PATENT ABSTRACT
A system  100  includes a content management system  221  having a first set of business rules for a first content including a first target and a second set of business rules for a second content including a second target. The system  100  also includes a workflow system  220  in communication with the content management system  221  and receives the first target and the second target. The work flow system obtains first content with a first business rule identification and second content with a second business rule identification. The content management system  221  associates the first content with the first set of business rules and associates the second content with the second set of business rules. A processing system  290, 272  processes the first content to form first processed content in response to the first business rules and processing the second content to form second processed content in response to the second business rules. A content repository  274  stores the first processed content and the second processed content.

PATENT DESCRIPTION
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present disclosure relates to a content processing and delivery system and, more specifically, to a system for processing different types of content for different types of user devices with different delivery networks using different business rules. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art. 
         [0003]    Satellite television has become increasingly popular due to the wide variety of content and the quality of content available. A satellite television system typically includes a set top box that is used to receive the satellite signals and decode the satellite signals for use on a television. The set top box typically has a memory associated therewith. The memory may include a digital video recorder or the like as well as the operating code for the set top box. 
         [0004]    Satellite television systems typically broadcast content to a number of users simultaneously in a system. Satellite television systems also offer subscription or pay-per-view access to broadcast content. Access is provided using signals broadcast over the satellite. Once access is provided the user can access the particular content. The broadcasting of a large selection of channels and pay-per-view programs uses a considerable amount of satellite resources. 
         [0005]    Content providers are increasingly trying to determine additional ways to provide content to users. Some content may be desired by a small number of customers. In such a case using valuable satellite resources at peak viewing times may not be cost effective. Less popular content may be broadcast by satellite at less popular viewing times, or may be available for downloading on demand via a broadband connection. Such content may be received and stored by a digital video recorder for later viewing. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    The present disclosure provides a system that is capable of supporting many types of devices and various types of processing to accommodate the various types of devices. 
         [0007]    In one aspect of the disclosure, a method includes providing a first set of business rules for a first content including a first target, providing a second set of business rules for a second content including a second target, providing the first target and the second target to a work flow system, from a work flow system and obtaining first content and first business rule identification and second content with a second business rule identification. The method further includes associating the first content with the first business rules, associating the second content with the second business rules, processing the first content to form first processed content in response to the first business rules, storing the first processed content in a content repository, processing the second content to form second processed content in response to the second business rules and storing the second processed content in a content repository. 
         [0008]    In a further aspect of the disclosure, a system includes a content management system having a first set of business rules for a first content including a first target and a second set of business rules for a second content including a second target. The system also includes a workflow system in communication with the content management system receiving the first target and the second target. The work flow system obtains first content with a first business rule identification and second content with a second business rule identification. The content management system associates the first content with the first set of business rules and associates the second content with the second set of business rules. A processing system processes the first content to form first processed content in response to the first business rules and processing the second content to form second processed content in response to the second business rules. A content repository stores the first processed content and the second processed content. 
         [0009]    Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
     
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  is a schematic illustration of a communication system according to the disclosure. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2   a  is a detailed block diagrammatic view of the content processing system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 2   b  is a detailed block diagrammatic view of an alternative the content processing system of  FIG. 1  for web based devices. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a detailed block diagrammatic view of the fixed user device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0015]      FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b  are representational views of packets formed according to the present disclosure. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a flowchart illustrating a method for publishing and purging content. 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a state diagram for publishing and purging content. 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a flowchart illustrating a first method for operating the present disclosure. 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a flowchart illustrating a second method for operating the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0020]    The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. For purposes of clarity, the same reference numbers will be used in the drawings to identify similar elements. As used herein, the term module refers to an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) and memory that execute one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and/or other suitable components that provide the described functionality. As used herein, the phrase at least one of A, B, and C should be construed to mean a logical (A or B or C), using a non-exclusive logical OR. It should be understood that steps within a method may be executed in different order without altering the principles of the present disclosure. 
         [0021]    The following system is described with respect to a satellite system and a broadband system. The broadband distribution system may be implemented in a cable or telephone-type system. An optical fiber may also be used in the broadband system. Wireless distribution may also be used in the broadband distribution system. 
         [0022]    While the following disclosure is made with respect to example DIRECTV® broadcast services and systems, it should be understood that many other delivery systems are readily applicable to disclosed systems and methods. Such systems include other wireless distribution systems, wired or cable distribution systems, cable television distribution systems, Ultra High Frequency (UHF)/Very High Frequency (VHF) radio frequency systems or other terrestrial broadcast systems (e.g., Multi-channel Multi-point Distribution System (MMDS), Local Multi-point Distribution System (LMDS), etc.), Internet-based distribution systems, cellular distribution systems, power-line broadcast systems, any point-to-point and/or multicast Internet Protocol (IP) delivery network, and fiber optic networks. Further, the different functions collectively allocated among a head end (HE), integrated receiver/decoders (IRDs) and a content delivery network (CDN) as described below can be reallocated as desired without departing from the intended scope of the present patent. 
