A method includes providing a variant playlist file that identifies a plurality of variant streams each corresponding to a different encoding of a same media presentation; tracking a first set of media segments encoded at a first bitrate that correspond to a first playlist file for a first variant stream associated with the variant playlist file; responsive to a second encoded bitrate associated with a second set of media segments that correspond to a second variant stream being higher than the first encoded bitrate: determining a number of media segments to include in a plurality of media segments from the second set of media segments that correspond to the first set of media segments; and providing, to the client device, a second playlist file that identifies a plurality of media segments from the second set of media segments that correspond to respective ones of the first set of media segments.

A cloud-based computing system is configured to (i) maintain a scheduled playlist of media items, a current playback position within the scheduled playlist, and a priority media item for playback, (ii) receive, from a first playback device associated with a user account, a first request to play back the scheduled playlist, (iii) transmit the priority media item to the first playback device for playback before any media item from the scheduled playlist, (iv) receive, from a second playback device associated with the user account, a second request to play back the scheduled playlist, (v) determine that the priority media item should not be transmitted to the second playback device, and (vi) after determining that the priority media item should not be transmitted to the second playback device, transmit one or more media items from the scheduled playlist to the second playback device based on the current playback position within the scheduled playlist.

In some embodiments, a method receives a request for a video and receives a ranking of content delivery networks for the request. Also, global constraints are received for the content delivery networks. The global constraints define an allocation for respective content delivery networks. The method selects a content delivery network using the global constraints and the ranking. A score for the content delivery network is altered from a first score to a second score in the ranking and used in the selecting of the content delivery network. The content delivery network that is selected for the request is outputted.

The present technology pertains to managing a sample of a media item using a non-fungible token (NFT) and an associated smart contract. The present technology includes identifying a portion of the media item as a sample, and creating an NFT referencing assignment of a right associated with the sample of the media item. The NFT has an associated smart contract defining a condition upon satisfaction of which the right associated with the sample will be assigned. The present technology may also include identifying market data of the media item, where the market data includes at least one of a list price and historical sales volume for the media item, and identifying charts data, critical review scores, and social media interaction with the media items. The market data can be used to determine a spot price for the sample of the media item.

In some embodiments, a method receives a first set of video files at a node that delivers video files to client devices and receives a second set of video files. The second set of video files are predicted to be delivered by the node to a client device during a time period. The node receives a request for a video file from a client device and determines whether the video file is stored in the first set of video files and the second set of video files. When the video file is stored at the node, the node sends the video file from the first set of video files and the second set of video files. When the video file is not stored in the first set of video files and the second set of video files, the node sends a request for the video file to another node.

Certain exemplary embodiments relate to entertainment systems that interact with users to provide access to media appropriate to and/or customized for a particular user using the entertainment system, the location at which the entertainment system is being accessed, and/or a predefined event. For example, in certain exemplary embodiments, an entertainment system in a location is configured to provide jukebox-related and entertainment system mediated services that are accessible from within and from the outside of the location, and provide (1) attract or flight media operations, (2) browsing services, and/or (3) search screens appropriate to and/or customized for a particular user using the entertainment system, the location at which the entertainment system is being accessed, and/or a predefined event. Such screens may be provided with a three-dimensional look-and-feel in certain exemplary embodiments.

Certain exemplary embodiments relate to entertainment systems that interact with users to provide access to media appropriate to and/or customized for a particular user using the entertainment system, the location at which the entertainment system is being accessed, and/or a predefined event. For example, in certain exemplary embodiments, an entertainment system in a location is configured to provide jukebox-related and entertainment system mediated services that are accessible from within and from the outside of the location, and provide (1) attract or flight media operations, (2) browsing services, and/or (3) search screens appropriate to and/or customized for a particular user using the entertainment system, the location at which the entertainment system is being accessed, and/or a predefined event. Such screens may be provided with a three-dimensional look-and-feel in certain exemplary embodiments.

A method and system for streaming video is disclosed. The method and system can include sharing and playing an omnidirectional multi-2D-panel video stream wherein field of view data is obtained from a viewer, and the omnidirectional multi-2D-panel video stream is updated when the field of view data indicates a change in a field of view of the viewer.

Systems and methods are described herein for transmitting a content item to a user device using multiple delivery protocols. The system receives, at a content source, a request for the content item from the user device. The system splits a digital stream of the content item into a first video signal and a second video signal. The system then transmits, via a unicast server, the first video signal for the content item to the user device, and transmits, via a multicast server, the second video signal for the content item to the user device. The system then causes for presentation on the user device the first video signal followed by the second video signal. In other embodiments, the system is optimized between the unicast delivery of a content item and a peer-to-peer delivery.

Systems and methods are described herein for transmitting a content item to a user device using multiple delivery protocols. The system receives, at a content source, a request for the content item from the user device. The system splits a digital stream of the content item into a first video signal and a second video signal. The system then transmits, via a unicast server, the first video signal for the content item to the user device, and transmits, via a multicast server, the second video signal for the content item to the user device. The system then causes for presentation on the user device the first video signal followed by the second video signal. In other embodiments, the system is optimized between the unicast delivery of a content item and a peer-to-peer delivery.