Network managed channel change in digital networks

Abstract

The present invention provides a circuit and corresponding method for channel changing in a digital network. The circuit includes inputs for receiving a channel change stream and a regular stream. The circuit also includes a multiplexer, a storage device, and a picture element detector. The multiplexer is used to send a channel change stream to the CPE device in response to a channel change request from the customer premises equipment (CPE) device. The storage means is used to store flags set in response to channel change requests from the CPE means. This flag is set to request detection of image elements in regular streams. The picture element detector is used to detect picture elements in the regular stream after transmission of the channel change stream. Once a picture element is detected in the regular stream, the multiplexer transmits the regular stream to the CPE device instead of the channel change stream.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This application claims priority to US Provisional Application No. 60 / 633,475, filed December 6, 2004, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. technical field [0003] The present invention generally relates to digital networks, and more particularly to a method and device capable of changing channels in digital networks. Background technique [0004] In a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) multicast / broadcast video system, Internet Protocol (IP) multicast can be used to deliver compressed video to a Set Top Box (STB). Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) is the mechanism for selecting which channel to watch by sending a join request for the desired channel to a Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer (DSLAM). When you no longer want to watch the channel, you can send an exit request to the DSLAM. [0005] In commercial video over DSL broadcast systems, it is desirable to allow end user...

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Problems solved by technology

[0010] Because in the above-mentioned second prior art solution, when the channel change request is made, the regular and channel change streams are transmitted to the DSL link at the same time, which will result in increased bandwidth until the CPE issues an "exit" on the channel change stream. "ask

For example, a user switching to a high-definition channel can cause an increase in the bandwidth used by a lower-resolution (possibly standard-definition) channel

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