end device (11). A head end includes a broadcasting server (2), a control information server (3), a VOD server (4), a regional page server (5), and a multiplexer (6). The control information server (3) broadcasts or sends DVB-SI used to form information for enabling selection of a program, or AIT for control of a browser page. The end device (11) exchanges data for obtaining content and data for stream reproduction control with the head end over the Internet (17).

Abstract: A method includes generating, based on at least one received signal, a first packet stream and a second packet stream. One of the first and second packet streams includes a packet associated with the other of the first and second packet streams. The first and second packet streams indicate respective buffer configuration sizes. The method further includes, prior to determining the respective buffer configuration sizes indicated by the first and second packet streams, allocating respective first and second portions of a dejitter buffer to the first and second packet streams. In at least one embodiment of the method, the allocating is performed by hardware coupled to the dejitter buffer.

Abstract: A device may encapsulate video data such that Supplemental Enhancement Information (SEI) messages are stored separately from a sequence of coded video pictures described by the SEI messages. An example device includes a control unit configured to generate one or more SEI messages separate from the coded video pictures, wherein the SEI messages describe respective ones of the sequence of coded video pictures and include elements common to more than one of the coded video pictures, and an output interface configured to output the SEI messages separately from the sequence of coded video pictures. An example destination device may receive the SEI messages separately from the coded video pictures and render the coded video pictures using the SEI messages.

Abstract: A data communication architecture delivers a wide variety of content, including audio and video content, to consumers. The architecture employs channel bonding to deliver more bandwidth than any single communication channel can carry. The architecture includes intermediate network devices that may receive content and send content using different groups of communication channels. The network device may process content received across a first set of communication channels for transmission across a second set of communication channels different from the first set. Such processing may preserve a program order of the content during delivery to a destination device.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a key generating device connected to an external device includes a generating unit configured to generate an encryption key; a first communicating unit configured to transmit and receive the encryption key to and from the external device; a storage unit configured to stores therein state information indicating a communication state with respect to an application using the encryption key; and a controller configured to make a control of changing a frequency at which the generating unit generates the encryption key or a frequency at which the first communicating unit transmits and receives the encryption key according to the state information.

Abstract: A gateway module according to the disclosure includes an Ethernet connector for receiving a broadcasting signal and a network signal through a coaxial cable to separate to the broadcasting signal from the network signal, a network switch for selecting at least one from a plurality of internal communication networks to transmit the separated network signal to the selected communication network, and an interface part for receiving and transmitting the separated network signal to a TV, in which the gateway module is mounted on one surface of the TV.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements for setting up a policy for downloading of IPTV media content from a Content Server (5) to a User Equipment (1), and/or for uploading media content from a User Equipment to a Content Server. The policy is typically a bandwidth reservation, and the type of content download/upload will be included in an initial request from the User Equipment, e.g. in an SDP Offer, sent to an IPTV controlling node (4).

Abstract: A display device includes a memory, a display module, a network interface configured to access a Video On Demand (VOD) server, and a controller configured to register a program for a rerun notification service, display a VOD program guide by receiving an additional information on a plurality of VOD program from a VOD server via the network interface, detect whether the additional information on the registered program exists in the VOD program guide, and output a message indicating that the program is uploaded in the VOD program guide via the rerun notification service if the additional information on the registered program exists in the VOD program guide.

Abstract: A data communication architecture delivers a wide variety of content, including audio and video content, to consumers. The architecture employs channel bonding to deliver more bandwidth than any single communication channel can carry. In some implementations, the communication architecture communicates content according to an initial bonding configuration. The communication architecture may adjust the bonding configuration to adapt to bonding environment changes affecting the communication capabilities or requirements associated with transmitting the content.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer-readable storage media for allocating content elements addressed for a content opportunity in a transport stream within a household-addressable media network. A content opportunity may include an advertising slot in a programming stream. The content elements may include advertising content configured to be run during the advertising slot. The advertising slot may be transmitted in a programming stream providing television programming and the advertising content may be provided in a commercial feed. The media network may be configured to transmit various content formats, such as high definition (HD), standard definition (SD), and variations thereof. Systems may be configured to allocate the highest profile corresponding content elements if there is sufficient resources available. If sufficient resources are not available, the system may allocate lower profile versions of the content elements.

