Content distribution systems, methods and user interfaces are described wherein a modulator dynamically duplicates output of multiple channels, a plurality of receivers are individually tuned to one of the multiple channels, wherein a single transport stream can be sent on the multiple channels to each of the desired receivers and wherein the distribution can occur in multiple modes, and user interfaces which allow a manager of the content distribution system to dynamically change the channels on each receiver so that each of the receivers can be tuned to one of the multiple channels through the user interface.

Content distribution systems, methods and user interfaces are described wherein a modulator dynamically duplicates output of multiple channels, a plurality of receivers are individually tuned to one of the multiple channels, wherein a single transport stream can be sent on the multiple channels to each of the desired receivers and wherein the distribution can occur in multiple modes, and user interfaces which allow a manager of the content distribution system to dynamically change the channels on each receiver so that each of the receivers can be tuned to one of the multiple channels through the user interface.

For streaming data in a mobile communication network, a descriptive file (100) of a stream (200) is provided. The descriptive file (100) comprises a list (110) of delivery source identifiers, e.g. URIs, for unicast delivery of data segments (210) of the stream. A broadcast indicator (120) is selectively added to the descriptive file (100) so as to indicate whether broadcast delivery of the data segments (210) is available. Adding the broadcast indicator (120) and initiating the broadcast delivery may be accomplished on the basis of a popularity of the stream.

For streaming data in a mobile communication network, a descriptive file (100) of a stream (200) is provided. The descriptive file (100) comprises a list (110) of delivery source identifiers, e.g. URIs, for unicast delivery of data segments (210) of the stream. A broadcast indicator (120) is selectively added to the descriptive file (100) so as to indicate whether broadcast delivery of the data segments (210) is available. Adding the broadcast indicator (120) and initiating the broadcast delivery may be accomplished on the basis of a popularity of the stream.

A split streaming system and method are provided in which a stream of data (that can be video, audio or textual data) is split and sent over a plurality of stream reflectors to a stream recipient. Each stream reflector performs time gradient replacement to manage the split streaming.

In one aspect, the invention provides an interactive, multi-platform video network. In another aspect, the invention provides a dynamic scheduling method.

Methods, systems, and apparatus for diagnosing and optimizing an Internet Protocol television (IPTV) network are disclosed. In one aspect a method includes receiving a network address of a device; detecting a network topology associated with the device based on the network address of the device; identifying a configuration parameter setting associated with the network topology that is outside of a range of acceptable configuration parameter settings for the network topology; and providing output specifying the configuration parameter setting that is outside of the range of acceptable configuration parameter settings.

Methods, systems, and apparatus for diagnosing and optimizing an Internet Protocol television (IPTV) network are disclosed. In one aspect a method includes receiving a network address of a device; detecting a network topology associated with the device based on the network address of the device; identifying a configuration parameter setting associated with the network topology that is outside of a range of acceptable configuration parameter settings for the network topology; and providing output specifying the configuration parameter setting that is outside of the range of acceptable configuration parameter settings.

A method for receiving a broadcast signal of the present invention may comprise the steps of: receiving the broadcast signal for transmitting a plurality of sessions corresponding to a first channel and a second channel; simultaneously opening the plurality of sessions corresponding to the first channel and the second channel and acquiring broadcast service data included in the plurality of sessions; decoding the broadcast service data included in at least one session corresponding to the first channel among the plurality of opened sessions; and when the first channel is switched to the second channel, decoding the broadcast service data included in at least one session corresponding to the second channel among the plurality of opened sessions.

A method for receiving a broadcast signal of the present invention may comprise the steps of: receiving the broadcast signal for transmitting a plurality of sessions corresponding to a first channel and a second channel; simultaneously opening the plurality of sessions corresponding to the first channel and the second channel and acquiring broadcast service data included in the plurality of sessions; decoding the broadcast service data included in at least one session corresponding to the first channel among the plurality of opened sessions; and when the first channel is switched to the second channel, decoding the broadcast service data included in at least one session corresponding to the second channel among the plurality of opened sessions.