A method of incorporating additional video objects into source video data to produce output video data. The method includes retrieving source video data and data defining a segment size used by a distributor, into which video data is divided when transmitted. The method includes analyzing the source video data to identify selected frames of video material which include insertion zones which correspond to regions which are suitable for receiving an additional video object. The method includes identifying a boundary point of the source video data. The method includes embedding additional video objects into the selected frames, creating output video data which has a boundary which corresponds with the identified boundary point. The method includes generating metadata including information on said boundary point of the source video data to be replaced by the created output video data; and transmitting the output video data and the metadata to the distributor.

Systems and methods for performing bit rate encoding are described. One of the methods includes receiving data indicating a change in a first connection speed that is associated with a first network. The change generates a second connection speed. The method further includes determining whether a media file is being downloaded. The method also includes determining that a current segment of the media file is being downloaded. The current segment is downloaded at a first bit rate and the first bit rate is associated with the first connection speed. The method includes determining whether the media file includes a remaining segment to be downloaded. The current segment precedes the remaining segment. The method includes identifying a second bit rate based on the second connection speed, receiving the remaining segment at the second bit rate, and stitching the remaining segment with the current segment.

Methods and systems for transmitting data are presented. Data received from at least one data source is retained in at least one buffer. In one example, initial hierarchical data may be provided from the at least one buffer to a device, followed by additional hierarchical data. In one example, the data is received into the at least one buffer via a multicast connection, and the data is provided to the device via a point-to-point connection.

Methods and systems for transmitting data are presented. Data received from at least one data source is retained in at least one buffer. In one example, initial hierarchical data may be provided from the at least one buffer to a device, followed by additional hierarchical data. In one example, the data is received into the at least one buffer via a multicast connection, and the data is provided to the device via a point-to-point connection.

Provided herein are system, apparatus, article of manufacture, method and/or computer program product embodiments, and/or combinations and sub-combinations thereof, for synchronizing playback of audio and video associated with a content, such as a movie or TV show. Also provided herein are system, apparatus, article of manufacture, method and/or computer program product embodiments, and/or combinations and sub-combinations thereof, for coordinating devices in a whole home entertainment system that includes a wireless network, to improve collective utilization of the wireless network and thereby enhance user experience.

Techniques for conducting a communication session include receiving, from a first device and in connection with a communication session, an indication of a bandwidth limitation on transferring data associated with the communication session, the first device being configured to generate a plurality of data streams associated with the communication session and to transmit the plurality of data streams to a second device; dynamically determining one or more operating parameters of the first device to reduce the amount of bandwidth required to transmit the plurality of data streams by eliminating one or more data streams, reducing an amount of bandwidth required by one or more data streams, or both based on bandwidth reduction criteria determined by the first device, the second device, or both; and directing the first device to transmit the plurality of data streams to the second device according to the one or more operating parameters.

An apparatus for adaptive-rate shifting of streaming content includes an agent controller module configured to simultaneously request at least portions of a plurality of streamlets. The agent controller module is further configured to continuously monitor streamlet requests and subsequent responses, and accordingly request higher or lower quality streamlets. A staging module is configured to stage the streamlets and arrange the streamlets for playback on a content player. A system includes a data communications network, a content server coupled to the data communications network and having a content module configured to process content and generate a plurality of high and low quality streams, and the apparatus. A method includes simultaneously requesting at least portions of a plurality of streamlets, continuously monitoring streamlet requests and subsequent responses, and accordingly requesting higher or lower quality streamlets, and staging the streamlets and arranging the streamlets for playback on a content player.

An electronic device sends a content stream, via an unmanaged network, toward a client device and monitors the capacity of the unmanaged network. The device determines whether an aggregate bandwidth of an upcoming portion of the content stream fits the capacity. The upcoming portion of the content stream includes video content and user-interface data. In response to a determination that the aggregate bandwidth of the upcoming portion of the content stream does not fit the capacity, when the user-interface data is not the result of a user interaction: the device prioritizes a frame rate of the video content over latency for the user-interface data, and in accordance with a determination that the aggregate bandwidth of the upcoming portion of the content stream does not fit the capacity, sends ahead one or more frames of the video content in the upcoming portion, and delays the user-interface data in the upcoming portion.

A method and device for providing live adaptive bitrate (ABR) video to a client device using a multicast-to-unicast-ABR proxy is disclosed. The method includes responsive to the client device tuning to a channel or requesting a change in profile for the channel, requesting from a distribution server a burst of video fragments for the channel using a selected profile, the burst of video fragments to be delivered via unicast; responsive to the burst being completed, requesting to join a multicast for the channel, the multicast using the selected profile; and providing video for the channel to the client device via unicast using the selected profile.

A method and system for distributing video content across a distributed network is described. The system comprises a first device having video data provided thereon. A first application is operable on the first device and is configured for associating control data with the video data, wherein the control data contains information for creating auxiliary data which is to be presented with the video data subsequent to the video data being broadcast to one or more second devices across the network. A control centre is in communication with the first application for receiving the video data and the associated control data from the first device. The control centre is operable to broadcast the video data and the associated control data to one or more second devices. A media player is provided on the respective second devices which is operable in response to reading the control data to create the auxiliary data on the respective second device. The media player is operable to launch the auxiliary data while the media player is playing the video data.