Abstract: Systems and methods of deferred multimedia content delivery are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method is disclosed that includes receiving a request from a first customer premises equipment (CPE) device to receive multimedia content. The method also includes selectively recording the multimedia content at a server based on a comparison of a measured bandwidth associated with the first CPE device and a bandwidth threshold. The method may also include delivering the multimedia content to the first CPE device from a network when measured bandwidth is available.

Abstract: Methods and systems to provide and manage on-demand sessions are described herein. A request is received from a client to start an on-demand session. It is determined if there are sufficient resources to start the on-demand session for the client. The request is inserted into a queue if there aren't sufficient resources to start the on-demand session for the client. The on-demand sessions is started when there are sufficient resources available and it is the client's turn in the queue.

Abstract: A system for displaying electronic program guide information about a plurality of video items on a screen, the system including a display module to display a plurality of pages layering into the screen, each of the pages including a plurality of graphical panels associated with the video items, and a user input module to receive a user input to turn at least one of the pages such that the at least one page is peeled away from other ones of the pages in order to bring the graphical panels of the at least one page in or out of view, wherein the display module is operative to show the turning of the at least one page bringing the at least one page in or out of view. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Abstract: A multicast services control system is provided for Internet protocol television transport. The system includes a service distribution platform, at least one service concentration platform, and at least one set-top box. The service distribution platform has a multicast table. The service distribution platform is configured to receive channels from an Internet protocol video source and the multicast table is configured to include an entry for each of the channels. The at least one service concentration platform communicates with the service distribution platform for forwarding “leaves” and receiving “joins” with the service distribution platform.

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

Abstract: Systems and methods for dynamically allocating bandwidth in a digital broadband delivery system are disclosed. One example method includes receiving information describing subscriber requests for content delivery, receiving bandwidth allocation criteria, and processing the information describing subscriber requests and the bandwidth allocation criteria according to a statistical model. The bandwidth allocation criteria comprise at least one of subscriber pricing information, content delivery mode information, and program content information. The processing produces a bandwidth allocation schedule in which one of a plurality of content delivery modes is assigned to each of a plurality of digital transmission channels for each of a plurality of time periods.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a method of generating a packet identifier table that comprises reading a packet identifier value from a received transport stream packet, identifying a type of data contained in the received transport stream packet, and generating a table with mapping information between the packet identifier value and the identified type of data.

Abstract: A method for preventing disconnection of an audio/video stream in a home network includes: a step in which a renderer connected to a server requests A/V streams; a step in which the server judges whether A/V streams can be outputted in response to the request from the renderer; and a step in which the server provides the A/V streams to the renderer sequentially or simultaneously if the A/V stream can be outputted, or outputting a server unavailableness message to the renderer if the server judges that the A/V streams can not be outputted. Without a memory, even though plural renderers are simultaneously or sequentially connected to the server, an abnormal image is prevented from being outputted, so that a service user can be provided with an image without disconnection.

Abstract: An on-demand server configured to dynamically control and optimize memory utilization while minimizing access to disk storage by monitoring content addressable memory (CAM) usage so as to remove the content from resident CAM memory and page the same adaptively and to eliminate creating separate files for trick playback of content streamed to a customer. The method and system dynamically uses the current concurrency count of the contents to optimize memory utilization so as to swap content in and out of memory as the concurrency values change in conjunction with an on-demand memory based server to provided advantages of optimizing the usage of server resources.

