Will Law

An Internet infrastructure delivery platform (e.g., operated by a service provider) provides an overlay network (a server infrastructure) that is used to facilitate “second screen” end user media experiences. In this approach, first media content, which is typically either live on-demand, is being rendered on a first content device (e.g., a television, Blu-Ray disk or another source). That first media content may be delivered by servers in the overlay network. One or multiple end user second… Mehr anzeigen

An Internet infrastructure delivery platform (e.g., operated by a service provider) provides an overlay network (a server infrastructure) that is used to facilitate “second screen” end user media experiences. In this approach, first media content, which is typically either live on-demand, is being rendered on a first content device (e.g., a television, Blu-Ray disk or another source). That first media content may be delivered by servers in the overlay network. One or multiple end user second content devices are then adapted to be associated with the first content source, preferably, via the overlay network, to facilitate second screen end user experiences (on the second content devices). Weniger anzeigen

A method of delivering a media stream in a network having first and second media servers each capable of delivering segmented media content to a requesting media client. The network provides for HTTP-based delivery of segmented media, and the media client is supported on a client-side device. The method begins by associating the media client with the first media server. As the first server receives from the media client request for media content segments, request times for a given number of the… Mehr anzeigen

A method of delivering a media stream in a network having first and second media servers each capable of delivering segmented media content to a requesting media client. The network provides for HTTP-based delivery of segmented media, and the media client is supported on a client-side device. The method begins by associating the media client with the first media server. As the first server receives from the media client request for media content segments, request times for a given number of the most-recent segments requested are used to generate a prediction, by the first server, of when the media client has transitioned from a start-up or buffering state, to a steady state. In response to a new segment request being received, and upon the first server predicting that the media client has completed a transition to steady state, the new segment request is redirected to the second media server. Weniger anzeigen

A plurality of WiFi-enabled devices that are physically proximate to one another form an ad hoc mesh network, which is associated with an overlay network, such as a content delivery network. A typical WiFi device is a WiFi router that comprises addressable data storage, together with control software operative to configure the device seamlessly into the WiFi mesh network formed by the device and one or more physically- proximate devices. The addressable data storage across multiple such devices… Mehr anzeigen

A plurality of WiFi-enabled devices that are physically proximate to one another form an ad hoc mesh network, which is associated with an overlay network, such as a content delivery network. A typical WiFi device is a WiFi router that comprises addressable data storage, together with control software operative to configure the device seamlessly into the WiFi mesh network formed by the device and one or more physically- proximate devices. The addressable data storage across multiple such devices comprises a distributed or "mesh-assisted" cache that is managed by the overly network. The WiFi mesh network thus provides bandwidth that is leveraged by the overlay network to provide distribution of content, e.g., content that has been off-loaded for delivery (by content providers) to the CDN. Other devices that may be leveraged include set-top boxes and IPTV devices. Weniger anzeigen

Methods and apparatus for preventing unauthorized access to online content, including in particular streaming video and other media, are provided. In various embodiments, techniques are provided to authorize users and to authenticate clients (e.g., client media players) to a content delivery system. The content delivery system may comprise a content delivery network with one or more content or "edge" servers therein. The requesting client is sent a program at the time of content delivery. The… Mehr anzeigen

Methods and apparatus for preventing unauthorized access to online content, including in particular streaming video and other media, are provided. In various embodiments, techniques are provided to authorize users and to authenticate clients (e.g., client media players) to a content delivery system. The content delivery system may comprise a content delivery network with one or more content or "edge" servers therein. The requesting client is sent a program at the time of content delivery. The program may be embedded in the content stream, or sent outside of the stream. The program contains instructions that are executed by the client and cause it to return identifying information to the content delivery system, which can then determine whether the client player is recognized and, if so, authorized to view the content. Unrecognized and/or altered players may be prevented from viewing the content. Weniger anzeigen

A method of delivering a live stream is implemented within a content delivery network (CDN) and includes the high level functions of recording the stream using a recording tier, and playing the stream using a player tier. The step of recording the stream includes a set of sub-steps that begins when the stream is received at a CDN entry point in a source format. The stream is then converted into an intermediate format (IF), which is an internal format for delivering the stream within the CDN and… Mehr anzeigen

A method of delivering a live stream is implemented within a content delivery network (CDN) and includes the high level functions of recording the stream using a recording tier, and playing the stream using a player tier. The step of recording the stream includes a set of sub-steps that begins when the stream is received at a CDN entry point in a source format. The stream is then converted into an intermediate format (IF), which is an internal format for delivering the stream within the CDN and comprises a stream manifest, a set of one or more fragment indexes (FI), and a set of IF fragments. The player process begins when a requesting client is associated with a CDN HTTP proxy. In response to receipt at the HTTP proxy of a request for the stream or a portion thereof, the HTTP proxy retrieves (either from the archive or the data store) the stream manifest and at least one fragment index. Using the fragment index, the IF fragments are retrieved to the HTTP proxy, converted to a target format, and then served in response to the client request. The source format may be the same or different from the target format. Preferably, all fragments are accessed, cached and served by the HTTP proxy via HTTP. In another embodiment, a method of delivering a stream on-demand (VOD) uses a translation tier (in lieu of the recording tier) to manage the creation and/or handling of the IF components. Weniger anzeigen

Methods and apparatus for preventing unauthorized access to online content, including in particular streaming video and other media, are provided. In various embodiments, techniques are provided to authorize users and to authenticate clients (e.g., client media players) to a content delivery system. The content delivery system may comprise a content delivery network with one or more content or “edge” servers therein. The requesting client is sent a program at the time of content delivery. The… Mehr anzeigen

Methods and apparatus for preventing unauthorized access to online content, including in particular streaming video and other media, are provided. In various embodiments, techniques are provided to authorize users and to authenticate clients (e.g., client media players) to a content delivery system. The content delivery system may comprise a content delivery network with one or more content or “edge” servers therein. The requesting client is sent a program at the time of content delivery. The program may be embedded in the content stream, or sent outside of the stream. The program contains instructions that are executed by the client and cause it to return identifying information to the content delivery system, which can then determine whether the client player is recognized and, if so, authorized to view the content. Unrecognized and/or altered players may be prevented from viewing the content. Weniger anzeigen