Methods and systems for managing and transmitting video content are disclosed. As an example, encoders and segmenters forming segment generators, may, in the absence of a content segment, send a missing content segment message to an origin device. The origin device may request the missing segment from a second, redundant origin device that may be co-located with or separate from the originating origin device. The second origin device may send the missing content segment to the originating origin device, which may forward the missing segment to an output device such as a video player or any other device. In the event that the requested segment's start time is different from the start time in the missing content segment message, the origin device may send the start time to the segment generator.

Methods and systems for managing and transmitting video content are disclosed. As an example, encoders and segmenters forming segment generators, may, in the absence of a content segment, send a missing content segment message to an origin device. The origin device may request the missing segment from a second, redundant origin device that may be co-located with or separate from the originating origin device. The second origin device may send the missing content segment to the originating origin device, which may forward the missing segment to an output device such as a video player or any other device. In the event that the requested segment's start time is different from the start time in the missing content segment message, the origin device may send the start time to the segment generator.

A method includes, at a media bridge configured to distribute a plurality of media streams among a plurality of client devices connected to the media bridge over a network during a real-time communication (RTC) instance, receiving a plurality of quality of experience (QoE) preferences from the plurality of client devices via the media bridge, the plurality of QoE preferences being transmitted as a real-time transport protocol (RTP) control protocol (RTCP) extension header of a transmitted data packet. The method also includes receiving a plurality of QoE metrics at the media bridge, and in response to a determination that a degradation in network conditions of the network has occurred, downgrading at least one of the plurality of media streams based on the plurality of QoE preferences.

A method and apparatus to create and transmit transport multiplexes comprising one or more levels of service over a network. In one embodiment, the level of service comprises high definition (HD) content or programs, and the transmitted multiplexes are distributed over a plurality of downstream RF carriers in a cable network simultaneously. A head-end architecture for performing the multiplexing and distribution of multiple HD programs over the multiple carriers (i.e., in a “wideband” configuration) is disclosed. CPE having one or more wideband tuners is also disclosed, the CPE being adapted to receive the multiplexed HD content from the various RF carriers, and demultiplex it in order to permit decoding and subsequent viewing by the user. The use of multiple HD source programs with the multiplex advantageously provides for enhanced statistical multiplexing by providing a larger “pool” of constituent inputs and available carriers.

A method and apparatus to create and transmit transport multiplexes comprising one or more levels of service over a network. In one embodiment, the level of service comprises high definition (HD) content or programs, and the transmitted multiplexes are distributed over a plurality of downstream RF carriers in a cable network simultaneously. A head-end architecture for performing the multiplexing and distribution of multiple HD programs over the multiple carriers (i.e., in a “wideband” configuration) is disclosed. CPE having one or more wideband tuners is also disclosed, the CPE being adapted to receive the multiplexed HD content from the various RF carriers, and demultiplex it in order to permit decoding and subsequent viewing by the user. The use of multiple HD source programs with the multiplex advantageously provides for enhanced statistical multiplexing by providing a larger “pool” of constituent inputs and available carriers.

A core device that is connected to a network, and that is interconnected via a digital audio/video interface with audio/video devices that are connected to the network, provided with a collecting unit that collects interface-connected device information, including at least unique identification information, from the audio/video devices via the digital audio/video interface, and a transferring unit that transfers the interface-connected device information to a portable terminal device that is connected to the network.

A core device that is connected to a network, and that is interconnected via a digital audio/video interface with audio/video devices that are connected to the network, provided with a collecting unit that collects interface-connected device information, including at least unique identification information, from the audio/video devices via the digital audio/video interface, and a transferring unit that transfers the interface-connected device information to a portable terminal device that is connected to the network.

[Object] To provides a controller capable of switching a video so that the video is not distorted on the receiving side when the video is transmitted using IP multicast [Solution] There is provided a controller including a bandwidth reservation unit configured to, when an instruction given to a receiving device that receives a first video stream transmitted via IP multicast to receive a second video stream after receiving the first video stream is acquired, acquire information on a status of a network topology and a transmitted video stream and to reserve a network bandwidth for transmitting the second video stream in addition to the first video stream, and a reception instruction unit configured to send out an instruction to receive the second video stream to the receiving device by using the network bandwidth reserved by the bandwidth reservation unit.

[Object] To provides a controller capable of switching a video so that the video is not distorted on the receiving side when the video is transmitted using IP multicast [Solution] There is provided a controller including a bandwidth reservation unit configured to, when an instruction given to a receiving device that receives a first video stream transmitted via IP multicast to receive a second video stream after receiving the first video stream is acquired, acquire information on a status of a network topology and a transmitted video stream and to reserve a network bandwidth for transmitting the second video stream in addition to the first video stream, and a reception instruction unit configured to send out an instruction to receive the second video stream to the receiving device by using the network bandwidth reserved by the bandwidth reservation unit.

A method, apparatus and computer program product for utilizing network coding for multi-resolution multicast is presented. A network source partitions source content into a base layer and one or more refinement layers. The network source receives a respective one or more push-back messages from one or more network destination receivers, the push-back messages identifying the one or more refinement layers suited for each one of the one or more network destination receivers. The network source computes a network code involving the base layer and the one or more refinement layers for at least one of the one or more network destination receivers, and transmits the network code to the one or more network destination receivers in accordance with the push-back messages.