Abstract: In an exemplary broadband video distribution network, an edge interface device at the customer premises detects a condition relating to an interruption of video service, e.g. a power outage at the premises. The interface device notifies the network, to allow identification of the point of interruption and the program being viewed. Upon resumption of service, the network offers to provide a replay of the program, starting from a point substantially corresponding to the point of interruption. If the program was pre-recorded (e.g. from a VOD server) or was automatically recorded in the network as part of another service, the replay is provided as a narrowcast transmission from the appropriate source starting at about the point of interruption. If the viewer was watching a broadcast program not otherwise recorded, it may also be necessary to activate recording of the program in a network video recorder, in response to the interruption.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for detecting distribution of multimedia content. The volume level of data traffic is monitored for a plurality of users to select any users with high-bandwidth usage. The time of day and the day of the week may be considered when determining whether a user is a high-bandwidth user. Upon selecting a user as one with high-bandwidth usage, such user may be subject to packet inspections of data traffic streams. In some embodiments, content identification parameters or watermarks are added to one or more packets in a data traffic stream carrying multimedia content.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a residential gateway (RG) having a controller to measure media presentation quality in a multicast network inline at the RG and to use Real-time Transport Protocol (RTP) header information from RTP packets to perform the media presentation quality measurements. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for providing a video-on-demand (VOD) presentation includes determining whether an active video-on-demand (VOD) session for the VOD presentation exists, providing a selectable option to view the VOD presentation responsive to determining that the active VOD session exists, and providing a list of selectable VOD titles responsive to determining that the active VOD session does not exist.

Abstract: An interactive television system is provided in which an interactive television application is used to support network-based or local personal video recorder capabilities. A user may use this application to view lists of program listings. The user may select a program listing of interest. The interactive television application may allow the user to set a reminder for the selected program at the scheduled broadcast time. This application may also allow the user to set a reminder for the selected program at a later time at which the program is not scheduled to be broadcast. The user may be provided with a reminder at this later time. In response, the user may direct the network-based or local personal video recorder to play back the program or may defer the reminder again. The interactive television application may collect information on program usage and popularity to determine how long to retain certain programming.

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 the 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: A networked digital security system is disclosed that preferably includes a centralized administrator web server coupled via a communication network such as the Internet to a plurality of customer servers and-a plurality of customer work stations. The centralized web server advantageously provides a point of control and management of the networked digital security system. The customer servers and customer work stations are preferably located at the customer's monitored sites. The customer servers are coupled to one or more intelligent camera units, which are preferably fully integrated intelligent units that gather, analyze, and transmit video, audio, and associated detected alarm event information to their associated customer server and the administrator web server. The camera units also include an intelligent automatic gain controller, an encoder buffer controller, and a network bandwidth priority controller. The system supports several compression algorithm standards.

Abstract: A switched digital video (SDV) system includes an SDV manager for coordinating a SDV session requested by a subscriber terminal. The system also includes a plurality of edge devices for receiving a transport stream that includes programming content and transmitting the transport stream over an access network to the subscriber terminal on one of a plurality of SDV channels. The SDV manager is configured to monitor bandwidth and cause the edge device to deliver the SDV session to the subscriber terminal in a SDV unicast stream when sufficient unused bandwidth is available or as a SDV multicast stream when sufficient unused bandwidth is not available.

Abstract: An efficient near video on demand (NVOD) service for various client environments is provided. The NVOD service method for transmitting video data including moving pictures to a plurality of clients in a network includes identifying a relative network bandwidth “m” of a client with respect to a video playout bandwidth, dividing the video data into data segments having different sizes according to the relative network bandwidth “m” and transmitting the data segments to the client through a plurality of channels.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dynamically allocating bandwidth in a digital broadband delivery system are disclosed. One example method includes receiving information describing subscriber requests for content delivery, receiving bandwidth allocation criteria, and processing the information describing subscriber requests and the bandwidth allocation criteria according to a statistical model. The bandwidth allocation criteria comprise at least one of subscriber pricing information, content delivery mode information, and program content information. The processing produces a bandwidth allocation schedule in which one of a plurality of content delivery modes is assigned to each of a plurality of digital transmission channels for each of a plurality of time periods.

Abstract: A digital television (DTV) signal converter consistent with certain embodiments has a satellite band receiver that receives satellite television broadcast data from a satellite service and demodulates the satellite television broadcast data into a digital data stream. The digital data stream contains television content, satellite television logical channel identification information and electronic program guide data, and wherein television content, the logical channel identification information and the electronic program guide data are associated with a set of logical channels provided on the satellite service. A data mapper maps the satellite television logical channel identification information in the data stream to DTV channel identification information. A quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) modulator modulates the DTV channel identification information, the television content and the program guide data for transmission as an output comprising one or more QAM transport streams to a digital television.