         [0023]    Further, while the following disclosure is made with respect to the delivery of video (e.g., television (TV), movies, music videos, etc.), it should be understood that the systems and methods disclosed herein could also be used for delivery of any media content type, for example, audio, music, data files, web pages, etc. Additionally, throughout this disclosure reference is made to data, information, programs, movies, assets, video data, etc., however, it will be readily apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art that these terms are substantially equivalent in reference to the example systems and/or methods disclosed herein. As used herein, the term title will be used to refer to, for example, a movie itself and not the name of the movie. 
         [0024]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a communication system  100  includes a content processing system  102  that is used as a processing and transmission source, a plurality of content providers, one of which is shown at reference numeral  104  and a first satellite  106 . A second satellite  108  may also be incorporated into the system. The satellites  106 ,  108  may be used to communicate different types of information or different portions of various contents from the content processing system  102 . The system  100  also includes a plurality of fixed user devices  110  such as integrated receiver/decoders (IRDs). Wireless communications are exchanged between the content processing system  102  and the fixed user devices  110  through one or more of the satellites  106 ,  108 . The wireless communications may take place at any suitable frequency, such as, for example, Ka band and/or Ku-band frequencies. 
         [0025]    A mobile user device  112  may also be incorporated into the system. The mobile user device  112  may include, but is not limited to, a cell phone  114 , a personal digital assistant  116 , a portable media player  118 , a laptop computer  120 , or a vehicle-based device  122 . It should be noted that several mobile devices  112  and several fixed user devices  110  may be used in the communication system  100 . The mobile devices  112  may each have a separate antenna generally represented by antenna  124 . The mobile devices may be web-based devices using WiFi, WiMax, cellular broadband or wireless broadband systems. 
         [0026]    In addition to communication via the satellites  106 ,  108 , various types of information such as security information, encryption-decryption information, content, or content portions may be communicated terrestrially. Various communication means such as a communication network  132  include, but are not limited to, the public switched telephone network (PSTN), a terrestrial wireless system, a broadband system, stratospheric platform, an optical fiber, or the like may be used to terrestrially communicate with the fixed user device  110  or the mobile user device  112 . To illustrate the terrestrial wireless capability an antenna  134  is illustrated for wireless terrestrial communication to the mobile user device  112 . 
         [0027]    Information or content provided to content processing system  102  from the media source  104  may be transmitted, for example, via an uplink antenna  138  to the satellite(s)  106 , 108 , one or more of which may be a geosynchronous or geo-stationary satellite, that, in turn, rebroadcast the information over broad geographical areas on the earth that include the user devices  110 ,  112 . The satellites may have inter-satellite links  107  that allow the satellites to communicate signals therebetween. Among other things, the example content processing system  102  of  FIG. 1  provides program material or content to the user devices  110 ,  112  and coordinates with the user devices  110 ,  112  to offer subscribers pay-per-view (PPV) program services and broadband services, including billing and associated decryption of video programs. Non-PPV (e.g. free or subscription) programming may also be received. To receive the information rebroadcast by satellites  106 ,  108 , each for user device  110  is communicatively coupled to a receiver or downlink antenna  140 . 
         [0028]    Lists of available content may also be communicated by way of the communication network  132  or the satellites  106 ,  108 . The lists may also be made available at a web server. The lists and content may be communicated separately through different means or through the same means. 
         [0029]    Security of assets broadcast via the satellites  106 ,  108  may be established by applying encryption and decryption to assets or content during content processing and/or during broadcast (i.e., broadcast encryption). For example, an asset can be encrypted based upon a control word (CW) known to the content processing system  102  and known to the user devices  110 ,  112  authorized to view and/or playback the asset. In the illustrated example communication system  100 , for each asset the content processing system  102  generates a control word packet (CWP) that includes, among other things, a time stamp, authorization requirements and an input value and then determines the control word (CW) for the asset by computing a cryptographic hash of the contents of the CWP. The CWP is also broadcast to the user devices  110 ,  112  via the satellites  106 ,  108 . The user devices authorized to view and/or playback the broadcast encrypted asset will be able to correctly determine the CW by computing a cryptographic hash of the contents of the received CWP. If the user device  110  is not authorized, the IRD  110  will not be able to determine the correct CW that enables decryption of the received broadcast encrypted asset. The CW may be changed periodically (e.g., every 30 seconds) by generating and broadcasting a new CWP. In an example, a new CWP is generated by updating the timestamp included in each CWP. Alternatively, a CWP could directly convey a CW either in encrypted or unencrypted form. Other examples of coordinated encryption and decryption abound, including for example, public/private key encryption and decryption. 
         [0030]    Referring now to  FIG. 2   a , the content processing system  102  of  FIG. 1  is illustrated in further detail. The content provider  104  may include various types of content providers, including those that provide content by way of a satellite  200 , DVD  202 , via a network as a file in  204 , by way of tapes and other means. The content provider  104  may also provide a content description and other metadata  208  to the system. An input server  212  may receive the various content and associated metadata and convert the format in a format conversion system  214 . A house format asset storage server  216  may be used to store the content asset in a house format. Still image files, trailers, and other information may also be stored in the house format asset storage server. A workflow management system  220  is used to control the format conversion system  214  and the server  212 . Also, the workflow management system  220  is coupled to the house format asset storage server  216  and performs ingest control. The house format asset storage server  216  provides still images to a content management system  221  and house format file, video and audio files to the video transport processing system  223 . 
