Virtualized Transcoder Pre-Transcoding Storage Strategy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for remotely storing and transcoding telecast programs are cost-prohibitive due to the need for real-time transcoding into multiple formats and resolutions, which increases storage and operational expenses while adhering to copyright laws.
Innovation Solution
A system that stores a first exclusive transcoded copy of a program in a user-specific area and additional transcoded copies in a shared area, allowing for efficient switching based on device capabilities and bandwidth, reducing the need for real-time transcoding and minimizing storage requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If real-time transcoding is performed into multiple formats and resolutions, then device compatibility and bandwidth adaptability are improved, but capital expenditures and operating expenses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs transcoding in advance during off-peak hours and stores pre-transcoded versions in a content delivery network, eliminating the need for real-time transcoding during user requests. This preliminary action reduces both the computational resources needed and the storage capacity required for multiple formats.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of storing multiple full-resolution transcoded versions of each content item, the system creates simplified proxy copies or thumbnails that can be quickly transformed into various formats on-demand, reducing the storage burden while maintaining adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If real-time transcoding is performed into multiple formats and resolutions, then device compatibility and bandwidth adaptability are improved, but operational expenses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-processes and transcodes content during off-peak hours when energy costs are lower, storing these pre-transcoded versions in a content delivery network. This eliminates the need for expensive real-time transcoding operations during peak usage periods, significantly reducing operational expenses while maintaining bandwidth adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces computationally intensive real-time transcoding operations with pre-computed proxy representations and on-demand format selection, substituting heavy mechanical processing with lighter computational operations that consume less energy.
3Reliability
If exclusive transcoded copies are stored for each user, then copyright compliance is improved, but storage requirements and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates simplified proxy copies or metadata representations of copyrighted content that can be shared across users without violating copyright laws. These proxies contain sufficient information for identification, management, and rights enforcement without requiring storage of multiple full-quality exclusive copies for each user.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a universal rights management layer that can enforce copyright compliance across multiple users sharing the same content, eliminating the need for separate exclusive copies for each user while maintaining legal compliance through centralized control mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods to remotely store and provide telecast programs are provided. The method includes storing an exclusive first transcoded copy of a program in a first configuration for a first user along with multiple shared transcoded copies in respective multiple configurations. The method includes receiving a request from the first user to view the program, streaming the first transcoded copy, determining based on one or more criteria whether the first transcoded copy is supported, and continuing to stream the first transcoded copy or switching to a second transcoded copy from the multiple transcoded copies based on the criteria.