Patent ID: 8699530
Filing Date: 2014-04-15
Classification: H04J,H04N,H04Q

Abstract:
1. A method of operating a content distribution network having a plurality of multiplexing stages, comprising: receiving a plurality of content elements at a first of said plurality of multiplexing stages; generating a multiplex comprising a plurality of content streams associated with said plurality of content elements at said first multiplexing stage; providing said multiplex from said first multiplexing stage to a second multiplexing stage downstream from said first multiplexing stage, said act of providing comprising applying a delay to said multiplex; providing data relating to said multiplex and data relating to said delay from said first multiplexing stage to said second multiplexing stage in advance of said act of providing said multiplex; receiving via information fed-back from said second multiplexing stage, a command to dynamically switch into said multiplex an individual content element, said command being generated based at least in part on a user request for said individual content element and on said data relating to said multiplex; and causing said individual content element to be placed in said multiplex prior to said act of providing said multiplex from said first multiplexing stage to said second multiplexing stage.