         [0031]    The VTPS  223  may encode the packets containing the content. The encoder may encode the data into various transport formats such as DIRECTV® proprietary formats, or industry standard formats. The encoded data is then packetized into a stream of data packets by a packetizer  270  that also attaches a header to each data packet to facilitate identification of the contents of the data packet such as, for example, a sequence number that identifies each data packet&#39;s location within the stream of data packets (i.e., a bitstream). The header also includes a program identifier (PID) (e.g., a service channel identifier (SCID)) that identifies the program to which the data packet belongs. 
         [0032]    The stream of data packets (i.e., a bitstream) is then broadcast encrypted by, for example, the well-known Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) or the well-known Data Encryption Standard (DES). In an example, only the payload portion of the data packets are encrypted thereby allowing a user device  110  to filter, route and/or sort received broadcast encrypted data packets without having to first decrypt the encrypted data packets. 
         [0033]    The content management system  221  generally controls the overall movement and distribution of contents through the content processing system  102 . 
         [0034]    A licensing and contract information  222  and ads from ad sales  224  may be provided to the content management system  221 . That is, licensing information, tier assignments, pricing and availability may be provided to the content management system. Asset information, file names and durations may be exchanged between the content management system  221  and the workflow management system  220 . The asset information, such as file names and durations, may be determined at the server  212  that is coupled to the workflow management system  220 . 
         [0035]    The Content Management System (CMS)  221  in combination with the SPS ( 230 ) is used to provide the requested channel, program associated data (PAD), channel information and program information packets (PIPs). The CMS  221  may schedule content processing for a plurality of received assets based on a desired program lineup to be offered by the communication system  100 . For example, a live TV program for which a high demand for reruns might be expected could be assigned a high priority for content processing. 
         [0036]    A schedule PAD server (SPS)  230  may be coupled to the CMS and is used to generate a broadband video PAD that is communicated to a conditional access system for broadband video  232 . The conditional access system for broadband video  232  may be used to generate control words and control word packet in pairs and provide those to the video transport processing system  223 . 
         [0037]    In the illustrated example of  FIG. 2   a , users of the user devices  110  (of  FIG. 1 ) are charged for subscription services and/or asset downloads (e.g., PPV TV) and, thus, the content processing system  102  includes a billing system  234  to track and/or bill subscribers for services provided by the system  100 . For example, the billing system  234  records that a user has been authorized to download a movie and once the movie has been successfully downloaded the user is billed for the movie. Alternatively, the user may not be billed unless the movie has been viewed. 
         [0038]    A billing system  234  receives pricing and availability information from the content management system  221 . A conditional access system  236  receives callback information from the communication network  132 . The conditional access system may be used to generate authorizations, pay-per-view billing data, and callback data from the billing system  234 . Remote record requests may also be provided from the conditional access transaction system  238 . A conditional access system BCC  240  may be used to generate a conditional access packet from the information from the conditional access system  236 . 
         [0039]    The billing system  234  may generate purchase data that is provided to the enterprise integration (EI) block  242 . The enterprise integration block  242  may generate remote record requests to the conditional access transaction system  238 . Remote record requests may be generated through a web interface such as DIRECTV.com® in block  244 . Various ordering information, such as ordering broadband video, pay-per-view, and various services may be received at the web interface  244 . Various trailers may also be accessed by the users through the web interface  244  provided from the house format asset storage server  216 . Enterprise integration block  242  may also receive guide information and metadata from the content management system  221 . 
         [0040]    Titles, description and various categories from the content management system  221  may be provided to the advanced program guide system  248 . The program guide system  248  may be coupled to a satellite broadcasting system such as a broadcast transport processing system  250  that broadcasts content to the users through the satellite  106 ,  108 . 
         [0041]    The program guide data generated by the program guide system  248  may include information that is used to generate a display of guide information to the user, wherein the program guide may be a grid guide and informs the user of particular programs that are broadcast on, particular channels at particular times. The program guide may be a list of content available through a communication means. A program guide may also include information that a user device uses to assemble programming for display to a user. For example, the program guide may be used to tune to a channel on which a particular program is offered. The program guide may also contain information for tuning, demodulating, demultiplexing, decrypting, depacketizing, or decoding selected programs. 
         [0042]    Content files may also be provided from the content management system  221  to the content distribution system  260 . 
         [0043]    Referring back to the video transport processing system  223 , the video transport processing system  223  includes a transport packaging system  270 . The transport processing system  270  creates pre-packetized unencrypted files. An encryption module  272  receives the output of the transport processing system and encrypts the packets. Fully packaged and encrypted files may also be stored in the content repository  274 . Encryption may take place in the data portion of a packet and not the header portion. 
