Patent ID: 8214870
Filing Date: 2012-07-03
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. A method of improved channel switching in an Internet Protocol network with a plurality of client nodes within a group, each capable of receiving video sessions over a plurality of channels from at least one video provider system, comprising the steps of: each said client node maintaining a respective channel/ client status register of other nodes wherein said channel/client status register maintaining identities of said other nodes, identities of channels that are being viewed by said other nodes, and topological indications for sad other nodes; a first client node, upon switching to or joining a new channel, identifying at least one second client node in said group associated with said new channel based on a channel/client status register associated with sad at least one second client node; determining a closest client node based on said identified at least one second client node and said topological indications; requesting said determined closest client node to provide a latest received self contained media frame; said first client node decoding and viewing said channel based at least on said received self contained media frame; said first client node further transmitting a channel update message to all other client nodes of said associated topological indication.