Remote DVR Content Distribution via Cloud Encoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of digital video recorders (DVRs) face challenges in accessing recorded television programming remotely, as existing systems do not allow for geographically separate access or playback on different devices.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that enables remote access to recorded television programming by configuring a television receiver to transmit recorded content to a media distribution management system, which stores and encodes the content into multiple bitrates, allowing access via various user devices based on device type and account association, while ensuring content is only accessible to the original user account.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If television programming is recorded locally at the DVR for viewing at the television location, then storage space is saved and content security is maintained, but remote access to the recorded programming is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
A cloud-based media distribution management system acts as an intermediary between the DVR and remote user devices. The DVR uploads recorded content to this cloud service, which then handles secure storage, encoding into multiple formats, and distribution to authorized devices. This intermediary approach enables remote access without requiring direct peer-to-peer connections or complex local server infrastructure at the user's home.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates digital copies of the recorded television programming and stores them in the cloud. These copies are then made available to authorized user devices through the cloud service. The original recording remains at the DVR, but accessible copies are distributed to enable remote viewing on various devices such as smartphones, tablets, and computers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the recorded programming is made accessible on multiple devices, then user flexibility is improved, but content security and user account authorization become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cloud-based system encodes the same content into multiple device-specific formats and quality levels, with each version optimized for particular device types (e.g., mobile devices, tablets, computers, smart TVs). When a user requests content on a specific device, the system delivers the appropriate version. This approach maintains content security through centralized control while providing seamless cross-device compatibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple versions of the content are stored for different devices, then playback compatibility is improved, but storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameters of the content by encoding it into multiple versions with different bitrates and resolutions optimized for different device types. Instead of storing completely separate files for each device, the system creates variations of the same content with adjusted quality parameters. This allows efficient storage where higher-quality versions can serve multiple device types, reducing the need for extensive duplicate storage.
Data Source
AI summary
Various arrangements for providing remote access to locally-recorded television programming is presented. In some embodiments, a DVR is presented that it is configured to receive input indicating a timer for recording a television channel during a time period. The DVR may record television programming on the television channel during the time period indicated by the timer. The television receiver may further receive input indicating the television programming is to be stored remotely. The DVR may transmit the television programming to a media distribution management system via a second network. The DVR may transmit an indication of a user account to the media distribution management system via the second network.