         [0044]    One or more content delivery networks  280  may be used to provide content files such as encrypted or unencrypted and packetized files to the communication network  132  for distribution to the user devices  110 ,  112 . The content distribution system  260  may make requests for delivery of the various content files and assets through the communication network  132 . The content distribution system  260  also generates satellite requests and broadcasts various content and assets through the broadcast transport processing system  250 . Some content delivery networks may be dedicated to a certain type of service or communication means. As will be described in  FIG. 2   b , one content delivery network may be dedicated to web service. Others may be dedicated to mobile phone service. Still others may be dedicated to other types of communication. 
         [0045]    The communication network  132  may be a web-based system such as the Internet  122  which is a multiple-point-to-multiple-point communication network. However, persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that point-to-point communications may also be provided through the communication network  132 . For example, downloads of a particular content file from a content delivery network may be communicated to a particular user device. Such file transfers and/or file transfer protocols are widely recognized as point-to-point communications or point-to-point communication signals and/or create point-to-point communication paths, even if transported via a multi-point-to-multi-point communication network such as the Internet. It will be further recognized that the communication network  132  may be used to implement any variety of broadcast system where a broadcast transmitter may transmit any variety of data or data packets to any number of or a variety of clients or receivers simultaneously. Moreover, the communication network  132  may be used to simultaneously provide broadcast and point-to-point communications and/or point-to-point communication signals from a number of broadcast transmitters or content delivery networks  280 . 
         [0046]    The content delivery network  280  may be implemented using a variety of techniques or devices. For instance, a plurality of Linux-based servers with fiber optic connections may be used. Each of the content delivery networks  280  may include servers that are connected to the Internet or the communication network  132 . This allows the user devices to download information or content (example, a movie) from the content delivery network  280 . The content delivery network  280  may act as a cache for the information provided from the content repository  274 . A particular user device may be directed to a particular content delivery network  280  depending on the specific content to be retrieved. An Internet uniform resource locator (URL) may be assigned to a movie or other content. Further, should one of the delivery networks  280  have heavy traffic, the content delivery network may be changed to provide faster service. In the interest of clarity and ease of understanding, throughout this disclosure reference will be made to delivering, downloading, transferring and/or receiving information, video, data, etc. by way of the content delivery network  280 . However, persons of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that information is actually delivered, downloaded, transferred, or received by one of the Internet-based servers in or associated with the content delivery network  280 . 
         [0047]    It should be appreciated that the content delivery network  280  may be operated by an external vendor. That is, the operator of the content delivery network  280  may not be the same as the operator of the remaining portions of the content processing system  102 . To download files from the content delivery network  280 , user devices  110 ,  112  may implement an Internet protocol stack with a defined application layer and possibly a download application provided by a content delivery network provider. In the illustrated example, file transfers are implemented using standard Internet protocols (file transfer protocol FTP), hyper text transfer protocol (HTTP), etc. Each file received by the user device may be checked for completeness and integrity and if a file is not intact, missing, and/or damaged portions of the files may be delivered or downloaded again. Alternatively, the entire file may be purged from the IRD and delivered or downloaded again. 
         [0048]    The broadcast transport processing system  250  may provide various functions, including packetizing, multiplexing and modulating, and uplink frequency conversion. RF amplification may also be provided in the broadcast transport processing system  250 . 
         [0049]    Wireless delivery via the satellites  106 ,  108  may simultaneously include both files (e.g., movies, pre-recorded TV shows, games, software updates, asset files, etc.) and/or live content, data, programs and/or information. Wireless delivery via the satellites  106 ,  108  offers the opportunity to deliver, for example, a number of titles (e.g., movies, pre-recorded TV shows, etc.) to virtually any number of customers with a single broadcast. However, because of the limited channel capacity of the satellites  106 ,  108 , the number of titles (i.e., assets) that can be provided during a particular time period is restricted. 
         [0050]    In contrast, Internet-based delivery via the CDN  280  can support a large number of titles, each of which may have a narrower target audience. Further, Internet-based delivery is point-to-point (e.g., from an Internet-based content server to a user device  110 ,  112 ) thereby allowing each user of the user device  110 ,  112  to individually select titles. Allocation of a title to satellite and/or Internet-based delivery or content depends upon a target audience size and may be adjusted over time. For instance, a title having high demand (i.e., large initial audience) may initially be broadcast via the satellites  106 ,  108 , then, over time, the title may be made available for download via the CDN  280  when the size of the target audience or the demand for the title is smaller. A title may simultaneously be broadcast via the satellites  106 ,  108  and be made available for download from the CDN  280  via the communication network  132 . 
         [0051]    In the example communication system  100 , each asset (e.g., program, title, content, game, TV program, etc.) is pre-packetized and, optionally, pre-encrypted and then stored as a data file (i.e., an asset file). Subsequently, the asset file may be broadcast via the satellites  106 ,  108  and/or sent to the CDN  280  for download via the CDN  280  (i.e., Internet-based delivery). In particular, if the data file is broadcast via the satellites  106 ,  108 , the data file forms at least one payload of a resultant satellite signal. Likewise, if the data file is available for download via the CDN  280 , the data file forms at least one payload of a resultant Internet signal. 
