Method and system for providing content

Methods and systems for providing content. A selection of a single virtual channel may be received from the user. Virtual programming data for the single virtual channel may be accessed. The virtual programming data may define content to be provided over the single virtual channel. The content may be provided over the single virtual channel in accordance with the virtual programming data.

FIELD

This application relates to a method and system for data signaling, and more specifically to methods and systems for providing content.

BACKGROUND

Users may select a number of different television channels at various times to view content (e.g., television shows or movies) on a display device. Not all of the content may be available through a real-time broadcast from a content source. Rather, the content may need to be downloaded from a content source prior to viewing. The users may be inconvenienced by selecting different channels and downloading content from a variety of sources when attempting to view content during a viewing session.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In an example embodiment, a content selection may be received from a user from a plurality of content sources. Virtual programming data may be composed for a single virtual channel from the content selection. Content of the content selection may be provided over the single virtual channel in accordance with the virtual programming data.

In an example embodiment, a selection of a single virtual channel may be received from the user. Virtual programming data for the single virtual channel may be accessed. The virtual programming data may define content to be provided over the single virtual channel. The content may be provided over the single virtual channel in accordance with the virtual programming data.

In an example embodiment, a viewing profile may be accessed. Content may be selected for a virtual programming data from available programming data of a plurality of content sources in accordance with the viewing profile. The virtual programming data may be composed for a single virtual channel from the selection of the content in accordance with the viewing profile. The content may be provided over the single channel in accordance with the virtual programming data.

In an example embodiment, available programming data may be received from a number of content sources. Virtual programming data may be composed for a single virtual channel from the available programming data of the plurality of content sources. Virtual channel subscription data may be accessed for the virtual programming data. The virtual channel subscription data may include identification of one or more receiver devices. The virtual programming data may be provided to the one or more receiver devices. The one or more receiver devices may be capable of presenting the content from the plurality of content sources over a single virtual channel in accordance with the virtual programming data.

FIG. 1illustrates an example content system100. The content system100includes a provider102that may provide a video signal having content over a provider network104to a display device106.1and/or to a display device106.2through a receiver device108. The content may include television content, video-on-demand (VOD) content, gaming content, remote desktop protocol content, and/or Internet data content. Other types of content may also be provided.

The video signal may be a sequence of images and one or more associated audio tracks. The video signal may be a high quality video stream (e.g., MPEG-4) that is transcoded for distribution to the display device106.1and/or the receiver device108. The video signal may include standard definition (SD) or high definition (HD) video signals in NTSC (National Television System Committee), PAL (Phase Alternation Line), SECAM (Systeme Electronique Couleur Avec Memoire), sequence of bitmaps or other signal formats that transport a sequence of images. The form of the video signal may be modified to enable implementations of various formats and resolutions. The video signal may provide a variety of content types including, without limitation, television programs, music, movies, and commercials.

The provider102may be a television station, a broadcast network, a server, or the like. The provider102may have available programming data (e.g., one or more available programming lists) of content available from one or more content sources112. The available programming data may define the content available from a particular content source (e.g., a channel of television content).

Available programming data (e.g., an available programming list) may, for example, define start times, end times, content length, and an order of the content to be presented on a broadcast channel. For example, the programming data of a NBC station may include all of the television shows available for one or more days. The available programming data may be used by an electronic program guide (EPG) to present to a user available content on a particular channel.

Other types of programming data may be available from content sources. The other programming data may be organized by categories, authors, creators, keywords, tags, and the like. For example, the content available at a particular website (e.g., Break.com) may be organized into categories including “Animal Videos”, “Animation”, “Auto Videos”, “Celebs”, “Entertainment”, “Funny Videos”, “How-to”, “Illusion”, “Military Videos”, “Movie Trailers”, “News Videos”, “Photos”, “Sports Videos”, “TV Videos”, and “Video Games”.

The provider102may include a distribution subsystem to provide virtual programming data and/or content to the receiver device108and/or the display devices106.1,106.2. The virtual programming data may define content to be provided over a single virtual channel from the content sources112. The virtual programming data may be derived from actual programming data. The virtual programming data may, by way of an example include a content start time, a content end time, a content length, an associated content source, and an order of the content to be presented on a single virtual channel. The virtual programming data may be used by an EPG to present to a user available content on the virtual channel.

