A video-on-demand server includes interface modules each providing a communication interface between the video-on-demand server and a switching network; an interface to a management module to monitor and provide to the video-on-demand server information on video-on-demand bandwidth utilization of network resources allocated to particular service groups, each service group including video-on-demand customers sharing a same fixed network bandwidth allocation; each interface module communicatively coupled to service groups simultaneously via service gateways; a total bandwidth of the server is an aggregate bandwidth of all the interface modules, and is less than an aggregate bandwidth of all service groups assigned to be serviced by the server, the switching network configured to make the server available for receiving video on demand service requests from all of the service group customers simultaneously; the server adapted to dynamically assign bandwidth of the server to service groups, by adapting the switching network to dynamically change communication connections between interface modules and service groups, the adaptations to the switching network based upon information about the bandwidth utilization of network resources received from the management module.

A video-on-demand server includes interface modules each providing a communication interface between the video-on-demand server and a switching network; an interface to a management module to monitor and provide to the video-on-demand server information on video-on-demand bandwidth utilization of network resources allocated to particular service groups, each service group including video-on-demand customers sharing a same fixed network bandwidth allocation; each interface module communicatively coupled to service groups simultaneously via service gateways; a total bandwidth of the server is an aggregate bandwidth of all the interface modules, and is less than an aggregate bandwidth of all service groups assigned to be serviced by the server, the switching network configured to make the server available for receiving video on demand service requests from all of the service group customers simultaneously; the server adapted to dynamically assign bandwidth of the server to service groups, by adapting the switching network to dynamically change communication connections between interface modules and service groups, the adaptations to the switching network based upon information about the bandwidth utilization of network resources received from the management module.

Systems and methods are operable to retrieve a previously broadcast initial portion of a media content event. An exemplary embodiment stores a media content event at a first media device as the media content event is communicated over a broadcast system; receives a request at the first media device from a second media device, wherein the request identifies an initial portion of a media content event that has previously been communicated over a broadcast system; identifies the initial portion of the media content event from the stored media content event; retrieves the identified initial portion of the media content event; and communicates the initial portion of the media content event from the first media device to the second media device.

Systems and methods are operable to retrieve a previously broadcast initial portion of a media content event. An exemplary embodiment stores a media content event at a first media device as the media content event is communicated over a broadcast system; receives a request at the first media device from a second media device, wherein the request identifies an initial portion of a media content event that has previously been communicated over a broadcast system; identifies the initial portion of the media content event from the stored media content event; retrieves the identified initial portion of the media content event; and communicates the initial portion of the media content event from the first media device to the second media device.

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a system for determining a tag based on an interaction of a mobile device with a media processor. The tag is associated with a number of options of video content received at the media processor. A request is determined from the media processor for the number of options of video content associated with the tag. A transfer of the plurality of options of video content is initiated from a video source to the media processor. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a system for determining a tag based on an interaction of a mobile device with a media processor. The tag is associated with a number of options of video content received at the media processor. A request is determined from the media processor for the number of options of video content associated with the tag. A transfer of the plurality of options of video content is initiated from a video source to the media processor. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Methods of operating a communications system comprise, in one example, inserting advertising in a program stream by a receiving device based, at least in part, on an encrypted segmentation message embedded in the program steam. The at least one segmentation message defines an expanse of the program stream to receive the advertising. At least one embedded decoy message is included in the program stream, as well. In one example the receiving device, which may be a set-top terminal, for example, is coupled to a display device, such as a television, at a user location. A method of operating a receiving device coupled to a display device at a user location is also disclosed, comprising programming the receiving device to record a program and recording the program based, at least in part, on at least one segmentation message in a program stream. Systems are disclosed, as well.

Methods of operating a communications system comprise, in one example, inserting advertising in a program stream by a receiving device based, at least in part, on an encrypted segmentation message embedded in the program steam. The at least one segmentation message defines an expanse of the program stream to receive the advertising. At least one embedded decoy message is included in the program stream, as well. In one example the receiving device, which may be a set-top terminal, for example, is coupled to a display device, such as a television, at a user location. A method of operating a receiving device coupled to a display device at a user location is also disclosed, comprising programming the receiving device to record a program and recording the program based, at least in part, on at least one segmentation message in a program stream. Systems are disclosed, as well.

A computer-implemented method includes receiving by one or more computer systems, a request from a client system of a consumer for a live, real-time video having specified attributes of a performance embedded in the live, real-time video; searching by the one or more computer systems a database of attributes of performances associated with live, real-time videos; and causing by the one or more computer systems a connection between the client system of the consumer with a system of a provider of a live, real-time video captured performance based on the specified attributes included in the request for the live, real-time video.

A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a server having a controller to maintain content rights parameters associated with media content and a user where the content rights parameters include limits to distribution of the media content to a plurality of communication devices associated with the user and where a portion of the plurality of communication devices use different communication protocols from another portion of the plurality of communication devices, monitor for access to the media content by one communication device of the plurality of communication devices of the user, and obtain rights control data that is adapted to allow for presentation of the media content by the one communication device of the user where the rights control data is generated based on the content rights parameters. Other embodiments are disclosed.