A server, system, and method generate a live video feed. The method is performed at a server connected to a computer network. The method includes receiving an indication of a predetermined type of action during a live event. The method includes generating a first video feed associated with the predetermined type of action, the first video feed being distinct from a broadcast feed of the live event. The method includes identifying a user device that is to receive the first video feed based on predetermined rules. The method includes determining whether the user device is prepared to receive the first video feed. When the user device is prepared, the method includes transmitting the first video feed to the user device for an automatically playback on the user device to display a video of the predetermined type of action currently occurring during the live event.

In a system for broadcasting video programs to a user including a display, a system and method for providing program information or a copy of at least a portion of a program to the user. In one embodiment, a controller receives an input signal representing a request for summary information concerning a program, the program having a beginning and the input signal generated at a time during the broadcast. The controller provides via the display a summary of the program from the program beginning to the input signal time in response to the input signal. A controller may alternatively monitor a period of time during which the display is tuned to a broadcast of a program, the period starting during the broadcast. The controller is used to provide via the display a copy of at least a portion of the program when the period exceeds a predetermined threshold time.

A system for automatically managing the delivery of media assets allocates the media assets to delivery slots of a media delivery servers so that consumers will receive the media assets when they consume digital media programming at times that correspond to the delivery slots. An example is the automated allocation of sponsored videos to television programs airing on a particular afternoon. The system includes data stores and a campaign manager system. The campaign manager system will automatically allocate digital media assets to delivery slots in a campaign to generate scheduling files that media servers will use to present the allocated media assets to consumers during the assigned delivery slots via media consumption devices.

Certain exemplary embodiments disclosed herein relate to systems and/or methods for distributing advertisements from a central advertisement network to one or more peripheral devices at a location via a local advertisement server. In certain exemplary embodiments, the local advertisement server within a location receives advertisements from the central advertisement network and rebroadcasts them to peripheral devices within that location. Advertising information may be tracked and reported, e.g., for accounting, revenue-sharing, and/or other purposes in certain exemplary embodiments. Thus, in certain exemplary embodiments, the distribution of advertisements is provided to peripherals via a non-web- and non-PC-dependent network. Moreover, in certain exemplary embodiments, reporting and advertising related communications are substantially bi-directional regardless of device type. Certain exemplary embodiments provide revenue sharing among some or all of the central advertising network provider, the proprietors of locations, operators tasked with maintaining the local ad server and/or the peripheral devices, etc.

Computer implemented systems and methods are described for providing layered multimedia content. Specifically, the systems and methods can analyze a content stream or file using software to identify objects present in the first content, which could include people, items, places, music, sounds, and so forth. One or more elements can be generated and overlaid on to the content, which allow a viewer of the content to access information about the object and/or purchase a product or service associated with the object. Such information can be presented to the viewer when the viewer clicks on or otherwise interacts with the element.

Computer implemented systems and methods are described for providing layered multimedia content. Specifically, the systems and methods can analyze a content stream or file using software to identify objects present in the first content, which could include people, items, places, music, sounds, and so forth. One or more elements can be generated and overlaid on to the content, which allow a viewer of the content to access information about the object and/or purchase a product or service associated with the object. Such information can be presented to the viewer when the viewer clicks on or otherwise interacts with the element.

Embodiments are provided for receiving media content based on the user media preferences. An example implementation includes a one or more servers receiving data representing a guest list for an upcoming event corresponding to a first user account, the guest list indicating multiple guests corresponding to respective second user accounts of a second cloud service and querying one or more streaming media services for music preferences corresponding to the multiple guests. The one or more servers receive, from the one or more streaming media services, data representing respective music preferences corresponding to the multiple guests and generate a playlist of audio tracks based on the received respective music preferences corresponding to the multiple guests. During the event, the server(s) cause the playlist to be queued in a playback queue for playback by one or more playback devices of a particular media playback system registered with the first user account.

Embodiments are provided for receiving media content based on the user media preferences. An example implementation includes a one or more servers receiving data representing a guest list for an upcoming event corresponding to a first user account, the guest list indicating multiple guests corresponding to respective second user accounts of a second cloud service and querying one or more streaming media services for music preferences corresponding to the multiple guests. The one or more servers receive, from the one or more streaming media services, data representing respective music preferences corresponding to the multiple guests and generate a playlist of audio tracks based on the received respective music preferences corresponding to the multiple guests. During the event, the server(s) cause the playlist to be queued in a playback queue for playback by one or more playback devices of a particular media playback system registered with the first user account.

A system and method for transmission of a video stream are provided. The system may include: an encoder adapted to generate a video stream comprising a plurality of encoded frames, encoded according to at least one encoding parameter; a comparator in communication with the encoder, the comparator adapted to compare encoded frames of the plurality of encoded frames with input frames to determine a fitness metric reflective of visual quality of the encoded frames; and a controller in communication with the comparator, the controller adapted to adjust the at least one encoding parameter based on the fitness metric.

A system and method for transmission of a video stream are provided. The system may include: an encoder adapted to generate a video stream comprising a plurality of encoded frames, encoded according to at least one encoding parameter; a comparator in communication with the encoder, the comparator adapted to compare encoded frames of the plurality of encoded frames with input frames to determine a fitness metric reflective of visual quality of the encoded frames; and a controller in communication with the comparator, the controller adapted to adjust the at least one encoding parameter based on the fitness metric.