The provider network104may be a television distribution network, Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network, an Internet Protocol (IP) network, a Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) network, and/or a Wifi network. Other networks may also be used.

The display device106.1,106.2, may be a television monitor, a mobile telephone, a portable gaming device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a computer monitor, and the like. Other types of display devices may also be used.

A content controller110may be embodied within the display device106.1and/or the receiver device108to enable presentation of content through one or more virtual channels. Examples of the receiver device108include a set-top box (STB), a receiver card, a mobile telephone, a PDA, and a computing system; however other devices may also be used. An example embodiment of the content controller110is described in greater detail below.

The receiver device108and/or the display devices106.1,106.2, may be capable of presenting the content from the content sources112over a virtual channel in accordance with virtual programming data. The content sources112may include a content provider, a remote desktop protocol (RDP) source, an Internet source, and the like.

FIG. 2illustrates an example content controller110that may be deployed in the content system100(seeFIG. 1) and/or another system.

The content controller110may include a content selection receiver module202, a data composition module204, a content providing module206, an electronic program guide (EPG) module208, a request receiver module210, a download determination module212, a portion requestor module214, a portion receiver module216, an encryption module218, a storage module220, a decryption module222, a buffer module224, a channel selection receiver module226, a data access module228, a content receiver module230, a profile access module232, a data selection module234, and/or a profile creation module236. Other modules may also be used.

The content selection receiver module202receives, from a user, a content selection from the content sources112. The content selection may be received from the EPG, remotely received (e.g., from a user interface on a web page), or otherwise received.

The data composition module204composes virtual programming data for a single virtual channel from the content selection. The content providing module206provides content (e.g., one or more portions) of the content of the content selection over the single virtual channel in accordance with the virtual programming data.

The EPG module208presents an EPG to the user and/or adds the single virtual channel to the EPG. The request receiver module210receives a request for the single virtual channel.

The download determination module212determines whether a portion of the content is available for download from a selected content source of the content sources112prior to viewing. The portion requester module214requests the portion of the content based on the determination made by the download determination module212. The portion receiver module216receives the requested portion of the content from the selected content source. The portion may be received in real-time or otherwise received.

The encryption module218encrypts the received portion of the content. The encrypted content portion may include a viewing restriction until a designated time. The designated time may indicate when the content may be viewed. The storage module220stores a content portion (e.g., an encrypted content portion). The decryption module222decrypts the encrypted content portion (e.g., in accordance with the designated time).

The buffer module224buffers a portion of the content received. The channel selection receiver module226receives a selection of a single virtual channel from the user. The data access module228accesses virtual programming data for the single virtual channel. The virtual programming data may define content to be provided over a single virtual channel.

The content receiver module230receives the content from the content sources112over the provider network104. The profile access module232accesses a viewing profile. The data selection module234selects, in accordance with the viewing profile, content for virtual programming data from available programming data of the content sources112. The profile creation module236creates a viewing profile based on tracking of prior content received from the content sources112.

FIG. 3illustrates an example distribution subsystem114that may be deployed in the content system100(seeFIG. 1) and/or another system.

The distribution subsystem114may include an available data receiver module302, a virtual data creator module304, a subscription data access module306, a virtual data providing module308, a request receiver module310, and/or a content provider module312. Other modules may also be used.

The available data receiver module302receives available programming data from the content sources112. The virtual data creator module304composes virtual programming data for a single virtual channel from the available programming data of the content sources112.

The subscription data access module306accesses virtual channel subscription data for the virtual programming data. The virtual channel subscription data may include identification of the one or more receiver devices108and/or the one or more display devices106.1.

The virtual data providing module308provides the virtual programming data to the one or more receiver devices108and/or the one or more display devices106.1in accordance with the virtual channel subscription data.

The request receiver module310receives a request for content from the content sources112in accordance with the virtual programming data. The content provider module312provides the content in response to the request.

FIG. 4illustrates a method400for creating a single virtual channel according to an example embodiment. The method400may be performed by the content controller110of the content system100or otherwise performed.

