Abstract: The present invention is directed towards systems and methods for the delivery of programming content with targeted advertisements. One embodiment of a method according to the present invention comprises receiving a request for programming content from a given user, determining a given demographic group to which the given user belongs and determining whether the requested programming content is being streamed to one or more users associated with the given demographic group. If the requested programming content is being streamed to one or more users associated with the given demographic group, the requested programming content is streamed with advertisements targeted to the given demographic group to the given user. If not, a new stream is generated for the requested programming content with advertisements targeted to the given demographic group, which is streamed to the given user.

Abstract: Methods and systems for scheduling multicast transmissions that includes scheduling layered data for one or more multicast transmissions across a plurality of sub-channels using multi-resolution modulation. The sub-channels for each transmission may have diverse or uniform capacities. Scheduling includes allocating sub-channels to the layers of the layered data.

Abstract: Method, device, and storage medium for receiving a request for a program from a user device; querying bandwidth state information; identifying whether the bandwidth state information indicates that the user device is allocated bandwidth, based on a previous request for another program, that is at least equal to a required bandwidth to deliver the program; requesting a bandwidth based on an identification that the bandwidth state information indicates that the user device is not allocated bandwidth that is at least equal to the required bandwidth; receiving an indication that the requested bandwidth is provisioned; and deliver the program to the user device.

Abstract: A video stream is provided to a set top box of a viewer to fulfill the viewer's request for a video on-demand service. The video stream is encoded at one of a plurality of encoding rates selected by a Service Quality Manager based on parameters defined for a service group, which in various embodiments may comprise the viewer, or the viewer along with other customers serviced by a single QAM. The parameters used for determining the encoding rate may involve currently allocated bandwidth, the viewer's service parameters, other customer's service parameters, and historical data regarding encoding rate selection data. The encoding rate used to encode a stream may be modified during streaming in response to other service requests. The encoding rate may be shifted based on anticipated service requests from other members in the service group.

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 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: 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: 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 bandwidth reservation apparatus and bandwidth reservation method that enable a communication apparatus to quickly begin and stably carry out a data transmission, and a communication apparatus and communication system including the bandwidth reservation apparatus.

Abstract: A system and a method for the transmission of digital data which is representative of video and audio content of the type which can be used for television programming. The system allows when to end and start groups of data for the video and/or audio to be made with reference to the actual video and/or audio content and in particular to be made with reference to a detected or detectable change in the video or audio content such that the end of one group and start of the next group of data can be synchronised to occur at the same time as, or at a time determined with respect to, the change. Groups of data as self contained items or records are stored in one or more databases from which the groups can be selected and transmitted for the generation of video and/or audio content.

Abstract: A media server reduces media streaming bandwidth by synchronizing start times of media streams sent to clients requesting a particular set of media or other data. The server starts new streams periodically or when it has received a certain number of requests, resulting in multiple streams delivering the media to multiple clients. The streams can be delivered using multicast technologies. Overall media stream bandwidth is further reduced by merging streams. At some point after a stream has become active, a client receiving data from a current stream has enough media stored locally to ensure smooth playback of the media if the client is switched to a trailing stream. A client can switch to a trailing stream after the speed of the current stream is throttled down and the current stream becomes synchronized with the trailing stream. Multiple streams can be merged simultaneously, and streams can be merged multiple times.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for delivering data over extant infrastructure within a content-based network. In one embodiment, the network comprises a cable network, and the infrastructure comprises that nominally used for on-demand (OD) services such as VOD. The method includes the allocation of dedicated end-to-end network resources via a “session request, as well as data flow control and packet size adaptation, by a data server based on feedback from the requesting/receiving client device (e.g., DSTB) within the network. Mechanisms for retransmission requests for error recovery are also provided.

