Multiplexed Channel Transcoder for Place Shifting Bandwidth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Place shifting devices face limitations due to the relatively small upload bandwidth available, which restricts the quality of streamed content and available features for users.
Innovation Solution
A multiplexed channel place shifting system that combines video data from multiple sources into a single streamable channel, using a multiplexed channel transcoder to reduce bandwidth consumption and enhance video quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple video sources are streamed separately, then each source can be transmitted independently, but the total bandwidth consumption increases and video quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple video sources into a single multiplexed channel, merging separate transmission streams into one unified stream. This reduces the total number of separate transmissions required, thereby decreasing bandwidth consumption while maintaining the ability to deliver multiple video sources to the client device.
Solution Approach 2:
The single multiplexed channel serves multiple functions by carrying multiple video sources simultaneously. Instead of requiring separate dedicated channels for each video source, the universal multiplexed channel can dynamically allocate bandwidth to different sources, improving overall system efficiency and reducing total bandwidth requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate encoders are used for each video source, then each source can be optimized independently, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single multiplexed channel encoder that performs multiple functions - encoding multiple video sources, managing bandwidth allocation, and adapting to different source characteristics. This universal encoder replaces the need for multiple separate encoders, reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining the ability to optimize each source through software-based parameter adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using separate hardware encoders, the system optimizes each video source by dynamically changing encoding parameters (such as bitrate, resolution, and quality settings) within the single multiplexed channel. This software-based parameter adjustment provides adaptability for different source types without requiring additional hardware complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A place shifting device and a method for operating the same are provided. The place shifting device, for example, may include, but is not limited to, a communication system configured to receive a plurality of sources of media, a multiplexed channel transcoder configured to multiplex video from at least two of the plurality of sources of media into a single channel, and a processor communicatively coupled to the communication system and the multiplexed channel transcoder, the processor configured to determine the at least two of the plurality of sources of media, transcode, via the multiplexed channel transcoder, the determined video from the at least two of the plurality of sources of media into the signal channel, and transmit, via the communication system, the single channel to a remote electronic device.