A single virtual channel may be created to enable viewing of programming from a variety of content sources112without changing a channel selection to receive the content from a difference content source112. For example, one or more users of a single display device106.1,106.2may receive a single virtual channel specifically for that single display device, (e.g., a family-friendly virtual channel may be created for the television in a family room of a house), a single virtual channel may be created for a single user for multiple display devices106.1,106.2(e.g., for a family member for any room in a house), or the single virtual channel may be otherwise created. By way of an example, a first single virtual channel may be created for a main television in a house and a second single virtual channel may be created for the children of the same house.

Content may be presented contiguously on the single virtual channel without requiring a user to change channels to view desired content. The use of the single virtual channel may increase viewership of content, increase a user's satisfaction in receiving content, and/or prevent users from missing content that the user would otherwise watch.

An EPG may be presented to the user at block402. The EPG may include information on scheduled broadcast television programs and may allow a viewer to navigate, select, and discover content by time, title, channel, and/or genre.

A content selection from the content sources112is received from a user at block404. During the operations at block404, the user may designate content to be included in the virtual channel by making the content selection. The content selection may be received from the user on the EPG, through a user interface on a computing system, or otherwise received.

The content selection may be received from the user in a designated order to select the order in which the user wishes to receive the content. The designated order may be based on time, preference, or other criterion.

Virtual programming data is composed for a single virtual channel from the content selection at block406. The virtual programming data may include selected content for a particular user, or a particular receiver device108, and/or a particular display device106.1,106.2. The virtual programming data may define the order that the selected content is to be presented on a single virtual channel from the content sources112.

The single virtual channel may be added to the EPG at block408. Adding the single virtual channel to the EPG may enable a user to easily select the single virtual channel from among other real and virtual channels. The EPG may be represented to the user with the added single virtual channel at block410. A request for the single virtual channel may be received at block412.

The content of the content selection is provided over the single virtual channel in accordance with the virtual programming data at block414. The user may view the content defined on the virtual programming data through the single virtual channel without changing channels on the display devices106.1,106.2and/or the receiver device108. Example embodiments of providing the content over the single virtual channel is described in greater detail below.

FIG. 5illustrates an example user interface500that may be provided on a display of the display device106.1,106.2in the content system100or otherwise provided.

The user interface500may be provided to a user when attempting to select a content source for a virtual channel. A page identifier502may indicate to the user that a number of content sources506.1-506.nare available for selection for a timeslot502. The user may select one of the content sources506.1-506.nor may make a go back selection508to return to a previous user interface.

FIG. 6illustrates an example user interface500that may be provided on a display of the display device106.1,106.2in the content system100or otherwise provided.

The user interface600may be provided to a user when attempting to add a virtual channel to an EPG. A page identifier602may indicate to the user that a number of available channel numbers606.1-606.nare available for selection to a virtual channel list. The user may select one of the channel numbers606.1-606.nor my make a go back selection608to return to a previous user interface.

FIG. 7illustrates a method700for providing content over a single virtual channel according to an example embodiment. The method700may be performed at block414(seeFIG. 4) or otherwise performed.

Content of a content selection is received from the content sources112over the provider network104(e.g., an Internet Protocol (IP) network) at block702. The content of the content selection is provided over the single virtual channel in accordance with the virtual programming data at block704.

FIG. 8illustrates a method800for providing content over a single virtual channel according to an example embodiment. The method800may be performed at block414(seeFIG. 4) or otherwise performed.

At block802, a determination is made of whether a portion of the content is available for download from a selected content source of the content sources112prior to viewing. The determination may be made when content is known to be available from a particular content source, if an inquiry to a content source reveals that content is available, or may be otherwise made. The portion of the content is requested based on the results of the determination at block804. The requested portion of the content is received from the selected content source at block806. The received portion of the content is provided over the single virtual channel in accordance with the virtual programming data at block808.

FIG. 9illustrates a method900for providing content over a single virtual channel according to an example embodiment. The method900may be performed at block414(seeFIG. 4) or otherwise performed.

A received portion of the content is encrypted at block902. The encrypted content portion may include a viewing restriction until a designated time. The encrypted content portion is stored at block904. At block906, the encrypted content portion is decrypted in accordance with the designated time. The decrypted content portion is provided over the single virtual channel in accordance with the virtual programming data at block908.

In an example embodiment, the method900may enable content to be provided to the display device106.1and/or the receiver device108prior to broadcast start time. Providing content in advance of broadcast start time may reduce network congestion during peak periods.

