Media Distribution Server Fast-Forwarding First-Run Programs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing PVR solutions do not allow viewers to fast-forward to points in first-run programs beyond the current broadcast point, requiring them to wait until a substantial portion of the program has been broadcast to access desired content.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that involve digitally encoding first-run programming content, storing it on a media distribution server, and transmitting it to a viewer's recording device before the scheduled publication time, enabling viewers to select and view desired segments beyond the current broadcast point after the publication time, with the option to receive a release code for permission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If PVRs record and store program content before broadcast, then viewers can pause and rewind already broadcast content, but viewers cannot fast-forward to points beyond the current broadcast point
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-loads program segments onto the media distribution server before the scheduled broadcast time. This preliminary action enables the server to immediately transmit any segment upon viewer request, eliminating the need to wait for sequential broadcast and enabling fast-forward capability to any point in the program.
Solution Approach 2:
The program content is divided into multiple segments, each with its own publication time. This segmentation allows the server to independently manage and transmit specific segments out of sequential order, enabling viewers to access any segment before its scheduled broadcast time while maintaining the ability to fast-forward through already-broadcast content.
2Ease of operation
If the entire program is transmitted to all viewers before broadcast, then fast-forwarding is enabled, but network bandwidth and server storage requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The program is divided into segments that are loaded onto the server individually before their scheduled publication times. This segmentation allows the server to store only the portions of content needed at any given time, reducing overall storage requirements while maintaining fast-forward capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system loads and transmits only the specific segments that viewers request, rather than transmitting the entire program to all viewers. This partial action approach reduces network bandwidth consumption and server storage requirements while still providing the desired fast-forward functionality.
3Productivity
If segments are transmitted at normal broadcast rate, then network infrastructure is manageable, but viewers must wait for segments to be broadcast in sequence
Solution Approach 1:
Segments are pre-loaded onto the server before their scheduled publication times. This preliminary preparation allows the server to immediately transmit any segment upon viewer request without waiting for sequential broadcast, eliminating viewer waiting time while maintaining normal broadcast rates for overall program distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the transmission rate based on viewer requests. While the overall program distribution maintains normal broadcast rates for efficiency, individual segments can be transmitted at accelerated rates when viewers request fast-forwarding, providing flexible speed control.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are disclosed for facilitating fast-forwarding by viewers through a first-run program beyond the current broadcast point. In one embodiment, the first-run program is distributed before its scheduled publication time, and may be viewed at any time after the publication time. In a second embodiment, content is distributed on or after the publication time, but at a rate greater than the normal viewing rate. In a third embodiment, content is distributed on demand after the publication time by a media distribution server. In a fourth embodiment, a viewer participating in a multicast session of the content requests content beyond the current broadcast point. The viewer is switched to a unicast session, and the requested content is transmitted to the viewer. In alternative embodiments, a release code may be provided to control the time after which the viewer will be permitted to view program segments beyond the current broadcast point.