Abstract: A method comprising the steps of outputting periodically a schedule for a transmission of a plurality of multimedia contents to a client receiver over a unidirectional data communication channel; transmitting said schedule to said client receiver over said communication channel before said transmission of said plurality of multimedia contents, said schedule including a metadata indicating a plurality of broadcast times for respective ones of said plurality of multimedia contents for selectively activating said client receiver in accordance with said plurality of broadcast times; estimating first and second available bandwidths of said communication channel at respective ones of first and second points in time; selecting one multimedia content file of a given compression level for transmission in response to a change of available bandwidth of said communication channel between said first and second points in time so that said plurality of multimedia contents may be received at said client receiver in accordanc

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 IP video delivery system and method that allocates a first number of video streams for delivery on a number of channels that, provides a number of bonding groups, where each bonding group bonds at least one of the channels, and allocates a second number of video streams for delivery on the bonding groups. In one aspect, the method delivers the first video streams as unbonded on the channels. The bonding groups utilize bandwidth unused by the first video streams. In one aspect, the method utilizes bandwidth unused by the first or second video streams for high speed data. The method provides instantaneous load balancing to spread the first and second video streams across all available bandwidth in the channels, and delivers those video streams using a variable bit rate with no additional statistical multiplexing rate shaping to fit video streams into the channels.

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: An access node (e.g., DSLAM) is described herein which can limit bandwidth usage in a transport network by incorporating an enhanced rapid TV channel changing functionality/enhanced BTV server in which TV channels from a multicast TV stream are dynamically selected based on past TV channel clicking statistics and then stored therein so there is a good chance that it can respond to a TV channel change request from a STB.

Abstract: The method of sending at least one item of information relative to a multimedia data stream in a communication network is characterized in that it comprises the following steps carried out on a server device capable of sending the multimedia data stream over the network: obtaining at least one item of information relative to the data stream, said at least one item of information comprising an item of information on a visual quality of the multimedia data stream and an item of information on the bandwidth necessary for sending the stream with that visual quality, and sending said at least one obtained item of information over the communication network to a client device.

Abstract: This invention provides an information processing method and apparatus, which can set all extent sizes of data divisionally recorded on a disk to be equal to or larger than the minimum recording unit, and can guarantee continuous reproduction of the divisionally recorded data. Of data divisionally recorded on a recording medium (5), data which corresponds to an end portion of that data and cannot be recorded as a recording area equal to or larger than a minimum recording unit specified in the recording medium (5) due to the presence of a recording area (6) of another data, that has already been recorded on the recording medium (5), is re-recorded on a recording area equal to or larger than the minimum recording unit. At this time, new data is generated by combining data less than the minimum recording unit, and data recorded in another recording area, and the new data is re-recorded on a new recording area.

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: 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 and method of delivering video content over a network in communication with a subscriber having an associated electronic device is disclosed. A plurality of staggered streams of video content is delivered over a network. A segment of the video content is pushed onto the electronic device. A request for the video content is received at the electronic device, the pushed segment of video content is retrieved from the electronic device and the pushed segment of video content is displayed to the subscriber. A staggered stream of video content delivered over network is located and recorded on the electronic device.

Abstract: Methods and systems for fast channel changing and for auxiliary channel generating are disclosed. The system for fast channel changing includes: an auxiliary channel generating unit, configured to generate one or more auxiliary channels corresponding to target channel and send video data of the one or more auxiliary channels; a client device, configured to receive video data from the target channel or from the one or more auxiliary channels; a video data receiving controller, configured to detect the video data received by the client device from the target channel or from the one or more auxiliary channels, and send a message of terminating receiving the video data from one of the target channel and the one or more auxiliary channels to the client device. That's the way to change channel fast, and the way occupies little resource of the network, and with little extra cost to be implemented.

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: A system and method enabling a user to view on a computing device, a catalog of Video On Demand (VOD) content available on a remote (guest) VOD system, to purchase an available piece of VOD content on the user's account in his Home VOD System, and to play the purchased piece of VOD content through a Guest Set Top Box (STB). A pairing process associates the computing device with the Guest STB, and a VOD Back Office stores this pairing. The VOD Back Office then builds a custom catalog of VOD content available to the user through the Guest STB and sends the catalog to the computing device. When the VOD Back Office receives a request from the computing device to view selected VOD content, the VOD Back Office sends an instruction to a Guest Headend Hub to set up a session with the Guest STB. The Hub force tunes the Guest STB and streams the selected VOD content to the Guest STB for display on a Guest television.