Abstract: A system and method for selecting a network path for delivering on-demand content in a multi-channel network. A hybrid central/distributed and tiered video on demand (VOD) service network with tiered content structure uses media servers located in both the headend station and the hub stations. The hub media server is configured as a primary source for VOD content and the central media server located in the headend is configured as a secondary source of video content. A path for delivery of content may be determined based on the availability of content and network components.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for selecting digital coding and/or decoding technology 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 capabilities profiles. The server determines the one or more capabilities possessed by the CPE, and evaluates one or more program or content choices for possible delivery to that CPE based on its profile. The server generates a list of programs or content based on this evaluation, and transmits this list to the CPE, which displays the list for viewing by a user. The user is therefore offered a list of available content that is compatible with their specific configuration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for allocating radio resources to an elastic session in a cell in a CDMA network is presented. The method comprises allocating, to the elastic session, a radio resource share corresponding to a reduced transmission rate wherein the reduction in transmission rate corresponds to a peak transmission rate of the elastic session being slowed down by a first slowdown rate. The first slow down rate is determined in dependency of the transmission rate requirements of the ongoing sessions in the cell in a manner so that the radio resource share allocated is not lower than a radio resource share corresponding to the maximum transmission rate if a total amount of resources available for allocation to ongoing sessions in the cell is sufficient for all ongoing sessions to transmit at a respective peak transmission rate.

Abstract: Live television broadcast and other information and entertainment programs, e.g., videos-on-demand (VOD), are provided to a user through a communications network, e.g., a cable network. A processing unit is employed at an headend of the communications network to respond to user requests for PVR-like functions, e.g., pausing, rewinding and fast-forwarding, to be performed on the program content being viewed. The processing unit in accordance with the invention causes a delivery of an appropriate version of the program content to meet such user requests.

Abstract: A method and computer system for managing bandwidth in a content on demand service provided by a service provider to users. A request is received from a user to receive the content. If it is ascertained that a total number of users requesting the content within a predetermined time period is below a first specified threshold, then the user is connected to a unicast stream of the content. If it is ascertained that a total number of users requesting the content within a predetermined time period is not below a first specified threshold, then the user is connected to a first multicast stream of the content. A video carousel includes at least two multicast streams that contains the first multicast stream. Each multicast stream has been or will be initiated at a unique time slot of a time period that is equal to the time duration of the content.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dynamically allocating bandwidth in a digital broadband delivery system are disclosed. One example method includes receiving information describing subscriber requests for content delivery, receiving bandwidth allocation criteria, and processing the information describing subscriber requests and the bandwidth allocation criteria according to a statistical model. The bandwidth allocation criteria comprise at least one of subscriber pricing information, content delivery mode information, and program content information. The processing produces a bandwidth allocation schedule in which one of a plurality of content delivery modes is assigned to each of a plurality of digital transmission channels for each of a plurality of time periods.