FIG. 10illustrates a method1000for providing content over a single virtual channel according to an example embodiment. The method1000may be performed at block414(seeFIG. 4) or otherwise performed.

At block1002, a determination of whether a portion of the content is available for download from a selected content source of the content sources112is made. Based on the determination, the portion of content is requested at block1004.

The requested portion of the content is received from the selected content source at block1006. The requested portion of the content may be an encrypted content portion including a viewing restriction until a designated time.

The encrypted content portion is decrypted in accordance with the designated time at block1008. At block1010, the decrypted content portion is provided over the single virtual channel in accordance with the virtual programming data.

FIG. 11illustrates a method1100for providing content over a single virtual channel according to an example embodiment. The method1100may be performed at block414(seeFIG. 4) or otherwise performed.

At block1102, a portion of the content is received from the content sources112. The portion of the content is stored at block1104. The stored portion of the content is provided over the single virtual channel in accordance with the virtual programming data at block1106.

In an example embodiment, the method1100may enable content to be provided to the display device106.1and/or the receiver device108prior to broadcast start time. Providing content in advance of broadcast start time may reduce network congestion during peak periods.

FIG. 12illustrates a method1200for providing content over a single virtual channel according to an example embodiment. The method1200may be performed at block414(seeFIG. 4) or otherwise performed.

A partial or entire portion of the content is received in real-time from the content sources112at block1202. At block1204, the portion of the content received in-real time may be buffered. For example, the content may be buffered in a digital video record (DVR) associated with the display device106.1. and/or the receiver device108.

The received portion (e.g., the buffered portion) of the content is provided over the single virtual channel in accordance with the virtual programming data at block1206.

FIG. 13illustrates a method1300for utilizing a virtual channel according to an example embodiment. The method1200may be performed by the content controller110in the content system100and/or in another system.

A selection of a single virtual channel is received from the user (e.g., through the remote control) at block1302. The selection may be received on an EPG, from a user interface (e.g., on a web page) or otherwise received.

In an example embodiment, the virtual programming data for the single virtual channel may be received from the provider102and/or accessed from the display device106.1and/or the receiver device108prior to the selection of a single virtual channel from the user.

The virtual programming data is accessed for the single virtual channel at block1304. The virtual programming data may define the content to be provided over the single virtual channel. The virtual programming data for the single virtual channel may be received from the provider102and/or the virtual programming data may be accessed from storage on the display device106.1and/or the receiver device108.

The content or a portion thereof may be received over the provider network in accordance with the virtual programming data at block1306. The content is provided over the single virtual channel in accordance with the virtual programming data at block1308.

FIG. 14illustrates a method1400for utilizing a virtual channel according to an example embodiment. The method1400may be performed by the content controller110in the content system100and/or in another system.

A viewing profile is accessed at block1402. The viewing profile may include identification of programs set to record, programs set for download, previously recorded programs, stored programs, and/or favorite channels. Identification of other program designations may also be used.

The viewing profile, by way of example, may be created prior to access based on tracking of prior content received from the plurality of content sources. The viewing profile may, in an example embodiment be created by accessing a record of favorite programming content and creating the viewing profile based on the record of favorite programming content.

Content is selected for virtual programming in accordance with the viewing profile from available programming of the one or more content sources112at block1404.

The content may be selected by accessing a content selection criterion and selecting content from the content sources112in accordance with the viewing profile and the content selection criterion. The content selection criterion may include, by way of example, a rating of the content, a person involved with the content, and/or an originator of the content. Other content selection criterion may also be used.

At block1406, the virtual programming data is automatically composed for a single virtual channel from the selection of the content in accordance with the viewing profile. The content may be received from the content sources112over the provider network104(e.g., an IP network) at block1408. The content is provided over the single channel in accordance with the selected virtual programming at block1410.

FIG. 15illustrates a method1500for data distribution according to an example embodiment. The method1500may be performed by the distribution subsystem114in the content system100and/or in another system.

Available programming data may be received from one or more of the content sources112at block1502. At block1504, virtual programming data may be composed for a single virtual channel from the available programming data of the content sources112.

Virtual channel subscription data may be accessed for the virtual programming data at block1506. The virtual channel subscription data may including identification of one or more receiver devices108and/or display devices106.1.