Abstract: A channel allocation mechanism for manages bandwidth using a channel profile to assure an available channel for supporting the highest expected bandwidth request by leaving a contiguous segment available to support such requests. Configurations discussed further below define a profile for expected media types, and associate each channel with a profile designating the media types assignable on that channel. Each media type includes a service and a bitrate, thus different formats of the same service (such as SD and HD) are distinguished. Each profile specifies a media type, and each channel is associated with one or more profiles. Further, a mapping of channels to associated profiles includes a reserve designation, indicating that other (unreserved) be fully assigned before assigning the reserved channels. The reserved channels provide a contiguous block of bandwidth, so that large bandwidth requests do not encounter assignment failure from a plurality of sparsely allocated channels.

Abstract: A request is received from a subscriber of a video content network offering a switched digital video service, to establish a new switched digital video session within a service group of the video content network, which group includes both preferred and standard subscribers and has a plurality of existing sessions. It is determined whether adequate bandwidth is available to establish the new switched digital video session without tearing down any of the existing sessions. Responsive to the determination indicating that adequate bandwidth is not available without tearing down any of the existing sessions, at least one of the existing sessions is torn down. In this step, those of the existing sessions corresponding to the preferred subscribers are exempted from teardown. The new switched digital video session is established in accordance with the request. A switched digital video control apparatus, a set-top terminal, and a system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating with a user device includes an interactive headend having an interactive content manager, an interactive event scheduler and queue manager communicating with a queue. A broadcast channel management system communicates bandwidth allocation data to the interactive head end. The interactive head end forms a queue corresponding to the bandwidth allocation data. The interactive event scheduler schedules the interactive broadcast with the queue and issues a start command. The queue manager pulls content from the interactive content manager and communicates interactive content from the queue to the user device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for buffering data for multiplexing. The invention also relates to a method of multiplexing and to a multiplexer arrangement using the method and device for buffering data for multiplexing. In one embodiment the invention can be applied to the buffering of non-traffic data, such as firmware updates or other supplementary information, before multiplexing the non-traffic data with traffic data, such as television data of television channels, to form a satellite broadcast channel. In embodiments of the invention, non-traffic data for multiplexing is buffered and then read out again for multiplexing at a rate which is a function of buffer fullness. The non-traffic data may be multiplexed with at least one traffic data channel. A multiplexer can view the non-traffic data channel as another multiplexing input and can allocate the available bit rate between the traffic data channels and the non-traffic data accordingly.

Abstract: A media processing device, such as a set top box, having a plurality of selectable hardware and software components for supporting multiple media pathways providing differing levels of security. In general, each security level corresponds to a particular certification service boundary definition(s) or key/authentication and security management scheme for managing resources such as hardware acceleration blocks and software interfaces. Different sets of components may be adaptively employed to ensure composited compliance with one or more security constraints and to address component unavailability. Security constraints may be applied, for example, on a source or media specific basis, and different versions of a media item may be provided over multiple pathways providing corresponding levels of security. In one embodiment, a service operator or content provider may provide requisite certification or security requirements, or otherwise assist in selection of pathway components.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, at a server, channel change request data from a media device. The channel change request data specifies a requested channel that is associated with a plurality of multimedia streams. Each multimedia stream of the plurality of multimedia streams has a corresponding content format. The method includes determining, at the server, an available bandwidth of a service to a premises associated with the media device. The method includes selecting, at the server, a particular content format based on the available bandwidth and a multimedia stream of the plurality of multimedia streams that has the particular content format. The method also includes sending an identification of the multimedia stream from the server to the media device.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for reducing the amount of network bandwidth used by a distributed video editing system. A server dynamically chooses from among several encoding options, depending on the context and network conditions. The server makes every attempt to transmit a given video frame only once over the network. Depending on network performance, the quality of the transmitted video may vary. A frame identification technique is used to improve efficiency to avoid duplication of rendering work. On the client, the frame identity is used by the client to cache the frames individually, at varying qualities. These frames are cached on the client indefinitely. When the client prepares to play a frame, it examines its local cache of frames and chooses either a local cached frame or requests a remote frame at a different quality, based on the context.