         [0052]    It will be readily apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art that even though at least one payload of a resultant signal includes the data file regardless of broadcast technique (e.g., satellite or Internet), how the file is physically transmitted may differ. In particular, transmission of data via a transmission medium (e.g., satellite, Internet, etc.) comprises operations that are: (a) transmission medium independent and b) transmission medium dependent. For example, transmission protocols (e.g., transmission control protocol/Internet protocol (TCP/IP), user datagram protocol (UDP), encapsulation, etc.) and/or modulation techniques (e.g., quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM), forward error correction (FEC), etc.) used to transmit a file via Internet signals (e.g., over the Internet  122 ) may differ from those used via satellite (e.g., the satellites  106 ,  108 ). In other words, transmission protocols and/or modulation techniques are specific to physical communication paths, that is, they are dependent upon the physical media and/or transmission medium used to communicate the data. However, the content (e.g., a file representing a title) transported by any given transmission protocol and/or modulation is agnostic of the transmission protocol and/or modulation, that is, the content is transmission medium independent. 
         [0053]    The same pre-packetized and, optionally, pre-encrypted, content data file that is broadcast via satellite may be available for download via Internet, and how the asset is stored, decoded and/or played back by the user devices  110  is independent of whether the program was received by the user devices  110  via satellite or Internet. Further, because the example content processing system  102  of  FIG. 1  broadcasts a live program and a non-live program (e.g., a movie) by applying the same encoding, packetization, encryption, etc., how a program (live or non-live) is stored, decoded and/or played back by the user devices  110  is also independent of whether the program is live or not. Thus, user devices  110 ,  112  may handle the processing of content, programs and/or titles independent of the source(s) and/or type(s) of the content, programs and/or titles. In particular, example delivery configurations and signal processing for the example content delivery system of  FIG. 2   a  are discussed in detail below. 
         [0054]    Referring now to  FIG. 2   b , an alternative content processing system  102 ′ suitable for web-based systems is illustrated. The system in  FIG. 2   b  may also be used together with that of  FIG. 2   a  so that different methods for distribution can take place. The content processing system  102 ′ shares many components with those of the content processing system  102 . Therefore, the detail associated with these elements will not be described again. The same reference numerals are used to describe the same elements. This embodiment is different from the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2   a  in that the content processing system  102 ′ is used for web-based devices. Various devices may be web-based devices and include those illustrated in  FIG. 1  as reference numerals  114 - 122 . The web-based devices may be WiMax, WiFi, or otherwise wireless broadband-capable. Various types of content are provided by the content provider  104 , are provided to the workflow system  220  in a similar manner to that illustrated in  FIG. 2 . In this embodiment, various license information, tier assignments and pricing availability are provided to the content management system  221  from the licensing/contracts  222  and ad sales  224 . Various types of information that are entered into the content management system  221  may be referred to as business rules. The various business rules may be added manually or may be added automatically based upon various contracts with various contract dividers. The business rules may also include the pricing, the availability, and the type of target such as a set top box, a mobile device or a web device. Also, the availability, such as timing of the content, may be provided. The content management system  221  provides encoding commands such as the various types of targets, material identifications, and the like. The workflow management system  220  provides the content management system  221  collects various asset metadata including the file name, duration of the file, and the like. 
         [0055]    The content management system  221  links the business rules with the content. 
         [0056]    The content management system  221  provides the enterprise integration module  242  with billing data such as various pay-per-view numbers, publishing dates, and prices. This information may be provided to an on-demand web services  282 . 
         [0057]    The content management system  221  may also provide a content list or inventory to a web portal  284 . Account information may be provided to the web portal  284  from the enterprise integration module  242 . Inventory metadata may be provided from the web portal to the on-demand web service  282 . A digital rights management (DRM) license server  286  may be used to provide content license information to the web portal  284 . The web portal  284  may be used to provide inventory metadata to the DRM license server  286 . 
         [0058]    A digital rights management server  288  may receive content licenses from the digital rights management license server  286 . The content management system  221  may provide digital rights management parameters to a digital rights management packager  290 . The digital rights management packager  290  may provide an encrypted content file to the content repository  274  for storage therein. The content repository  274  may also receive encoded content files and posters from the workflow management system  220 . The file posters and other information may be associated with the various content files when stored within the content repository  274 . It should be noted that the content files may be encrypted or non-encrypted and may also have the digital rights associated therewith. One suitable example for providing digital rights is using a Windows Media® management-type system. 
         [0059]    The content management system  221  provides a distribute command to the content distribution system  260 . The file location, publication dates, expiration dates, purge dates, and the like may be provided to the content distribution system. The content distribution system communicates upload commands to the content delivery network  280 . In this embodiment, the content delivery network  280  may be a web-based network. As will be evident to those skilled in the art, various types of content delivery networks may be used for various types of content. In one aspect of the disclosure, one content delivery network may be provided for each different type of user device. For example, for distributing video to a cellular phone, a cellular phone content delivery network may be used. For a set top box, a set top box content delivery network may be used. Different rights and different encoding schemes may be used for the corresponding different user devices. 