At block1508, the virtual programming data may be provided to the one or more receiver devices108and/or display devices106.1identified on the virtual channel subscription data.

A request for content from the content sources112in accordance with the virtual programming data may be received at block1510. The content may be provided in response to the request at block1512.

FIG. 16illustrates an example embodiment of an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) system1600in which the content system100may be deployed. However, the content systems100may be deployed in other types of IPTV and non-IPTV video systems.

The system1600as illustrated may include a client facing tier1602, an application tier1604, an acquisition tier1606, and an operations and management tier1608. Each tier1602,1604,1606,1608is coupled to a private network1610; to a public network1612, such as the Internet; or to both the private network1610and the public network1612. For example, the client-facing tier1602may be coupled to the private network1610. Further, the application tier1604may be coupled to the private network1610and to the public network1612. The acquisition tier1606may also be coupled to the private network1610and to the public network1612. Additionally, the operations and management tier1608may be coupled to the public network1612.

As illustrated inFIG. 16, the various tiers1602,1604,1606,1608communicate with each other via the private network1610and the public network1612. For instance, the client-facing tier1602may communicate with the application tier1604and the acquisition tier1606via the private network1610. The application tier1604may also communicate with the acquisition tier1606via the private network1610. Further, the application tier1604may communicate with the acquisition tier1606and the operations and management tier1608via the public network1612. Moreover, the acquisition tier1606may communicate with the operations and management tier1608via the public network1612. In a particular embodiment, elements of the application tier1604, including, but not limited to, a client gateway1650, may communicate directly with the client-facing tier1602.

As illustrated inFIG. 16, the client-facing tier1602may communicate with user equipment via a private access network1666(e.g., the provider network104ofFIG. 1), such as an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) access network. In an illustrative embodiment, modems, such as a first modem1614and a second modem1622may be coupled to the private access network1666. The client-facing tier1602may communicate with a first representative set-top box device1616via the first modem1614and with a second representative set-top box device1624via the second modem1622. The client-facing tier1602may communicate with a large number of set-top boxes, such as the representative set-top boxes1616,1624, (e.g., the receiver device108ofFIG. 1) over a wide geographic area, such as a regional area, a metropolitan area, a viewing area, a designated market area or any other suitable geographic area, market area, or subscriber or customer group that may be supported by networking the client-facing tier1602to numerous set-top box devices. In an illustrative embodiment, the client-facing tier, or any portion thereof, may be included at a video head-end office.

In a particular embodiment, the client-facing tier1602may be coupled to the modems1614,1622via fiber optic cables. Alternatively, the modems1614and1622may be digital subscriber line (DSL) modems that are coupled to one or more network nodes via twisted pairs, and the client-facing tier1602may be coupled to the network nodes via fiber-optic cables. Each set-top box device1616,1624may process data received via the private access network1666, via an IPTV software platform, such as Microsoft® TV IPTV Edition. In another embodiment, representative set-top boxes1616,1624may receive data from private access network1666through RF and other cable and/or satellite based networks.

Additionally, the first set-top box device1616may be coupled to a first external display device, such as a first television monitor1618, and the second set-top box device1624may be coupled to a second external display device, such as a second television monitor1626(e.g., the display device106.1,106.2, ofFIG. 1). Moreover, the first set-top box device1616may communicate with a first remote control1620, and the second set-top box device may communicate with a second remote control1628.

In an example, non-limiting embodiment, each set-top box device1616,1624may receive video content, which may include video and audio portions, from the client-facing tier1602via the private access network1666. The set-top boxes1616,1624may transmit the video content to an external display device, such as the television monitors1618,1626. Further, the set-top box devices1616,1624may each include a STB processor, such as STB processor1670, and a STB memory device, such as STB memory1672, which is accessible to the STB processor1670. In one embodiment, a computer program, such as the STB computer program1674, may be embedded within the STB memory device1672. Each set-top box device1616,1624may also include a video content storage module, such as a digital video recorder (DVR)1676. In a particular embodiment, the set-top box devices1616,1624may communicate commands received from the remote control devices1620,1628to the client-facing tier1602via the private access network1666.

