VOD Preview Channel Integration in Real-Time Broadcast Zapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current digital cable and IPTV services require users to go through multiple steps to access Video On Demand (VOD) content, making it inconvenient and separate from real-time broadcasts, leading to low VOD usage due to poor accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that integrates VOD preview channels within the real-time broadcast service, allowing users to access VOD content through channel zapping, with a content management server assigning VOD preview channels and a set-top box providing VOD previews, which can be played in part or in full, and displaying inducing pop-ups for continued viewing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users access VOD through separate VOD menu and selection steps, then VOD content can be viewed, but the process becomes inconvenient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges VOD preview channels with real-time broadcast channels into a unified channel lineup. Users can access VOD previews by simply zapping through channels like traditional broadcasts, eliminating the need for separate VOD menu navigation. The set-top box integrates both service types in a single interface, allowing seamless switching between real-time and VOD content through standard channel selection operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-loads and prepares VOD preview content in advance, making it immediately available when users zap to the corresponding channel. This preliminary preparation eliminates waiting time during channel switching, as the preview content is already buffered and ready for instant playback without requiring users to navigate through selection menus at the moment of viewing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If VOD service is separated from real-time broadcast service, then each service can be independently managed, but users perceive them as separate and VOD usage decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The set-top box is designed with multi-functionality to handle both real-time broadcast and VOD preview services through a single unified interface. The channel management system universally applies the same zapping mechanism to both service types, allowing users to access either service type using identical operations. This universal approach maintains independent service management while presenting a unified user experience that increases VOD accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer in the form of VOD preview channels that bridge the gap between real-time broadcast and full VOD services. These preview channels act as mediators, allowing users to experience VOD content in a format similar to traditional broadcasting, thereby reducing the perceived separation between service types while maintaining the ability to independently manage each service type's backend operations.
3Extent of automation
If multiple steps are required to select and view VOD, then content selection control is maintained, but the process becomes complex and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential VOD viewing function and presents it through simplified preview channels that can be accessed through basic channel zapping operations. By separating the preview function from the full VOD selection process, the system reduces the number of steps required for initial content discovery and viewing, while still maintaining automated content selection capabilities through the underlying channel management system.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a system and a method of providing a VOD (Video On Demand; below referred to as ‘VOD’) preview channel through channel zapping in a real-time broadcast service. To do this, the present invention includes a VOD preview channel for a VOD service between real-time broadcast channels, and allows a user to view a VOD screen as well as a real-time channel through channel zapping. As a VOD screen, a playing screen for playing a pre-downloaded VOD preview content for the corresponding VOD preview channel is displayed, and the corresponding VOD can be watched through such functions as an initial viewing and a continuous viewing if a viewing on the screen is wanted.