Systems and methods for performing trick play functionality using trick play streams during adaptive bitrate streaming in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. One embodiment includes requesting a video container index from a video container file containing a video stream from a plurality of alternative streams of video; requesting at least one portion of the video stream using at least one entry from the video container index; decoding the at least one portion of the video stream; receiving at least one user instruction to perform a visual search of the media; requesting a trick play container index from a trick play container file containing a trick play stream; requesting at least one frame of video from the at least one trick play stream; and decoding and displaying the at least one frame of video from the trick play stream.

Systems and methods are disclosed for generating a content structure that can then be used as a content design building block. Specifically, new content can be automatically generated by combining, replacing or mixing and matching objects, actions, settings, effects, audio, etc., from any number of previously stored content structures to create a new content structure, which is then rendered as a new content segment. Content segments are then stitched together to generate a finished content stream. In this way, new and original content can be created without the traditionally expensive and labor-intensive filming or computer animation processes.

Systems and methods are disclosed for generating a content structure that can then be used as a content design building block. Specifically, new content can be automatically generated by combining, replacing or mixing and matching objects, actions, settings, effects, audio, etc., from any number of previously stored content structures to create a new content structure, which is then rendered as a new content segment. Content segments are then stitched together to generate a finished content stream. In this way, new and original content can be created without the traditionally expensive and labor-intensive filming or computer animation processes.

Apparatus and methods for reducing latency in content and content source switching in a digital content delivery network. In one embodiment, linear addressable secondary content is switched into primary content within a cloud-based model using one or more latency-reducing techniques so as to minimize the user's perception of delay in performing the switch. In one implementation, secondary content video encodings are selected based on the encoding scheme of the primary content, and open GOPs within the primary content at the content transition point are closed or avoided, each to reduce processing overhead of the recipient client device. In another implementation, otherwise cloud-inaccessible functionality of the client device is accessed to reduce or suspend processing on non-essential tasks to make more processing resources available at the client. In yet another implementation, intelligent RF PHY scheduling of the primary and secondary content are utilized to minimize RF re-tuning by the client.

Apparatus and methods for reducing latency in content and content source switching in a digital content delivery network. In one embodiment, linear addressable secondary content is switched into primary content within a cloud-based model using one or more latency-reducing techniques so as to minimize the user's perception of delay in performing the switch. In one implementation, secondary content video encodings are selected based on the encoding scheme of the primary content, and open GOPs within the primary content at the content transition point are closed or avoided, each to reduce processing overhead of the recipient client device. In another implementation, otherwise cloud-inaccessible functionality of the client device is accessed to reduce or suspend processing on non-essential tasks to make more processing resources available at the client. In yet another implementation, intelligent RF PHY scheduling of the primary and secondary content are utilized to minimize RF re-tuning by the client.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a transmission method for enabling transmission of content using a broadcast and a communication channel includes: transmitting playback control information and service information using at least the broadcast wave, the service information being information for playing back content transmission using the broadcast and content transmission using the communication channel when the content is transmitted using the broadcast and the communication channel. The service information includes the content and location information that indicates a location for acquiring meta-information on playback control of the second content. The playback control information includes indexes of a relationship between the first content data and the second content data.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a transmission method for enabling transmission of content using a broadcast and a communication channel includes: transmitting playback control information and service information using at least the broadcast wave, the service information being information for playing back content transmission using the broadcast and content transmission using the communication channel when the content is transmitted using the broadcast and the communication channel. The service information includes the content and location information that indicates a location for acquiring meta-information on playback control of the second content. The playback control information includes indexes of a relationship between the first content data and the second content data.

The present invention provides a digital broadcast receiver capable of executing functions having higher added values. The broadcast receiver receives a broadcast wave of a digital broadcast service, controls an operation including activation and end of an application that is in cooperation with a broadcast program based on application-related information, and selects control relating to reactivation of the application based on a user's operation. If activation of the application is requested after the end of the application, the broadcast receiver controls the reactivation or non-reactivation of the application in accordance with the selection of control by the user.

The present invention provides a digital broadcast receiver capable of executing functions having higher added values. The broadcast receiver receives a broadcast wave of a digital broadcast service, controls an operation including activation and end of an application that is in cooperation with a broadcast program based on application-related information, and selects control relating to reactivation of the application based on a user's operation. If activation of the application is requested after the end of the application, the broadcast receiver controls the reactivation or non-reactivation of the application in accordance with the selection of control by the user.

Multiple different versions of media content are contained in a single package of audio-video media content, using compression algorithms that reduce storage and bandwidth required for storing multiple full-resolution versions of the media. Portions of individual frames are replaced during playback so that only the pixels that differ between versions need to be stored.