Patent ID: 8752099
Filing Date: 2014-06-10
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. A method of providing content via a content distribution network having at least a head-end server for distributing said content and a plurality of customer premises equipment (CPE) for receiving said content, said method comprising: making content available via said head-end server for media purchase only by said plurality of CPE over said network during a first time period, said first time period corresponding to a time period before a commercial release of said content via at least one of a rental and/or retail distribution channel; and making said content available via said head-end server for media purchase and viewing by said plurality of CPE over said network during a second time period, said second period commencing subsequent to a termination of said first period; wherein during said second period said media purchase comprises recording said content onto a storage medium at a user's premises serviced by said content distribution network; wherein said termination of said first time period corresponds to said commercial release of said content via at least one of said rental and/or retail distribution channel, said first and second time periods occurring before a third time period corresponding to an availability of said content via video-on-demand or pay-per-view; and wherein during said third period said content is available for each of: media purchase, viewing, recording, video-on-demand delivery, and pay-per-view delivery.