Fast Channel Change System for Seamless Media Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Media devices experience noticeable delays when switching between channels due to the time required to tune to a new transponder signal, disrupting the user experience with blank screens or delayed presentation of the new media content.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a fast channel change system that initially presents a low-resolution version of the new media content while tuning to the high-resolution signal, allowing for a seamless transition once the tuning process is complete.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the media device performs a tuning operation to switch to a new transponder signal, then the new media content event can be received in high resolution, but a noticeable delay occurs during the tuning process disrupting user experience
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by obtaining and buffering a portion of the new media content event from the selected transponder signal before the tuning operation is complete. This allows the content to be ready for immediate presentation once tuning finishes, eliminating the delay perceived by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the media content reception process into two parallel operations: (1) performing the tuning operation to switch transponder signals, and (2) simultaneously obtaining and buffering content portions from the new signal. This segmentation allows both high-resolution reception and delay elimination to coexist.
2Measurement precision
If the media device waits for the tuning operation to complete before presenting the new media content, then the content quality is maintained, but the presentation is delayed causing blank screens or frozen images
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary content acquisition during the tuning operation itself, so that when tuning completes, the content is already buffered and ready for immediate high-quality presentation without blank screens or frozen images.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by making the content presentation continuous - the buffered portion obtained during tuning is presented immediately upon tuning completion, maintaining uninterrupted video playback and eliminating visual artifacts that would otherwise occur during channel switching.
3Loss of time
If the media device obtains the new media content event during the tuning operation, then the tuning delay is masked, but additional processing complexity is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system obtains the new media content event in parallel with the tuning operation rather than sequentially. This preliminary action during tuning masks the delay from user perception while using efficient buffering techniques that minimize additional processing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the content processing into manageable portions - obtaining only a portion of the new media content event during tuning rather than the entire content. This segmentation reduces the processing burden while still achieving the goal of masking the tuning delay.
Data Source
AI summary
Fast channel change systems and methods are operable to change channels to a newly selected media content event in response to a user request. An exemplary embodiment communicates a previously stored low resolution version segment of the newly selected media content event to a presentation system while the media device is performing a tuning operation to change channels to receive a currently broadcasting high resolution version of the newly selected media content event. Once the tuning process has been completed at the media device, a handshake process is performed wherein the media device transitions presentation from the low resolution version to the high resolution version of the newly selected media content event.