Abstract: A device includes at least one computer readable storage medium bearing instructions, and at least one processor configured for accessing the computer readable storage medium to execute the instructions. The instructions configure the processor for providing audio video (AV) content on a first channel having a predefined frequency range, receiving a request for data associated with the AV content, and determining whether the first channel has sufficient bandwidth to concurrently provide at least portions of both the AV content and the data responsive to receiving the request. The instructions further configure the processor for expanding the first channel beyond the predefined frequency range to include at least one frequency above or below the predefined frequency range to render an expanded first channel responsive to a determination that the first channel does not have sufficient bandwidth, and concurrently providing the requested data and AV content over the expanded first channel.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a method carried out in a digital television receiver device incapable of full two way communications, of receiving switched digital television programs involves storing a virtual channel table in the digital television receiver device, the virtual channel table having entries for each available channel and having a channel type indicator that identifies switched digital channels; receiving a command indicative of selection of a switched digital channel having the switched digital channel type indicator in the stored virtual channel table; sending a request from the television receiver device for the switched digital channel; responsive to the request, receiving a response that either grants the request or denies the request; and if the response grants the request, receiving an updated virtual channel table having updated table entries. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: A system instructs that a first carrier signal that is modulated with a first digital media stream be sent to a first receiver, where the first digital media stream uses a first bandwidth. The system receives a second request from a second receiver to send a second digital media stream, where second digital media stream uses a second bandwidth that is greater than the first bandwidth, and determines that transmitting the second digital media stream will require use of the first bandwidth. The system instructs that a second carrier signal be modulated with the first digital media stream and sent to the first television receiver, and sends to the first television receiver an identifier of the second carrier signal as carrying the first digital media stream.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described including receiving buffer maps of neighbor peers, measuring serving rates from the neighbor peers, measuring serving rates to the neighbor peers, requesting a unit of data from one of the neighbor peers responsive to information in the buffer maps of the neighbor peers at a rate responsive to the serving rate from the one of the neighbor peers, receiving incoming requests for units of data, sorting the incoming requests into a plurality of queues, selecting one of the incoming requests to serve responsive to the serving rates to the neighbor peers corresponding to the incoming request, updating the queues and selecting a new neighbor peer.

Abstract: A content playback device reduces user discomfort, relative to conventional devices, when playback is interrupted and resumed after switching viewing modes, pieces of content representing different viewing modes for a common product, and differing in video length or having other differences. The content playback device receives and plays back streaming content from a content server delivering two pieces of content having different viewing modes for the common product, and comprises: a selection unit selecting a viewing mode; a determination unit determining whether playback of a first piece of content not having the selected viewing mode was interrupted; a conversion unit converting, when the determination unit has determined affirmatively, a playback interrupt position into a corresponding position in a second piece of content having the selected viewing mode; and a request unit making a request to the content server for transmission of the second piece of content from the corresponding position.

Abstract: A method, a device, and a non-transitory storage medium having instructions to obtain network state information pertaining to at least a portion of a network that provides an adaptive bitrate streaming service; generate a recommended bitrate for delivery of a program based on the network state information; transmit the recommended bitrate to user devices; monitor a compliance and a non-compliance of the recommended bitrate by the user devices; and assign a credit commensurate with the compliance of the recommended bitrate to each of the user devices that complied with the recommended bitrate and a penalty commensurate with the non-compliance of the recommended bitrate to each of the user devices that did not comply with the recommended bitrate.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for identifying and pre-buffering audio/video stream pairs. The method includes the steps of predictively identifying for pre-buffering at least one audio/video stream pair that may be selected for playback by a user subsequent to a currently playing audio/video stream pair, computing a first rate for pre-buffering an audio portion of the at least one audio/video stream pair and a second rate for pre-buffering a video portion of the at least one audio/video stream pair, downloading the audio portion at the first rate and downloading the video portion at the second rate, and storing the downloaded audio portion and the downloaded video portion in a content buffer.

