Patent ID: 8499059
Filing Date: 2013-07-30
Classification: H04L,H04N

Abstract:
1. A computer-implemented method comprising: transmitting a request, at a user device, to a content server for an initial content quality type associated with a content stream, the initial content quality type corresponding to an initial speed at which the user device is able to consume the content stream; receiving, at the user device, the content stream with the initial content quality type directly from a content feed, the content stream not being stored at the content server, the content feed being located at a site different from the content server; detecting, at the user device, a low watermark condition as the content stream is played on the user device; discovering, at the user device, an available bandwidth associated with the content feed; transmitting a request, at the user device, to the content server, based on the discovered available bandwidth of the content feed, for a modified content quality type associated with the content stream while receipt of the content stream is in progress; and receiving, at the user device, the content stream with the modified content quality type from the content feed, the modified content quality type corresponding to a different speed at which the user device is able to consume the content stream.