Live Media Stream Packaging via Pre-Encoded Assets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional broadcasting infrastructure is costly and inefficient for delivering live channels using modern web streaming protocols, limiting the ability of network providers to offer new channels and enhance viewer experience without significant investment in infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A system for publishing disparate live media output streams using pre-encoded media assets, which simplifies live channel creation and allows for cost-effective distribution by generating live output streams from pre-encoded assets, eliminating the need for expensive broadcast infrastructure and enabling enhanced viewer experiences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional broadcasting infrastructure is used to deliver live channels, then reliable live content delivery is achieved, but infrastructure cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the live broadcast channel by packaging VOD content with broadcast-like metadata and timing information. This virtual channel copy allows web streaming protocols to simulate traditional broadcast behavior without requiring physical broadcast infrastructure, thereby maintaining delivery reliability while reducing infrastructure complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical broadcasting infrastructure (encoders, multiplexers, transmission equipment) with software-based content packaging and web streaming protocols. The content packaging system transforms VOD assets into broadcast-like streams using standard web protocols, eliminating the need for expensive broadcast hardware while maintaining reliable content delivery
2Reliability
If traditional broadcasting infrastructure is used, then live channel delivery is supported, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses standard web streaming protocols and software-based content packaging instead of expensive, dedicated broadcast infrastructure. The content packaging system creates lightweight, protocol-compliant streams that can be delivered using existing web infrastructure, dramatically reducing the cost of providing live channel delivery while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes existing VOD content assets serve dual purposes: they function as both on-demand content and as source material for virtual live channels. The content packaging system enables the same content library to support both traditional VOD delivery and simulated live broadcast delivery, eliminating the need for separate infrastructure investments
3Loss of energy
If pre-encoded VOD assets are used to create live channels, then infrastructure cost is reduced, but the ability to deliver live content is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic content packaging that can adapt to different channel requirements in real-time. The content packaging system processes VOD assets dynamically, applying different metadata, timing information, and stream configurations based on the specific live channel being created, thereby providing versatile live channel delivery capability from static pre-encoded assets
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the delivery parameters of pre-encoded VOD assets by applying broadcast-like timing metadata, sequence information, and stream packaging parameters. This parameter transformation enables static VOD content to behave as dynamic live content, providing adaptability and versatility in live channel delivery without requiring new infrastructure
4Adaptability or versatility
If modern web streaming protocols are used, then distribution flexibility is improved, but the number of supported broadcast channels is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the content delivery system into independent, software-based content packaging units that can create multiple virtual channels from the same content library. Each virtual channel is created through software configuration rather than physical infrastructure, allowing the system to support a large number of broadcast channels over web protocols without being constrained by hardware limitations
Data Source
AI summary
A media content packaging and distribution system that generates a plurality of disparate live media output streams to be viewed on a plurality of consumer devices, receives a programming schedule for a channel from a network scheduler. The programming schedule corresponds to a first manifest associated with a first pre-encoded media asset. Information related to a plurality of media segments from the first pre-encoded media asset indicated in the first manifest is inserted into a live output stream manifest. Transition occurs between first media segments of the plurality of media segments from a first data source to second media segments of the plurality of media segments from a second data source, different from the first data source, where the transition is based on additional information. Based on the transition, a disparate live media output stream is generated for a channel viewable on a consumer device via a media player