DVR Media Content Server Bypassing Upload Bandwidth
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Solution Overview
Problem
The quality of media content received by end user devices is constrained by the upload bandwidth capability of digital video recorders (DVRs), limiting the resolution and availability of streamed media content.
Innovation Solution
A method where the DVR sends a network address and authentication information to the end user device, allowing the device to retrieve media content from a media content server, bypassing the upload bandwidth bottleneck by using a higher download bandwidth communication channel, and enabling 'trick play' functionality such as pause, rewind, and fast forward.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If media content is streamed from DVR to end user device, then media content can be accessed remotely, but the quality and resolution are limited by the upload bandwidth capability of the DVR
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a media content server as an intermediary component. Instead of streaming directly from the DVR to the end user device, the system uses the server to host and deliver the media content. This intermediary approach allows the DVR to upload content once to the server, and then the server can deliver high-quality content to multiple devices simultaneously, bypassing the upload bandwidth limitation of individual DVRs while maintaining or improving content quality.
2Manufacturing precision
If DVR upload bandwidth is increased to improve media quality, then higher resolution content can be streamed, but network infrastructure cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the media content storage and delivery function into a centralized media content server. Multiple DVRs can upload content to this shared server, and the server handles all delivery operations. This consolidation eliminates the need for each DVR to have high upload bandwidth capabilities, as the server collectively manages the bandwidth requirements, thereby reducing individual DVR specifications and overall network infrastructure complexity while maintaining high content quality.
3Speed
If media content is stored locally on DVR, then immediate access is possible, but network storage optimization and remote access flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The media content server provides universal access to media content stored on any connected DVR. The server acts as a universal gateway that can retrieve content from multiple DVRs and deliver it to various end user devices. This multi-functional approach maintains fast access speeds while enabling flexible remote access across different devices and locations, as the server handles all content management and delivery operations centrally.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method in which an end user device sends a first request to a digital video recorder (DVR) to receive a media content item, and receives a metadata file including authentication information and a network address of a media content server where the media content item is located. The end user device sends a second request to the media content server to receive the media content item; the second request is sent to the network address and includes the authentication information and an identification of the requested media content item. The end user device receives the media content item from the media content server, responsive to the authentication information and the identification of the media content item sent in the second request. Other embodiments are disclosed.