Host-Client Addressing for VOD Streaming
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional home cable systems face inefficiencies in distributing Video On Demand (VOD) assets to clients, particularly in whole-home DVR systems where each set-top box (STB) must communicate directly with the main server for content sharing and VOD delivery, lacking a unified address system for streamlined content distribution.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a combined host and client address, where the host receives a VOD asset request, assigns a client address, and streams the asset over internal and external networks using different protocols, enabling transcoding and secure content delivery without the need for a CableCARD at each client STB.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If each STB communicates directly with the main server for VOD delivery, then content sharing and VOD delivery are enabled, but system complexity increases and distribution efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The host STB serves as an intermediary between client STBs and the main server. Client STBs communicate VOD requests to the host STB, which then handles server communication and content distribution. This mediator approach enables content sharing among multiple STBs while centralizing server interaction at the host, reducing overall system complexity and improving distribution efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If each STB has individual tuners and storage, then independent operation is enabled, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The host STB provides universal functionality for the entire STB system, including tuner operations and content storage. Multiple client STBs can access these shared resources through the host, eliminating the need for each STB to have individual tuners and storage devices. This multi-functional approach maintains operational independence for each STB while significantly reducing overall system complexity and cost.
3Adaptability or versatility
If VOD assets are streamed through the main STB to satellite STBs, then content distribution is enabled, but transmission time and processing delay increase
Solution Approach 1:
The host STB performs preliminary actions by maintaining a local cache of VOD content and pre-processing operations. When client STBs request content, the host can deliver it from its local cache rather than retrieving it from the main server in real-time. This preliminary preparation of content at the host significantly reduces transmission delay and processing time for VOD distribution to satellite STBs.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for streaming a Video on Demand (VOD) asset includes receiving, at a host, a VOD asset request from a client over an internal network, and sending the VOD asset request from the host over an external network using a client/host address that includes a host address and a client address. The VOD asset targeted for the client including the client/host address is received at the host over the external network, and the VOD asset is streamed from the host to the client over the internal network.