A computing system is configured to execute a computer program on a server and to provide a video stream of the program output to a geographically remote client over a communication network. An add-on manager is provided to facilitate the use of add-ons to extend the functionality of the computer program. The add-on manager is responsive to commands received from the client and is configured to associate individual add-ons and add-on data with specific user accounts. The add-ons can be located on the server or some other location remote from the client.

The disclosure relates to content delivery systems such as gateways for use in locations where the services of many end user devices are provided by a common management entity, such as hospitality, dormitory, healthcare, or other enterprise settings. The disclosure includes a gateway system that is configurable to ingest content from a variety of signals (satellite, broadcast, cable, and IP), process the content to have additional desired features, and reassemble content in various forms for delivery to individual end user devices. The gateway can be constructed from a series of modular processing blades with specific processing functions all interconnected by a common backplane and managed by a control module. A gateway can be inserted downstream from a node to allow additional end units to be added without exceeding the node capacity.

A distribution system and reception apparatus, and methods thereof, are provided for broadcasting and receiving a plurality of non-backwards-compatible services. The broadcasting method includes receiving, by a first service provider, a plurality of first services, which include a first service from each of the first and second service providers. The first service provider generates a first broadcast multiplex, including the plurality of first services, and broadcasts the first broadcast multiplex on a first broadcast channel allocated to the first service provider. A second service provider receives a plurality of second services, which include a second service from each of the first and second service providers. The second service provider generates a second broadcast multiplex, including the plurality of second services, and broadcasts the second broadcast multiplex on a second broadcast channel allocated to the second service provider.

A distribution system and reception apparatus, and methods thereof, are provided for broadcasting and receiving a plurality of non-backwards-compatible services. The broadcasting method includes receiving, by a first service provider, a plurality of first services, which include a first service from each of the first and second service providers. The first service provider generates a first broadcast multiplex, including the plurality of first services, and broadcasts the first broadcast multiplex on a first broadcast channel allocated to the first service provider. A second service provider receives a plurality of second services, which include a second service from each of the first and second service providers. The second service provider generates a second broadcast multiplex, including the plurality of second services, and broadcasts the second broadcast multiplex on a second broadcast channel allocated to the second service provider.

A method and system for the transmission of digital data (210) over existing analog radio frequencies (230) is presented, wherein the digital data may include audio data, visual data or audio-visual data for presentation either with analog broadcast data or at a selectable time. The digital data may be transmitted over a plurality of sub-channels that have varying degrees or reliability (250). A quality-of-service process manages the transmission of digital data over various sub-channels based on the reliability of the sub-channel, the amount of digital data and the type of digital data to be transmitted. The digital data may further be encrypted and authenticated.

A method and system for the transmission of digital data (210) over existing analog radio frequencies (230) is presented, wherein the digital data may include audio data, visual data or audio-visual data for presentation either with analog broadcast data or at a selectable time. The digital data may be transmitted over a plurality of sub-channels that have varying degrees or reliability (250). A quality-of-service process manages the transmission of digital data over various sub-channels based on the reliability of the sub-channel, the amount of digital data and the type of digital data to be transmitted. The digital data may further be encrypted and authenticated.

There is provided a system having a content server having a hardware processor and a system memory, a content management software code stored in the system memory. The hardware processor being configured to execute the content management software code to receive a search request for a video content, and identify a plurality of video content streams based on the search request. For each of the plurality of video content streams to determine a plurality of video content threads for downloading the video content stream in multiple segments, execute the plurality of video content threads concurrently at least in part for downloading the video content stream, and reassemble the video content stream from the plurality of video content threads.

There is provided a system having a content server having a hardware processor and a system memory, a content management software code stored in the system memory. The hardware processor being configured to execute the content management software code to receive a search request for a video content, and identify a plurality of video content streams based on the search request. For each of the plurality of video content streams to determine a plurality of video content threads for downloading the video content stream in multiple segments, execute the plurality of video content threads concurrently at least in part for downloading the video content stream, and reassemble the video content stream from the plurality of video content threads.

A computing system is configured to execute a computer program on a server and to provide a video stream of the program output to a geographically remote client over a communication network. An add-on manager is provided to facilitate the use of add-ons to extend the functionality of the computer program. The add-on manager is responsive to commands received from the client and is configured to associate individual add-ons and add-on data with specific user accounts. The add-ons can be located on the server or some other location remote from the client.

A computing system is configured to execute a computer program on a server and to provide a video stream of the program output to a geographically remote client over a communication network. An add-on manager is provided to facilitate the use of add-ons to extend the functionality of the computer program. The add-on manager is responsive to commands received from the client and is configured to associate individual add-ons and add-on data with specific user accounts. The add-ons can be located on the server or some other location remote from the client.