Patent ID: 8584185
Filing Date: 2013-11-12
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. A method for providing video content, the method comprising: receiving, by a transmission network selector comprising a processor, a transmission request from equipment located at a viewer location, wherein a first data coupling is available between the equipment at the viewer location and the transmission network selector through a broadcast network and a second data coupling is available between the equipment at the viewer location and the transmission network selector through a broadband network, wherein the broadcast network and the broadband network are different networks, and wherein the transmission request comprises a request for video content; selecting, by the transmission network selector, one of the first data coupling through the broadcast network or the second data coupling through the broadband network as a selected data coupling for transmission of the video content to the equipment at the viewer location based on characteristics of the video content, wherein each of the first data coupling and the second data couplings is available to transmit the video content to the equipment at the viewer location responsive to the transmission request; transmitting, by the transmission network selector, a notification to the equipment at the viewer location, wherein the notification comprises an identification of the selected data coupling; and after the transmitting of the notification, transmitting, by the transmission network selector, the video content from the transmission network selector to the equipment at the viewer location according to the selected data coupling.