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: 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: Methods and apparatuses provide load balanced signal distribution to client devices in a network, such as a digital home network. According to an exemplary embodiment, one of the methods includes the steps of receiving a request from a client device for downloading video from one of a plurality of video sources, receiving respective load indicators from first and second video receiving devices capable of receiving the plurality of video sources, selecting one of the first and second video receiving devices according to the load indicators, and instructing the selected video receiving device to transmit the video from the one of the plurality of video sources using an address known by the client device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving at a network device interposed in a network path between a source and a receiver, video optimized for a wired network link located between the source and the network device, identifying the receiver as a wireless device, optimizing the video for wireless transmission, and transmitting the video optimized for wireless transmission to the receiver. An apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: Content sequence technology, in which a channel subscribed to by a user of a content delivery network is identified and a genre of the identified channel is determined. A play sequence policy is selected for the identified channel based on the determined genre. The play sequence policy defines one or more rules used in determining an order to play content files on the identified channel. Display of the identified channel is controlled based on the selected play sequence policy.

Abstract: A video on demand system has a video server (200) for outputting video streams requested by users, via a core network (620) and access networks (630, 640, 650). A resource manager (600) determines occupation information concerning how much of the previously allocated capacity is occupied by previously authorized video streams is determined before authorizing transmitting a new requested video stream. By checking there is sufficient core network capacity, a risk of disrupting existing video streams or causing other problems by overloading the allocated capacity, is reduced or avoided. Thus less capacity in the core network is needed, and so costs of such capacity can be reduced and there is increased confidence that demand peaks will be handled more gracefully. By checking without obtaining occupation information from the core network, the system can be more independent of the core network, to reduce costs of a real time interface to the core network.

Abstract: Arrangements detailed may cause a television channel received via the tuner to be recorded for a period of time to create a channel-specific file. The channel-specific file may include multiple television programs. User input that requests playback of a first television program of the plurality of television programs from the channel-specific file may be received. A front-end adjustment time period for playback of the first television program may be determined. A start time from which playback commences in the channel-specific file may be at least partially based on the front-end adjustment time period and a scheduled start time of the television program.

Abstract: A method includes identifying an initial variant playlist for a content item. The initial variant playlist lists a first plurality of bit rate streams. Client devices that receive the content item based on the initial variant playlist are identified. The method includes determining bit rate stream consumption metrics of the client devices for the content item based on the initial variant playlist, and determining an optimized variant playlist based on the initial variant playlist and the consumption metrics of the client devices for the plurality of bit rate streams. The optimized variant playlist lists a second plurality of bit rate streams and substantially optimizes video quality based on streaming resource constraints associated with the at least one client device. The method also includes providing the content item to the client devices based on the optimized variant playlist.

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

Abstract: A system and method for managing communication. The system and method applying to but not limited to settop boxes (STBs) and other devices used to interface services. The management including any number of features and processes associated with achieving Quality of Service (QoS) across different domains and according to network limitations associated with the same.

Abstract: A method and system for transmitting channels to at least one digital video recorder is described. A server receives at least one recording schedule from a plurality of digital video recorders (step 304). A subset of channels is selected from the channels associated with the at least one program identification of the received at least one recording schedule (step 306). Information is transmitted from the server to at least one of the plurality of digital video recorders, the information indicating channels associated with the at least one program identification of the at least one recording schedule that were not selected (step 308). The selected subset of channels is also transmitted from the server to at least one of the plurality of digital video recorders (step 310).

Abstract: A method for providing remote access to segments of a transmitted program is presented. The program is recorded, and then stored at a communication server. Information specifying a segment of the stored program is transferred from a communication device to the communication server. Also, a request for access to the specified segment of the stored program is transferred from another communication device to the communication server. In response to the request, the specified segment of the program is transferred from the communication server to the requesting communication device.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for managing provision of content to devices in a content delivery network. In one exemplary embodiment, content with a high probability of viewership is sent to consumer premises equipment (CPE) during off-peak periods and stored prior to viewing. An application is utilized to manage decisions related to content provision. The computer program will identify content that is likely to be of interest users associated with respective CPE, and schedule provision of that content in advance of viewing. Then, the system will develop a plan for optimal scheduling of transmission of content to CPEs, often including the use of trickle downloads. The scheduling plan is based collected statistical and historical data on network resource demand to make scheduling decisions. The system allows for the shifting of bandwidth utilization from periods of high demand to those of low demand, and increased performance with regard to user experienced latency.

