Methods and devices for dynamically designated first and second subsets of a plurality of frequency channels as upstream and downstream channels, respectively, for performing wired communications using virtual segmentation between a network controller and an endpoint device. performing virtual segmentation to service an endpoint device. Communications are performed between the network controller and the endpoint device through a wired communication medium using the upstream and downstream channels. The first subset and second subsets of the plurality of channels are designated as upstream channels and downstream channels, respectively, based at least in part on one or both of upstream and downstream channel demand and channel availability.

In one embodiment, a method receives a network topology of a distributed access architecture and a legacy video network. Video streams include characteristics that are associated with delivery via the legacy video network. The method selects a set of anchor points for a remote physical device in the distributed access architecture where the set of anchor points are associated with a geographic location of the remote physical device. A set of attribute labels are selected for the set of anchor points where the set of attribute labels associated with characteristics of the video streams. The method then generates a definition of video streams based on the anchor points and the attribute labels for a remote physical device configuration and generates the remote physical device configuration for video. The remote physical device configuration is used to provide the video streams to the remote physical device.

An integrated network receiver includes a first universal resource identifier for a first channel and an input suitable for receiving a first input video content from the Internet based upon the first universal resource identifier. The integrated network receiver provides the first input video content for the first channel to a head end connected to a plurality of customer devices through a transmission network. The integrated network receiver updating the first universal resource identifier based upon data obtained from a video address server.

A cable distribution system includes a head end connected to a plurality of customer devices through a transmission network that includes a remote fiber node that converts digital data to analog data suitable for the plurality of customer devices, where the head end includes at least one server each of which includes a respective processor.

A video-on-demand (VOD) content delivery system has a VOD Application Server which manages a database of templates for presentation of video content elements of different selected types categorized in hierarchical order. A web-based Content Management System receives content uploaded online in file formats with metadata for title and topical area, and automatically converts it into video data format compatible with the VOD content delivery system indexed by title and topical area. A User Interface for the system delivers listings data to the viewer's TV indexed by title and topical area specified by the uploaded metadata.

A media server is hosted in a service provider's network so that media content can be stored from or rendered to a private network such as a Digital Living Network Alliance network. Media content may be stored by accessing the media server or by downloading the media content to the media server. Support of set top boxes interacting with voice-on-demand (VOD) controllers and computers interacting with IP-based video content servers are integrated through the media server. Consequently, VOD assets can be played on IP-based devices and IP-based content can be played on set top boxes. A gateway function converts IP-based content to a VOD asset, and renders the VOD asset to a set top box while mapping digital rights management information for the VOD asset. Conversely, the gateway function may convert a VOD asset to IP-based content that can be played on an IP-based device.

A computer implemented method for inserting advertisement content into a program content stream includes receiving, by a headend content server, the program content stream. The program content stream includes an advertisement insertion cue. The method further includes detecting the advertisement insertion cue in the program content stream, and the advertisement insertion cue indicates an insertion point in the program content stream for inserting an advertisement. The method further includes modifying the advertisement insertion cue to indicate an expiration date and time for playout of a first advertisement content to be inserted into the program content stream, and inserting the first advertisement content into the program content stream.

A system may comprise at least one signal input circuit configured to receive target input signals from at least one sensor device; at least one signal processing unit. Each of the at least one signal processing unit may include at least one signal output circuit configured to output signals to a first electronic connection; and at least one signal extraction circuit configured to obtain a reverse control signal from the first electronic connection; and at least one signal superimposing circuit configured to generate superimposed reverse control signals by superimposing the first reverse control signal with other electronic signals, and output the superimposed reverse control signal to the signal input circuit.

A video-on-demand (VOD) content delivery system has a VOD Application Server which manages a database of templates for presentation of video content elements of different selected types categorized in hierarchical order. A web-based Content Management System receives content uploaded online in file formats with metadata for title and topical area, and automatically converts it into video data format compatible with the VOD content delivery system indexed by title and topical area. A User Interface for the system delivers listings data to the viewer's TV indexed by title and topical area specified by the uploaded metadata.

An over-air media server obtains first media content, including external content stored in a location external to the over-air media server, and delivers it for broadcast via on-air broadcast chain. A streaming media server is in communication with the over-air media server and a streaming broadcast chain. The streaming media server operates in a synchronized mode, during which it delivers, under control of the over-air media server, second media content to a streaming broadcast chain. The streaming server transitions from the synchronized mode to an independent mode, during which it delivers the second media content to the streaming broadcast chain independent of control by over-air media server. While operating in the independent mode the streaming media server obtains the second media content, including obtaining external content, from the same location from which over-air media server obtains its external content. The second media content is delivered to the streaming broadcast chain independent of control by the over-air media server.