         [0060]    The content delivery network  280  provides content to the user devices  110  or  112 . The user devices may generate download commands by communicating with the web service  282 . The web service  282  may communicate inventory metadata account information that is requested. For example, a content list of available content may be provided to the user devices  110 / 112 . 
         [0061]    The digital rights management server  288  may provide licenses that are requested by the system. The web portal  284  may grant pre-delivery licenses to the user device  110 / 112 . Download commands from the web service  282  may be provided to the content delivery network  280  to initiate download of content from the content delivery network  280 . 
         [0062]    The web-based device may obtain the content list from the web portal  284  so that content available for downloading to the user device may be provided to the user device. Upon selection from the list, a particular piece of content may be provided to the user device. The enterprise integration module  242  generates a bill in response to the downloading of content from the system. The billing information is coordinated with the information from the content user so that the proper user is billed. 
         [0063]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , the user device  110  may be one of any variety of devices, for example, a set-top box, a home media server, a home media center (HMC), a personal computer (PC) having a receiver card installed therein, etc. A display device  300  such as a television set, a computer monitor, a portable media player or the like may be coupled to the user device  110 . The user device  110  may be an integrated receiver decoder, a satellite television receiver or the like for displaying and/or playback of received programming. 
         [0064]    The receive antenna  140  ( 124  on a mobile device) receives signals conveying a modulated multiplexed bitstream from the satellites  106 ,  108 . Within the receive antenna  140 , the signals are coupled from a reflector and feed to a low-noise block (LNB)  302 , which amplifies and frequency downconverts the received signals. The LNB  302  output is then provided to a receiver  304 , which receives, demodulates, depacketizes, demultiplexes, decrypts and decodes the received signal to provide audio and video signals to the display device  300  or a recorder  306 , or both. The memory device  306  may be implemented separately from or within the user device  110 . The receiver  304  is responsive to user inputs to, for example, tune to a particular program. 
         [0065]    To store received and/or recorded programs and/or assets, the memory device  306  may include any of a variety of storage devices such as a hard disk drive, DVR, or other types of memory devices. The memory device  306  may be used to store the packetized assets and/or programs received via the satellites  106 ,  108  and/or the CDN  280 . In particular, the packets stored on memory device  306  may be the same encoded and, optionally, encrypted packets created by the content processing system  102  and transmitted via the satellites  106 ,  108  and/or made available for download via the CDN  280 . 
         [0066]    The memory device  306  may also be a device capable of recording information on, for instance, analog media such as videotape or computer readable digital media such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), a compact disc (CD) and/or any other suitable media. 
         [0067]    To communicate with any of a variety of clients, media players, etc., the illustrated example the user device  110  includes one or more connection interface modules  308  (e.g., USB, serial port, Firewire, etc.). The connection interface module  306  may act as a network interface that implements, for example, an Ethernet interface. Should a device be strictly web-based, the LNB  140  and antenna  140  may not be used. 
         [0068]    Each user device  110  may connect to the communication network such as the Internet  122  via any of a variety of technologies, for instance, a voice-band and/or integrated services digital network (ISDN) modem connected to a conventional PSTN, a wireless broadband connection (e.g., IEEE 802.11b, 802.11g, etc.), a broadband wired connection (e.g., ADSL, cable modems, etc.), a wired Ethernet connection (e.g., local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), etc.), a leased transmission facility (e.g., a digital signal level  1  circuit (a.k.a. a DS1), a fractional-DS1, etc.), etc. 
         [0069]    The user device  110  may also include a control module  310  that is used to control the operation of the various components within the user device. 
         [0070]    A user interface  312  may, for example, be a set of push buttons or a remote control interface. The user interface  312  is used to make selections, input various data, and change the parameters of the user device  110 . The user interface  312  may be used together with a graphical user interface displayed on the display device associated with the user device. 
         [0071]    It should also be noted that the user devices  110 / 112  may be configured in a similar manner to those illustrated in  FIG. 3  through reference number  110 . Such devices may include an internal antenna rather than an external dish-type antenna that is illustrated in the fixed device as  140 . Also, external antennas are possible such as a phased array antenna. 
         [0072]    The recording device  306  may also be partitioned into a network partition  320  and a user partition  322 . Different types of content or assets may be stored in the network partition  320  or the user partition  322 . The content stored in the different partitions may relate to the tier of the content. This will be further described below. 
         [0073]    Referring now to  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b , a packet  400  having a header  402  and a data portion  404  is illustrated. The header  402  may include a program map table (PMT)  406 , an SCID/PID portion  408 , and a cyclic redundancy check portion  410 . This is representative of the output of the VTPS and the file stored in the content repository. The data portion  404  may be encrypted or not encrypted, while the header portion  402  is preferably not encrypted. A signal may be broadcast from the content distribution network with this type of format. 
