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 video distribution system includes a video distribution device and a terminal device. The video distribution device includes: a distributor that distributes free viewpoint video data; a first acquisition unit that acquires teaching data from the terminal device; and a teaching file generator that generates a teaching file for automatic playback on the basis of the teaching data. The terminal device includes: a second acquisition unit that acquires free viewpoint video data from the video distribution device; a video generator that generates video on the basis of the free viewpoint video data; a display that displays the video; and an editing unit that edits the free viewpoint video data and transmits the teaching data.

A video distribution system includes a video distribution device and a terminal device. The video distribution device includes: a distributor that distributes free viewpoint video data; a first acquisition unit that acquires teaching data from the terminal device; and a teaching file generator that generates a teaching file for automatic playback on the basis of the teaching data. The terminal device includes: a second acquisition unit that acquires free viewpoint video data from the video distribution device; a video generator that generates video on the basis of the free viewpoint video data; a display that displays the video; and an editing unit that edits the free viewpoint video data and transmits the teaching data.

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.

The present disclosure is directed to embodiments for securely reconfiguring a media playback device. For example, a method may include determining whether a media playback device is being controlled by a user. In response to determining that the media playback device is not being controlled by the user, the method may further include: causing display of a pictograph that includes an encrypted payload with information for wirelessly connecting to the media playback device and is configured to be scanned by a client device determining whether a request from the client device to wirelessly connect to the media playback device is a valid request in response to the request being valid, wirelessly connecting the client device to the media playback device via a soft access point; and receiving, at the media playback device, information for reconfiguring the media playback device.

An example device for retrieving media data includes one or more processors implemented in circuitry and configured to receive a manifest file including data indicating a number of segment chunks available for a segment of a representation of media data, the segment comprising an independently retrievable media file having a unique uniform resource locator (URL), determine an identifier for one of the chunks using the data indicating the number of chunks available for the segment, and send a request specifying the identifier for the one of the chunks to a server device.

An example device for retrieving media data includes one or more processors implemented in circuitry and configured to receive a manifest file including data indicating a number of segment chunks available for a segment of a representation of media data, the segment comprising an independently retrievable media file having a unique uniform resource locator (URL), determine an identifier for one of the chunks using the data indicating the number of chunks available for the segment, and send a request specifying the identifier for the one of the chunks to a server device.

Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed to generate a signature based on signature candidates. An example apparatus disclosed herein includes first means for determining an alignment point of a first candidate signature segment and a second candidate signature segment, the first candidate signature segment and the second candidate signature segment include time data and signature data, the alignment point based on the time data of the first candidate signature segment and the time data of the second candidate signature segment, means for comparing a first signature to a second signature at the alignment point, the first signature representative of media included in the first candidate signature segment, the second signature included in the second candidate signature segment, and means for stitching the second signature to the first signature based on the comparison to generate a stitched signature, the stitched signature to be used for media crediting.