Abstract: A method of operating a communications system storing assets for later transmission, is disclosed. The assets have respective expiration dates beyond which a right to transmit expires. The method comprises checking an expiration date of an asset and deleting the asset from storage based, at least in part, on the expiration date, a predetermined period of time added to or subtracted from the expiration date and/or whether the asset has been selected for later viewing. The predetermined period of time may provide a grace period for completing viewing of a selected asset by a user, either after or before the expiration date, depending on the rights to the asset granted by the source of the asset. The period of time may depend on a playtime of the asset and may be added to the expiration date only if the asset has been selected for viewing. Systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of transmitting a Video-on-Demand (VOD) program involves at a service provider head-end, separating VOD program data into first and second parts; transmitting the first part over a communication network to a recipient receiver for storage at a storage device as cached speculative data, where the transmitting is carried out as a data push when the communication network has available bandwidth to permit such transmitting and without regard for any order having been received for the VOD program to be sent to the receiver; receiving an order for the VOD program to be sent to the receiver; and streaming the second part to the receiver for reassembly into the VOD program at the receiver by combining the second part as it is streamed with the cached speculative data. 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: A method and system for performing chaincast communication to multiple communication systems (e.g., computer systems) within a system of coupled electronic devices (e.g., the Internet). The present invention provides a system wherein a broadcast source communicates primary broadcast information (e.g., encoded audio radio content, encoded audio/video television content, etc.) to a first group of electronic devices. The first group of electronic devices can be instructed by a chaincast manager to then communicate (e.g., forward or re-transmit) the broadcast information to other electronic devices which devices can also be instructed to communicate to more devices, etc., thereby reducing the bandwidth requirements of the communication channel between the broadcast source and the first group of electronic devices. The chaincast manager, coupled to the Internet, is used to track and manage which devices are forwarding broadcast information to which other devices.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a system for managing bandwidth usage in a content delivery system such as a Video on Demand (VOD) network. Specifically, an Edge Resource Manager (ERM) makes use of a number of policies to optimally select a transmission device such as a Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) device. The policies aid in providing efficient use of the transmission devices particularly when a number of different transmission rates for different media are employed.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for distributing advertising data in an internet protocol television (IPTV) system, the method including dividing a plurality of end user devices in the IPTV system into K advertising groups; multicasting J advertising data multicast groups to end user devices in J advertising groups having a percentile ranking above or equal to a predetermined percentile ranking; and unicasting advertising data channels for actively viewed IPTV channels being viewed by other end users.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for optimizing network bandwidth utilization by delivering to users only the minimum number of programs required by service provider policies. In one embodiment, the method comprises switching some users from lower quality versions of programs to higher quality versions of the same programs, and removing those lower quality versions of programs from a given service group. In another embodiment, some users are switched from higher quality versions of programs to lower quality versions of those same programs, and the higher quality versions of programs removed from a given service group.

Abstract: A method of adaptively encoding video in response to an estimation of bandwidth over a transmission channel, where bandwidth estimation uses feedback packets from a receiver acknowledging receipt of video packets transmitted during an interval when the transmitted packets are not stored in a buffer of a lower network layer.

Abstract: To effectively utilize the bandwidth of a cable TV network, which is limited, analog TV program material is digitized and compressed before its transmission over the network. The resulting signals consume only part of the analog TV band traditionally needed for transmission of the analog TV program material. The newly available bandwidth in the analog TV band may be utilized for other cable TV services, e.g., video-on-demand (VOD) services. A reception gateway is employed at a user location to frequency-translate any VOD signals, transmitted through the analog TV band, to another frequency band, thereby avoiding disturbing the normal operation of a set-top terminal in receiving the analog TV program material through the analog TV band at the user location.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for optimizing network bandwidth utilization by delivering to users only the minimum number of programs required by service provider policies. In one embodiment, the method comprises switching some users from lower quality versions of programs to higher quality versions of the same programs, and removing those lower quality versions of programs from a given service group. In another embodiment, some users are switched from higher quality versions of programs to lower quality versions of those same programs, and the higher quality versions of programs removed from a given service group.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing the distribution of on-demand media in an interactive television application are provided. An interactive television application may receive a request for on-demand media from a user. The interactive television application may provide an option to the user for the transmission of the on-demand media. Such options may include, for example, an option to request a reduced-bandwidth version of the on-demand media, an option to schedule a future time for presentation of the on-demand media, an option to download the on-demand media to a recording device, and an option to check the availability of the on-demand media. A reduced price for transmission of the on-demand media may be provided to the user.

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

Abstract: Data to be transmitted over a network includes a first part (perhaps audio) which is always to be transmitted and alternative second parts (perhaps video coded at different compression rates) of which one is to be chosen for transmission, depending on the current network capacity. In order to accommodate systems where (owing perhaps to the use of a congestion control mechanism such as TCP) the capacity available is initially undetermined, one firstly begins to transmit just the first part. When the network capacity becomes known (typically by monitoring the performance of the network in transmitting the first part), one of the alternative second parts is chosen and transmission of it commences. If desired this may initially be preferentially to, or to the exclusion of, further transmission of the first part.