In an illustrative embodiment, the client-facing tier1602may include a client-facing tier (CFT) switch1630that manages communication between the client-facing tier1602and the private access network1666and between the client-facing tier1602and the private network1610. As shown, the CFT switch1630is coupled to one or more image and data servers1632that store still images associated with programs of various IPTV channels. The image and data servers1632may also store data related to various channels, e.g., types of data related to the channels and to programs or video content displayed via the channels. In an illustrative embodiment, the image and data servers1632may be a cluster of servers, each of which may store still images, channel and program-related data, or any combination thereof. The CFT switch1630may also be coupled to a terminal server1634that provides terminal devices with a connection point to the private network1610. In a particular embodiment, the CFT switch1630may also be coupled to one or more video-on-demand (VOD) servers1636that store or provide VOD content imported by the IPTV system1600. In an illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, the VOD content servers1680may include one or more unicast servers.

The client-facing tier1602may also include one or more video content servers1680that transmit video content requested by viewers via their set-top boxes1616,1624. In an illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, the video content servers1680may include one or more multicast servers.

As illustrated inFIG. 16, the application tier1604may communicate with both the private network1610and the public network1612. The application tier1604may include a first application tier (APP) switch1638and a second APP switch1640. In a particular embodiment, the first APP switch1638may be coupled to the second APP switch1640. The first APP switch1638may be coupled to an application server1642and to an OSS/BSS gateway1644. In a particular embodiment, the application server1642may provide applications to the set-top box devices1616,1624via the private access network1666, which enable the set-top box devices1616,1624to provide functions, such as display, messaging, processing of IPTV data and VOD material, etc. In a particular embodiment, the OSS/BSS gateway1644includes operation systems and support (OSS) data, as well as billing systems and support (BSS) data. In one embodiment, the OSS/BSS gateway may provide or restrict access to an OSS/BSS server1664that stores operations and billing systems data.

Further, the second APP switch1640may be coupled to a domain controller1646that provides web access, for example, to users via the public network1612. For example, the domain controller1646may provide remote web access to IPTV account information via the public network1612, which users may access using their personal computers1668. The second APP switch1640may be coupled to a subscriber and system store1648that includes account information, such as account information that is associated with users who access the system1600via the private network1610or the public network1612. In a particular embodiment, the application tier1604may also include a client gateway1650that communicates data directly with the client-facing tier1602. In this embodiment, the client gateway1650may be coupled directly to the CFT switch1630. The client gateway1650may provide user access to the private network1610and the tiers coupled thereto.

In a particular embodiment, the set-top box devices1616,1624may access the IPTV system1600via the private access network1666, using information received from the client gateway1650. In this embodiment, the private access network1666may provide security for the private network1610. User devices may access the client gateway1650via the private access network1666, and the client gateway1650may allow such devices to access the private network1610once the devices are authenticated or verified. Similarly, the client gateway1650may prevent unauthorized devices, such as hacker computers or stolen set-top box devices from accessing the private network1610, by denying access to these devices beyond the private access network1666.

For example, when the first representative set-top box device1616accesses the system1600via the private access network1666, the client gateway1650may verify subscriber information by communicating with the subscriber and system store1648via the private network1610, the first APP switch1638, and the second APP switch1640. Further, the client gateway1650may verify billing information and status by communicating with the OSS/BSS gateway1644via the private network1610and the first APP switch1638. In one embodiment, the OSS/BSS gateway1644may transmit a query across the first APP switch1638, to the second APP switch1640, and the second APP switch1640may communicate the query across the public network1612to the OSS/BSS server1664. After the client gateway1650confirms subscriber and/or billing information, the client gateway1650may allow the set-top box device1616access to IPTV content and VOD content. If the client gateway1650is unable to verify subscriber information for the set-top box device1616, e.g., because it is connected to an unauthorized twisted pair, the client gateway1650may block transmissions to and from the set-top box device1616beyond the private access network1666.

As indicated inFIG. 16, the acquisition tier1606includes an acquisition tier (AQT) switch1652that communicates with the private network1610. The AQT switch1652may also communicate with the operations and management tier1608via the public network1612. In a particular embodiment, the AQT switch1652may be coupled to a live acquisition server1654that receives television or movie content, for example, from content sources1656through an encoder1655. In a particular embodiment during operation of the IPTV system, the live acquisition server1654may acquire television or movie content. The live acquisition server1654may transmit the television or movie content to the AQT switch1652and the AQT switch1652may transmit the television or movie content to the CFT switch1630via the private network1610.