         [0074]    In  FIG. 4   b , a second packet  420  having a reformatted header  422  and a data portion  424  is illustrated. The data portion  424  may be unchanged from data portion  404 . The reformatted header  422  includes a second SCID/PID  426  that has been changed. The header  426  of the packet  420  has its identification (SCID/PID) reconfigured so that it may be broadcast by the satellite. Because the SCID/PID is changed, the CRC portion  428  is also changed to conform to this change. 
         [0075]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a method of operating the communication system is set forth. In this embodiment, the general method for maintaining the files within the system is set forth. Each content delivery network may have different lifecycle parameters associated therewith. Each content delivery network may act according to the method of  FIG. 5  using different lifecycle parameters including publication, purge, end times, and the like. In step  510 , content with metadata is received in the communication system. As mentioned above, the content provider  104  may provide the content in various forms. In step  512 , the content is packetized in the VTPS  223 . Also, as mentioned above, the VTPS may also encrypt the packets or at least the data portions of the packets. In step  514 , the packets, whether encrypted or not, are stored in the content repository  274 . In step  516 , a time for publication is determined. The publication time corresponds to the time that the content is available for download by one of the user devices from the content delivery network  280 . Various content within the content repository may have different publication times. In step  518 , the earliest publication time for the various content is determined. In step  520 , the content file is transferred to the content delivery network  280  in response to the publication time. That is, the earliest publication time may be used to transfer content to the content delivery network first. The content may be transferred prior to the publication time so that it is available at the publication time. This is in contrast to a typical satellite broadcasting system and to the broadcast TPS system  250  described in  FIG. 2 . In a satellite system, the content is broadcast at the air time. 
         [0076]    In step  522 , metadata corresponding to the content file is transferred to the content delivery network  280 . In step  524 , the metadata may be changed according to information from the content management system. For example, the publication time, the publication end time, and a purge time may be added to the metadata. In step  526 , the content file is published according to the publication time in the metadata. In step  528 , the content may be transferred to the user device. In step  530 , the user device may utilize the content by viewing the content on the display device. In step  532 , publication is complete at the publication end time. In step  534 , the content is purged from the content delivery network according to a purge message. 
         [0077]    Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a state diagram of the method of  FIG. 5  is illustrated. The method begins in step  600  in which the content is placed in the content repository  274  after possible encryption and packetizing from the VTPS  223 . In step  602 , delivery is scheduled by the content management system  221 . The content distribution system  260  begins content file transfer to a content delivery network  280  with metadata in step  604 . In step  606 , the content with the metadata is transferred. In step  608 , the content delivery system completes the content file transfer to the content delivery network  280 . In step  610 , the content is fully delivered to the content distribution or delivery network  280 . In step  612 , an add operation is received by the content delivery network. An upload status message from the content delivery network (CDN) with a successful status code is provided. 
         [0078]    In step  614 , publication is scheduled by setting a publication time. After step  614 , step  616  may be performed. In step  616 , the content delivery network  280  may receive a publish operation. Also in step  616 , an upload status message from the content delivery network may be provided to the content distribution system with a successful status code. In step  618 , the content is published. 
         [0079]    Referring back to step  614 , if an update operation message is received and the upload status message from the content delivery network with a successful status code with the published stop time is in the past at  620 , step  622  may be performed. Step  622  ends the publication according to the publication stop time. 
         [0080]    Referring back to step  614 , if a receive update operation is received and an upload status message from the content delivery network has a successful status code where the publish start time is in the future in step  624 , step  622  completes the publication. 
         [0081]    Referring back to step  618 , when the content is published in  618  and an unpublished operation is received with an upload status message from the content delivery network with a successful status code and a published time in the future, step  630  is performed which brings the system back to the published scheduled block  614 . 
         [0082]    Referring back to step  618 , if an unpublished operation message is received in step  636 , and the upload status message from the content delivery network with a successful status code has a publication time in the past, step  622  is performed which completes the publication. In step  618 , if a purge operation message is received from the content distribution system and the upload status message from the content distribution network with a successful status code is provided in step  638 , the content is purged in step  640 . 
         [0083]    Referring back to step  622 , if the publication is complete and a published operation is received with an upload status message from the content delivery network with a successful status code in step  644 , the content is again published in step  618 . 
         [0084]    Referring back to step  622 , if the publication is complete and a purge operation upload status message is received from the content delivery network with a successful status code in step  650 , step  640  purges the content from the system. In step  642 , the content may be removed from the content repository. 
         [0085]    Referring back to the publication schedule times block  614 , if a receive purge operation is received that blocks and an upload status message from the content delivery network has a successful status code, step  640  is performed in which the content is purged. 
         [0086]    Referring now to  FIG. 7 , another method for operating the present disclosure is illustrated. In this example, business rules and content are combined to provide a user selection list and ultimately deliver content to the users. In step  710 , business rules are determined. The business rules may be determined and entered into the content management system  221  of  FIG. 2   a  or  2   b . The business rules may include various characteristics including the dollar amount, the various targets, such as which user devices are to receive the content, and various other profiles. In step  712 , the business rules are entered into the content management system and include the targets. The business rules may be entered by an operator in response to various distribution agreements. In step  714 , the targets are provided to the workflow system. In step  716 , content that is obtained by the workflow system is provided to the content management system  221 . The workflow system provides the content with material IDs that are used for further identification once it is received by the content management system. Each content has a material ID associated therewith. In step  718 , the material ID is associated with the content. 
