Customized Video Sequences During TV Channel Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing broadcast television systems experience a 'black screen' during channel changes, which can be frustrating for users and does not utilize the channel change time effectively for branding or advertising opportunities.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for displaying a customized video sequence during channel changes, including a 'sting' and 'segue' portion, where the 'sting' is played in full screen until the end and the 'segue' is played until the new channel is ready, with metadata signaling the end points, and video sequences are stored in single or separate files based on channel groups for efficient playback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a black screen is displayed during channel change, then the channel change process is simple and fast, but the user experience deteriorates and branding opportunities are lost
Solution Approach 1:
A customized video sequence acts as an intermediary element during channel change, bridging the gap between the old channel and new channel. This video sequence includes a 'sting' portion for branding and a 'segue' portion that transitions smoothly, replacing the traditional black screen while maintaining efficient channel switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The customized video sequences are pre-prepared and stored in the set-top box before channel changes occur. The system pre-loads multiple video sequences corresponding to different channels, so when a channel change is requested, the appropriate pre-prepared video sequence can be immediately played without delaying the channel switch.
2Loss of information
If customized video sequences are played during channel change, then branding and advertising opportunities improve, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The customized video sequence is segmented into distinct functional portions: a 'sting' portion for branding and advertising content, and a 'segue' portion for smooth transition. This segmentation allows the system to play different portions at different times - the sting portion plays in full screen initially, then transitions to the segue portion, providing flexibility in content delivery while maintaining manageable system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The customized video sequence serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides branding information through the sting portion, enables smooth visual transition through the segue portion, and maintains system efficiency by being pre-prepared. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems for branding and transition effects.
3Speed
If video sequences are pre-loaded for instant playback, then playback speed improves, but storage requirements and content update frequency increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple customized video sequences corresponding to different channels are combined and stored in a single video file within the set-top box. This merging reduces the total number of separate files that need to be managed and stored, optimizing storage space while still enabling instant playback of any individual sequence when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus is described to display a customized video sequence during a channel change interval. The method includes displaying a first channel; receiving a channel change request from a user requesting a second channel for display; displaying a video sequence during the channel change interval; and displaying a second channel; characterized in that the displaying of the video sequence during the channel change interval further comprises displaying a black screen with no audio and no video for a short duration; playing out a first portion of a customized video sequence relevant to the second channel entirely; and playing out a second portion of the customized video sequence relevant to the second channel until the second channel is ready to be displayed.