Patent ID: 8037506
Filing Date: 2011-10-11
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. A network distribution method of distributing digital video content files from at least first and second movie studios to subscribers, comprising: storing a plurality of digital video content files at first and second movie studios, the digital video content files comprising video entertainment media in the form of movies or television shows created under the control of the respective movie studio; receiving digital video content file requests at the movie studios from subscribers associated with at least one distribution partner connected to the associated subscribers through an access network; transmitting each requested digital video content file from the movie studio which holds the requested digital video content file to the requesting subscriber in a network distribution path comprising at least a first network, the distribution paltrier, and the access network; creating a unique subscriber identification code (ID) for each subscriber associated with the distribution partner at a proxy module located in the distribution path between the distribution partner and each movie studio, the subscriber ID containing no subscriber-identifying private information; associating each subscriber ID with subscriber-identifying private information; creating a subscriber profile package containing subscriber preference data for each subscriber and no subscriber-identifying private information; associating each subscriber ID with the corresponding subscriber profile package; storing the associated subscriber IDs, subscriber-identifying private information and subscriber profile packages at the proxy module; after receipt, of a digital video content file request from a subscriber associated with the distribution partner, transmitting the subscriber profile package of the subscriber requesting the digital video content file along with the subscriber ID associated with each subscriber profile package from the proxy module to the movie studio which holds the requested digital video content file, whereby no subscriber-identifying private information, is transmitted to the movie studio; and storing the subscriber profile packages and the associated subscriber IDs at the movie studio which holds the requested digital video content file; connecting the first and second movie studios through an intermediary modulo which controls communications between the movie studios, the intermediary module having a first communication path to the first movie studio and a second communication path to the second movie studio, and comprising part of the network distribution path from each movie studio to the subscribers; monitoring information received from one of the movie studios at the intermediary module; communicating subscriber profile packages and subscriber IDs between the movie studios via the intermediary module; and blocking communication of sensitive movie-studio related information between the movie studios via the intermediary module, the sensitive movie-related information comprising at least information on movie price and release dates; wherein at least one of the foregoing steps is performed using a processor.