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

Abstract: Quality of service management in a switched digital video environment. The devices in a user's home can be given quality of service priority statuses by a system operator. In the event of oversubscription, the quality of service management allows the user to determine which services will have priority over others if more bandwidth is requested than available.

Abstract: A system includes a first device and a second device. The first device is configured to transmit a discover message on a first upstream channel, where the discover message includes information representing capabilities of the first device. The second device is configured to receive the discover message from the first device and determine whether to switch the first device to a second upstream channel based on the capabilities information in the discover message. The second device makes the determination before a registration of the first device. The second device transmits a message to the first device instructing the first device to switch to the second upstream channel based on a result of the determination.

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

Abstract: The application describes a method and system for controlling a processing of video data such that the video data may be transmitted over a connection in a communication network, where the connection employs a plurality of protocol layers. The processing of video data for transmission is performed at a first layer. A value or values of one or more transmission condition parameters indicative of transmission conditions in the network are acquired, where these transmission condition parameters are specific for a second layer provided lower than the first layer. Then one or more values of one or more video control parameters usable at the first layer are derived from the value of the least one transmission condition parameter and the processing of video data is performed in accordance with the derived one or more values.

Abstract: Multicast groups provide a mechanism to deliver simultaneous media content to a plurality of users. In streaming media systems, such as audio and video systems, each multicast recipient simultaneously receives similar content. Accordingly, each recipient must initiate transmission at the same time. A data communications device delivers multiple media streams of similar content to each of a plurality of users by converging a set of media streams and merging the converged streams onto a single stream for simultaneous delivery to each of the plurality of users from a single media stream resource. A convergence processor identifies a set of streams carrying similar content in a slightly time-shifted manner with respect to the other streams. The convergence processor filters certain streams to augment the streams to converge at a particular point, at which time the streams align respect to media content therein, and merge onto a multicast stream for the duration.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hybrid central/distributed and tiered video on demand (VOD) service network with tiered content structure. In particular, the present invention uses media servers located in both the headend station and the hub stations. Set-top boxes generally would be supplied VOD services from the high-demand content media servers located in the hub station nearest to the user. The central media server located in the headend would be used as an installed backup to the hub media servers; as the primary source for lower demand VOD services and as the source of the real time, centrally encoded programs with PVR (personal video recorder) capabilities. By distributing the servers to the hub stations, the size of the fiber transport network associated with delivering VOD services from the central headend media server is reduced. The invention provides that each user has access to several server ports located on at least two servers.

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

Abstract: An audio/video reproducing system, an audio/video device therein, and an audio/video reproducing method therewith are provided that allow appreciation of a great deal of audio or video using a recording medium with a small capacity. A server writes only a part of audio data read from an audio database in a recording medium. An audio reproducing device reads the audio data from the recording medium, while establishing communication connection with the server via the Internet to request lacking audio data. When an ID code and password sent from the audio reproducing device matches up with a pre-registered ID code and password, the server permits login and transmits the lacking audio data to the audio reproducing device. The audio reproducing device synthesizes the audio data read from the recording medium and the audio data sent from the server to produce complete audio data so as to reproduce audio.

Abstract: A method for increasing channel utilization in a video broadcast system includes receiving, at a head-end, a request for a video program from one of a plurality of subscriber stations. Determining whether the requested video program is associated with a first subset of channels representing broadcasted channels having a first subscriber viewership level greater than a threshold level, a second subset of channels representing broadcasted channels having a second subscriber viewership level less than the threshold level, and a third subset of channels representing on-demand channels having a third subscriber viewership. The first subset of broadcast channels is substantially continuously transmitted. The second subset of broadcast channels is transmitted based upon channel availability and programming assignments.