Abstract: A video call host module comprising a processor configured to decode video data corresponding to videos from endpoints and rank the videos based on motion indicators corresponding to each of the endpoints. The motion indicators are calculated from motion vectors corresponding to each of the videos. A predetermined number of highest-ranking videos are selected for display. A method of hosting a video call includes receiving encoded video data including motion vectors. Videos are ranked based on a motion indicator calculated from the motion vectors for each of the videos. Encoded video data is converted to decoded video data, and decoded video data corresponding to a predetermined number of the highest ranking videos is combined to create a single video.

Abstract: A particular method includes detecting a channel change request at a set-top box. The channel change request specifies a requested channel that is associated with a plurality of multimedia streams, where each multimedia stream has a corresponding content format. A particular multimedia stream is selected based on an available bandwidth of a service to a premises of the set-top box. Alternately, or in addition, the particular multimedia stream may be selected based on an output setting of the set-top box, scheduled recordings at a digital video recorder associated with the set-top box, available storage space at the digital video recorder, and other factors. In one example, the method may implement channel proxy functionality, reducing redundancy and complexity at an electronic program guide and simplifying a channel selection process for a user.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a method performed by a pipe control node for managing network resources that are used to transport network traffic. The method includes allocating network resources to a virtual pipe for transporting a plurality of multimedia streams through the network. Utilization of the network resources by the plurality of multimedia streams transported through the virtual pipe is monitored relative to the network resources allocated to the virtual pipe. The network resources that are used by the plurality of multimedia streams transported through the virtual pipe are managed in response to the monitored utilization. Some other embodiments are directed to a corresponding pipe control node that manages network resources which are used to transport network traffic.

Abstract: A multi-media method, system and apparatus are provided to optimize a network bandwidth and enhanced video experience. Each of a plurality of environmental views are encoded and the encoded multi-media streams are subsequently transcoded in accordance with respective encoding characteristics. The resulting video streams are then provided to a user for selecting preferred views. The user's multi-media preferential attributes are determined from the viewer's feedback. In response to the viewers' feedback, a video manager communicates to the cameras/encoders encoding characteristics and to the transcoders transcoding characteristics associated with corresponding encoded multi-media streams. A transport processor encodes for transport each of a plurality of the transcoded video streams and communicate towards viewers the transcoded video streams.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a method carried out in a digital television receiver device incapable of full two way communications, of receiving switched digital television programs involves storing a virtual channel table in the digital television receiver device, the virtual channel table having entries for each available channel and having a channel type indicator that identifies switched digital channels; receiving a command indicative of selection of a switched digital channel having the switched digital channel type indicator in the stored virtual channel table; sending a request from the television receiver device for the switched digital channel; responsive to the request, receiving a response that either grants the request or denies the request; and if the response grants the request, receiving an updated virtual channel table having updated table entries. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: In a switched digital video content-based network, wherein a head end obtains a first group of program streams and sends to a client only a subset of the program streams selected by subscribers in a neighborhood of the client, imminence and/or presence of a condition of inadequate bandwidth is determined. Responsive to the determining, a bit rate of at least one of the subset of the program streams selected by the subscribers in the neighborhood of the client is dynamically decreased by adjusting encoding thereof, while maintaining adequate quality for the at least one of the subset of the program streams selected by the subscribers in the neighborhood of the client, based on an objective quality measure, in order to address the imminence and/or presence of the condition of inadequate bandwidth.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for assigning bandwidth to a network based on two or more different service levels. In an exemplary embodiment, video on-demand (VOD) session requests within a service group of an HFC cable network are assigned bandwidth such that maximum opportunity is given to grant HD VOD request among SD VOD requests, while meeting the goal of minimizing service disruption by spreading the sessions over multiple QAM channels, and limiting the maximum number of active VOD sessions of any kind.