On-Demand Transcoding for Multiscreen nDVR Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network-based digital video recorder (nDVR) systems face high storage and transcoding costs due to the need to store multiple formats of recorded content for each subscriber, especially when supporting multiple screens, leading to a trade-off between storage and transcoding expenses.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an on-demand transcoding mechanism that stores only the highest quality format of content after a predetermined period of inactivity, with lower quality versions being deleted, and using an on-demand transcoder to convert the content into appropriate formats only when requested by devices with varying capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple formats of recorded content are stored for each subscriber to support multiple screens, then compatibility and adaptability are improved, but storage costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential master format content for storage, removing the need to store multiple format versions. The system stores content in a single master format and extracts/converts to other formats only when specifically requested by client devices, thereby reducing storage requirements while maintaining multi-screen compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary storage of content in master format only, preparing the base material in advance. Format conversion is then performed on-demand when client devices request content in specific formats, avoiding the need to pre-store all possible format variations
2Adaptability or versatility
If content is stored in multiple formats to accommodate different device capabilities, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by allowing client devices to request content in their native formats directly from the server. The server automatically handles format conversion based on device capabilities without requiring complex pre-processing or manual intervention, simplifying the overall system architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal content delivery system where a single master format storage serves all client devices. The transcoding mechanism provides multi-functionality by converting the same master content to various formats as needed, eliminating the need for separate storage systems for different device types
3Adaptability or versatility
If all content formats are stored uniquely for each subscriber, then individual customization is improved, but storage efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates digital copies of the master format content in different formats only when requested by specific subscribers. Instead of storing unique format versions for each subscriber in advance, the system efficiently copies and converts the master content on-demand, maintaining personalized delivery while improving storage efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the storage parameter from storing multiple format versions to storing a single master format. The system then dynamically changes format parameters through transcoding when content is delivered to different subscribers, achieving personalized delivery without proportional increases in storage
Data Source
AI summary
A method is disclosed that includes: receiving, via a network digital video recorder, a request to record requested content; receiving, via a network digital video recorder at a first time, the requested content in a first format and the requested content in a second format; storing, via the network digital video recorder, the requested content in the first format; storing, via the network digital video recorder, the requested content in the second format; deleting, from network digital video recorder, the requested content in the second format after a predetermined time period; and transcoding, via an on demand transcoder, the requested content in the first format to the requested content in a third format after the predetermined time period.A method is disclosed, including: receiving request to record content; receiving the requested content in a plurality of versions; storing the requested content; from the plurality of versions, identify mezzanine content having a first format and resolution for retaining in storage; for a remaining plurality of versions: determine at least one criterion; retain one or more versions of the remaining plurality of versions in storage until the at least one criterion is met; receiving a request for playback of the requested content to a subscriber's device; determining whether the request may be fulfilled using any stored versions of the plurality of versions of the requested content; if the version having a format and resolution corresponding to the decoding capabilities of the subscriber's device is not stored, regenerate, from a stored version of the plurality of versions, the format and resolution that corresponds to the decoding capabilities of the subscriber's device.