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: 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: 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 are used for receiving a video request from a user equipment for video to be downloaded; determining a link bandwidth status associated with the user equipment; in response to the link bandwidth status associated with the user equipment, determining whether to implement one or more additional processing functions associated with the video delivery; during the video delivery, repeating the determining such that the one or more additional processing functions associated with the video delivery can be implemented or not implemented at different times during the video delivery. These processing functions can include transrating, HTTP optimization, TCP optimization, and video pacing.

Abstract: A method of forming a picture in picture (PIP) service over an internet protocol (IP) transmission to one or more users, the method comprising the steps of: receiving a request for a PIP channel comprising a first predetermined channel superimposed with a second predetermined channel; determining if the PIP channel already exists; forming the PIP channel if it does not already exist; and transmitting the PIP channel on a dedicated channel to any users who have requested that PIP channel.

Abstract: A method of delivering a variable bit rate (VBR) media stream in near real time includes identifying a selected media asset to be streamed to a media receiver, receiving an available access bandwidth at which the media receiver can receive data, and initiating a session setup for delivery of the selected media asset. The method further includes calculating a delay in decoding a media stream associated with the selected media asset at the media receiver based on the available access bandwidth, and a calculated required minimum transmission rate of a VBR media stream representative of the selected media asset. The method further includes transmitting the selected media asset at the required minimum transmission rate of the VBR media stream and providing the calculated delay to the media receiver such that the media receiver begins decoding the media stream in accordance with the calculated delay.

Abstract: The multichannel data transfer apparatus is connected to a transmission line in which a plurality of connected nodes have their respective transmission channels and transmit compressed data in a predetermined present embodiment in accordance with bandwidths assigned to the respective channels, and the multichannel data transfer apparatus includes a calculating device that, when there is a request to change the number of transmission channels used to transmit compressed data in the transmission period, calculates a data compression rate and a transmission bandwidth for each of the transmission channels to be used in transmitting the compressed data to the transmission line when the number of the transmission channels is actually changed, and a notifying device that notifies each transmission channel of at least one of the calculated transmission bandwidth and transmission compression rate.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product for utilizing network coding for multi-resolution multicast is presented. A network source partitions source content into a base layer and one or more refinement layers. The network source receives a respective one or more push-back messages from one or more network destination receivers, the push-back messages identifying the one or more refinement layers suited for each one of the one or more network destination receivers. The network source computes a network code involving the base layer and the one or more refinement layers for at least one of the one or more network destination receivers, and transmits the network code to the one or more network destination receivers in accordance with the push-back messages.

Abstract: An approach for assigning definitions to media network channels is described. A demand for program content of a media network channel associated with a first definition relating to resolution of the program content is determined. A second definition is assigned to the media network channel for the program content in response to the demand, wherein the second definition relates to the resolution of the program content and is higher in resolution than the first definition.

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: Embodiments of the present invention may establish a set top box client based apparatus. The set top box client based apparatus may actively monitor content playback by the set top box. The set top box client based apparatus may subsequently report client playback state for non-managed sources to a service provider's policy or operation support systems (OSS). Embodiments of the invention may recognize that some service providers may use a policy system and OSS, while others will only utilize an OSS for resource management.

Abstract: The present invention controls delivery of television content to conserve network resources based on whether the television content is being viewed on a television monitor. A television gateway may monitor a viewer's interactions with the television gateway to determine whether the television content is being viewed at the associated television monitor, or detect whether the television monitor is on or off. Upon determining that the viewer is not viewing the television content, various actions can be taken to conserve network resources.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining and selecting digital coding and/or decoding technology, delivery bitrates, and resolution parameters for programming and data delivery over, e.g., a content-based network. In one embodiment, the network comprises an HFC cable or satellite network that includes a server process interfacing with a plurality of customer premises equipment (CPE), and/or associated client devices, each having different display resolution, bitrate, and/or decoding capabilities profiles. The server determines the one or more capabilities possessed by the CPE or client device, and evaluates one or more program or content choices for possible delivery to that CPE or device based on its profile. The selection process may also take into consideration network and/or CPE operational considerations, such as conservation of downstream bandwidth, CPE uprating capability, client device power consumption, and the like.