         [0087]    In step  720 , the content and business rule ID is provided to the content management system. In step  722 , the business rules are associated with the content in the content management system. In step  724 , the content is encrypted according to the business rules. Encryption may take place at the digital rights management packager in  FIG. 2   b  or the encryption module  272  illustrated in  FIG. 2   a . Encryption may take place according to the business rules. More specifically, the content may be encrypted depending on the end user device or target for which the content is destined. Various types of encryption may be provided to various contents for use in the various systems. That is, when stored in the content repository, several different versions of the content encrypted in different ways may be stored therein. In step  726 , the encrypted content is stored in the content repository. 
         [0088]    In step  728 , a guide or title list is generated. The guide or title list may also be referred to as an inventory list. The inventory or title list is generated in response to the content available in the content repository. Preferably, elements of the list are only provided for content available for the different types of targets or devices. That is, when the content list is received by the various devices, only the content that is available to that device is preferably received. The elements of the list may be compiled by the content management system  221 . In step  730 , the guide, title list or inventory is communicated to the user devices. The title list may be provided to the user devices in various ways including through a satellite, through a terrestrial system, through a terrestrial wireless system, through a web-based system, or the like. The content list may be provided in a different way or using a different communication means than the content is provided. For example, a list may be provided through the satellite, whereas the content may be received through a broadband or Internet-based system. Communication to the user devices may also take place on a web-based system. The user devices may be used to obtain information on a website that is in communication with the user device. 
         [0089]    In step  732 , a selection is formed at the user device. The selection may be performed by entering or selecting the content from a user interface at the user device. A graphical user interface may have a selection box thereon for selecting. The selection box may be moved using cursors or other devices. Specialized selection buttons or buttons that exist on a system may be used for forming a selection. A signal identifying the selection is formed and communicated to the content processing system. In step  734 , once a selection is selection, billing information is updated so the proper user device account may be updated. In step  736 , the content delivery network is selected. The content delivery network may be selected depending on the type of content selected. That is, various content delivery networks may be provided in a particular system. However, only one of the content delivery networks may be used for delivering content to that particular user device based upon the formatting and the like. 
         [0090]    In step  740 , the content is played back or stored in the user device. It should be noted that the playback may be performed while recording the content. 
         [0091]    Referring now to  FIG. 8 , a specific method for operating the content management system is illustrated. Steps  710 - 722  of  FIG. 7  are shared in this embodiment. In step  810 , the content type is determined. The content type is based upon the target described above. The target corresponds to the various types of user devices. In this example, a web-based and non-web-based-type system is employed. However, the same decision blocks may be used for various other types of target devices. It should also be noted that more than two different types of targets may be provided. However, in such a system, the same types of logic may be used. In step  820 , the system determines whether or not the content is destined for a web-based system. In step  822 , if content is for a web-based system, the block diagram of  FIG. 2   b  may be utilized. In step  824 , digital rights management (DRM) may be applied. Digital rights management may be windows media-based digital rights management or various other types of digital rights management. The digital rights management may also include various types of encryption. In step  826 , the content with the applied digital rights management and/or encryption is stored in the content repository. In step  828 , a list is provided for the content available at a web portal. After step  828 , steps  832 - 740  of  FIG. 7  may be performed. 
         [0092]    Referring back to step  820 , if the system is not a web-based system, step  830  may be performed. In step  830 , the schematic of  FIG. 2   a  may be used to process the content. In step  832 , encryption is applied to the content based on the target type. 
         [0093]    In step  834 , the content, with the applied encryption, is stored in the content repository. In step  836 , a content list is generated for the particular target. In step  838 , the content list may be communicated through the program guide or other means. For a satellite-based system, the program guide may be communicated through the satellite. The content list available from the content delivery network may be periodically updated and communicated through the satellite. 
         [0094]    After step  838 , steps  732 - 740  of  FIG. 7  may be performed. 
         [0095]    When the content is provided to the various content delivery networks, various life cycles, purge times, and the like may be associated with the content. The content may have different life cycles, purge times, and other characteristics when provided to each content delivery network. It should also be noted that the same content may be provided through different content delivery networks with different timing characteristics. The different content delivery network may have the same or different types of encryption as well. The various purge times and other life-cycle components are provided in the metadata as described above. 
         [0096]    The example in  FIG. 8  is provided for web and non-web-based system. The examples may easily be extended to other types and numbers of systems and targets. 
         [0097]    Those skilled in the art can now appreciate from the foregoing description that the broad teachings of the disclosure can be implemented in a variety of forms. Therefore, while this disclosure includes particular examples, the true scope of the disclosure should not be so limited since other modifications will become apparent to the skilled practitioner upon a study of the drawings, the specification and the following claims.