Live TV Playback via Segmented Transport Stream
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current video on demand systems require completed and uploaded televisual broadcasts, causing inconvenience for viewers who want to access and interact with live content, such as pausing or rewinding live TV.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that receive video data with an identifier via a broadcast channel, allowing users to interact with live content by linking it to corresponding content on a server, enabling seamless playback and transition between broadcast and server-based content through segmented transport streams and playlists.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If video content is uploaded to server after broadcast completion for video on demand, then content availability is improved, but viewer convenience for accessing live content is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by segmenting the broadcast transport stream into multiple clips and uploading them to the server before the broadcast completes. This allows the server to have content ready in advance, enabling video on demand functionality during live broadcast without waiting for complete upload after broadcast completion.
Solution Approach 2:
The broadcast transport stream is segmented into multiple transport stream clips, each representing a portion of the broadcast content. This segmentation enables incremental uploading to the server, allowing content to be made available progressively rather than requiring complete upload after broadcast completion.
2Speed
If broadcast content is delivered in real-time, then content freshness is improved, but user interaction capability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
Transport stream clips are prepared and uploaded to the server in advance of broadcast completion. This preliminary action enables the system to serve content from the server with low latency while maintaining the ability to provide interactive controls (pause, rewind, fast forward) that would be impossible with pure real-time broadcast.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary mechanism by providing interactive controls that mediate between the user and the content playback. These controls allow users to pause, rewind, and fast forward the played-back content, adding interaction capability while maintaining real-time delivery through the broadcast channel.
3Ease of operation
If transport stream is segmented into clips for server storage, then content accessibility is improved, but system complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the broadcast transport stream into multiple transport stream clips, each stored on the server with associated metadata. This segmentation improves content accessibility by allowing selective retrieval and playback of specific clips, enabling features like seeking to specific timestamps and incremental loading.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented clip structure serves multiple functions: it enables video on demand playback, supports interactive controls (pause, rewind, fast forward), allows incremental server uploads, and provides flexible content retrieval based on broadcast timestamps. This multi-functionality justifies the segmentation complexity.
4Stability of the object's composition
If content is buffered for seamless transition, then playback continuity is improved, but latency is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial buffering by pre-loading a limited number of transport stream clips into the buffer before playback begins. This partial action provides sufficient continuity for seamless transitions without excessive buffering that would cause significant latency. The buffer size is optimized to balance continuity and latency requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A method comprising: receiving, via a distribution channel, video data having an identifier that identifies a position within a video and an address defining a location of a stored playlist. The method also comprises obtaining from a server a playlist in response to a user input, where the playlist includes location information identifying a location of a stored transport stream. The method also comprises receiving the transport stream from the location identified in the playlist over a network, and displaying the obtained transport stream.