Further, the television or movie content may be transmitted to the video content servers1680, where it may be encoded, formatted, stored, or otherwise manipulated and prepared for communication to the set-top box devices1616,1624. The CFT switch1630may communicate the television or movie content to the modems1614,1622via the private access network1666. The set-top box devices1616,1624may receive the television or movie content via the modems1614,1622, and may transmit the television or movie content to the television monitors1618,1626. In an illustrative embodiment, video or audio portions of the television or movie content may be streamed to the set-top box devices1616,1624.

Further, the AQT switch may be coupled to a video-on-demand importer server1658that stores television or movie content received at the acquisition tier1606and communicates the stored content to the VOD server1636at the client-facing tier1602via the private network1610. Additionally, at the acquisition tier1606, the video-on-demand (VOD) importer server1658may receive content from one or more VOD sources outside the IPTV system1600, such as movie studios and programmers of non-live content. The VOD importer server1658may transmit the VOD content to the AQT switch1652, and the AQT switch1652, in turn, may communicate the material to the CFT switch1630via the private network1610. The VOD content may be stored at one or more servers, such as the VOD server1636.

When user issue requests for VOD content via the set-top box devices1616,1624, the requests may be transmitted over the private access network1666to the VOD server1636, via the CFT switch1630. Upon receiving such requests, the VOD server1636may retrieve the requested VOD content and transmit the content to the set-top box devices1616,1624across the private access network1666, via the CFT switch1630. The set-top box devices1616,1624may transmit the VOD content to the television monitors1618,1626. In an illustrative embodiment, video or audio portions of VOD content may be streamed to the set-top box devices1616,1624.

FIG. 16further illustrates that the operations and management tier1608may include an operations and management tier (OMT) switch1660that conducts communication between the operations and management tier1608and the public network1612. In the embodiment illustrated byFIG. 16, the OMT switch1660is coupled to a TV2 server1662. Additionally, the OMT switch1660may be coupled to an OSS/BSS server1664and to a simple network management protocol (SNMP) monitor1678that monitors network devices within or coupled to the IPTV system1600. In a particular embodiment, the OMT switch1660may communicate with the AQT switch1652via the public network1612.

In an illustrative embodiment, the live acquisition server1654may transmit the television or movie content to the AQT switch1652, and the AQT switch1652, in turn, may transmit the television or movie content to the OMT switch1660via the public network1612. In this embodiment, the OMT switch1660may transmit the television or movie content to the TV2 server1662for display to users accessing the user interface at the TV2 server1662. For example, a user may access the TV2 server1662using a personal computer (PC)1668coupled to the public network1612.

FIG. 17shows a diagrammatic representation of machine in the example form of a computer system1700within which a set of instructions may be executed causing the machine to perform any one or more of the methods, processes, operations, or methodologies discussed herein. The provider102, the receiver device108, and/or the display device106.1,106.2(seeFIG. 1) may include the functionality of the computer system1700.

The example computer system1700includes a processor1702(e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) a graphics processing unit (GPU) or both), a main memory1704and a static memory1706, which communicate with each other via a bus1708. The computer system1700may further include a video display unit1710(e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a cathode ray tube (CRT)). The computer system1700also includes an alphanumeric input device1712(e.g., a keyboard), a cursor control device1714(e.g., a mouse), a drive unit1716, a signal generation device1718(e.g., a speaker) and a network interface device1720.

The drive unit1716includes a machine-readable medium1722on which is stored one or more sets of instructions (e.g., software1724) embodying any one or more of the methodologies or functions described herein. The software1724may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory1704and/or within the processor1702during execution thereof by the computer system1700, the main memory1704and the processor1702also constituting machine-readable media.

The software1724may further be transmitted or received over a network1726via the network interface device1720.

Certain systems, apparatus, applications or processes are described herein as including a number of modules or mechanisms. A module or a mechanism may be a unit of distinct functionality that can provide information to, and receive information from, other modules. Accordingly, the described modules may be regarded as being communicatively coupled. Modules may also initiate communication with input or output devices, and can operate on a resource (e.g., a collection of information). The modules be implemented as hardware circuitry, optical components, single or multi-processor circuits, memory circuits, software program modules and objects, firmware, and combinations thereof, as appropriate for particular implementations of various embodiments.