Abstract: Various embodiments of network performance assessment apparatus, systems and processes collect performance information pertaining to a current capacity utilization of a network, identify an occurrence of a capacity constraint on a portion of the network that is communicating the program to at least one presentation device, and modify at least one characteristic of the program and/or the communication thereof over the network so that a total capacity utilization of the network is less than a peak capacity of the network.

Abstract: An apparatus and method provide virtual broadcasting. A method of server operation for virtual broadcasting includes receiving a request for creation of a virtual broadcasting channel meeting a specific required condition from a first client, identifying a virtual group meeting the specific required condition, analyzing log data of second clients within the virtual group and, based on the analyzed result, providing broadcasting information meeting the specific condition, to the first client.

Abstract: A video controller selects a channel for premises broadcasting to a premises television based on a fast scan of signal strength in channels available over a premises media. The signal strength of certain filtered channel frequencies can be evaluated to determine if a channel is occupied. Unoccupied channels can be ranked in relation to nearby occupied or unoccupied channels. The nearby channels may be ranked in terms of the signal strength content in relation to the channel being evaluated. The video controller can select an unoccupied channel with an optimal ranking to permit premises broadcasting with reduced interference or conflict with other channels.

Abstract: At a user equipment a conditional bandwidth renegotiation method is provided for managing bandwidth renegotiations when the user equipment is engaged in an IPTV session with an IPTV network and a channel switch has been requested. When it is determined that the requested channel requires less bandwidth than the presently selected channel, a conditional bandwidth re-negotiation process is initiated wherein, upon having switched to the requested channel, a timer is started. If, a timeout of the pending timer is recognized prior to another channel switch request, a band-width re-negotiation procedure is initiated, while no bandwidth re-negotiation is to be executed if another channel switch request is recognized prior to timeout of the pending timer.

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: The disclosed embodiments relate to a system and method for grouping program identifiers into multimast groups. More specifically, there is provided a method comprising receiving a request for satellite services from a requester device, wherein the request includes at least one program identifier, creating a second group of program identifiers, comparing the requested program identifier with a first group of previously requested program identifiers stored on a satellite service providing device, and moving the matching program identifier from the first group of program identifiers to the second group of program identifiers if the requested program identifier matches one of the program identifiers in the first group of program identifiers, wherein a multicast of the second group of program identifiers is adapted to be shared by the requester device and another device.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for selecting a content distribution network (CDN) comprising at least one content server, from a plurality of CDNs, and a playing digital content file from the CDN on a content player. Selecting the CDN is based on a rank order of CDNs, an assigned weight value for each CDN, and a bandwidth measured between the content player and each CDN. Advantageously, a given content player may select a CDN based on prevailing network and CDN loading conditions, thereby increasing overall robustness and reliability when downloading digital content file from a CDN.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a bandwidth configuration for a plurality of customer premises connected to a video head-end office in an Internet Protocol television network is disclosed. The bandwidth configuration is received for each of the plurality of customer premises. The bandwidth configuration is stored for each of the plurality of customer premises in a memory of a first server. A data file is received from the video head-end office. The data file indicates that a set-top box device located at one of the customer premises has requested a video stream that would exceed a first number of video streams available to the one of the customer premises and that would exceed a first bandwidth currently available between the video head-end office and the one of the customer premises. The data file is stored in the memory of the first server.

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: In response to a request initiated by a user at a user terminal, selected entertainment programming content, when broadcast, is recorded at a location remote from the user terminal. The request is communicated through a communications network, e.g., cable TV network, which is also used for transmission of entertainment programming content to user terminals. The recorded programming content is stored in a storage space at the remote location, which is allocated to the user terminal. In response to a review request from the user terminal, the recorded programming content is retrieved from the storage space allocated thereto, and transmitted to the user terminal through the communications network. The presentation of the recorded programming content may be manipulated by the user to perform rewinding, pausing and fast-forwarding thereon.

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.