Patent Publication Number: US-10334284-B2

Title: Transmitting a prioritized audio stream along with multimedia content

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
     The present application claims priority from, and is a continuation application of, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/363,063, filed Nov. 29, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,967,597, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/845,672, filed Sep. 4, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,538,213, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/565,826, filed Sep. 24, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,185,445, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure is generally related to transmitting audio streams and multimedia content. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Advances in broadcasting and entertaimnent technology have made it possible to simultaneously experience multimedia content from multiple sources. For example, football fans may watch television coverage of a particular game while listening to a local radio broadcast of the game instead of the television commentary. As another example, some automobile racing leagues provide online streaming of in-car comments from drivers. Fans of a particular driver may watch television coverage of a race while listening to driver comments streamed to a computer. However, the television and radio/Internet stream are often out-of-sync, decreasing the overall enjoyment of the multimedia content. Furthermore, a user may have to operate multiple devices (e.g., a television and either a radio receiver or a computer) in order to enjoy the simultaneous broadcasts of content. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a diagram of a particular embodiment of a system of transmitting a prioritized audio stream along with multimedia content; 
         FIG. 2  is a flow diagram of a particular embodiment of a method of transmitting a prioritized audio stream along with multimedia content; 
         FIG. 3  is a flow diagram of another particular embodiment of a method of transmitting a prioritized audio stream along with multimedia content; 
         FIG. 4  is a diagram of a particular embodiment of an Internet protocol television (IPTV) system to transmit a prioritized audio stream along with multimedia content; and 
         FIG. 5  is a block diagram of a particular embodiment of a general purpose computer system. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Systems and methods for transmitting a prioritized audio stream along with multimedia content are disclosed. In a particular embodiment, a method includes receiving a designation of a prioritized audio stream to be transmitted with a broadcast of multimedia content. The designation is received at a server prior to the broadcast. The method also includes retrieving the multimedia content from a first content source and retrieving the prioritized audio stream from a second content source. The first content source and the second content source are each external to the server. The prioritized audio stream is added to the multimedia content to form a composite content stream. The method further includes initiating a broadcast of the composite content stream. 
     In another particular embodiment, a set-top box includes an input interface to receive a user designation of a prioritized audio stream associated with a broadcast of a multimedia content item. The user designation is received prior to receipt of the broadcast multimedia content item. The set-top box also includes a network interface to send the ser designation of the prioritized audio stream to a server and to receive a composite content stream comprising the multimedia content item and the prioritized audio stream from the server. The set-top box further includes an output interface to transmit a signal based on the composite content stream to a multimedia device coupled to the set-top box. 
     In another particular embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium includes instructions, that when executed by a processor, cause the processor to receive a designation of a prioritized audio stream to be transmitted with multimedia content. The designation is received at a server prior to transmission of the multimedia content. The computer-readable storage medium also includes instructions, that when executed by the processor, cause the processor to retrieve the multimedia content from a first content source and to retrieve the prioritized audio stream from a second content source. The first content source and the second content source are external to the server. The prioritized audio stream is added to at least a portion of the multimedia content to form a composite content stream. The computer-readable storage medium further includes instructions, that when executed by the processor, cause the processor to transmit the content stream from the server to a destination device via a network. 
       FIG. 1  depicts a diagram of a particular embodiment of a system  100  of transmitting a prioritized audio stream along with multimedia content. The system  100  includes a server  130  communicatively coupled to a set-top box (STB)  110  via a network  120 . The server  130  is also communicatively coupled to a plurality of content sources, such as a first content source  140  and a second content source  160  via the Internet  150 . Generally, the system  100  of  FIG. 1  may enable a user to designate and receive prioritized audio streams along with multimedia content broadcasts. 
     The STB  110  includes an input interface  114 . In a particular embodiment, the input interface  114  enables user input at the STB  110 . For example, the STB  110  may receive user input via the input interface  114  from a remote control  104 . User input received by the user interface  114  may include STB controls such as power, volume, and channel, and electronic program guide (EPG) selections. User input received by the user interface  114  also includes user designations of prioritized audio streams, as described herein. 
     The STB  110  also includes an output interface  112  that enables communication of multimedia content from the STB  110  to a multimedia device such as the display device  102 . Multimedia content may include video content, audio content, interactive content, or any combination thereof. In a particular embodiment, the display device  102  is a standard definition television (SDTV), a high definition television (HDTV), or a computer system display. 
     The STB  110  further includes a network interface  116  configured to send and receive information to and from the server  130  via the network  120 . In a particular embodiment, the network  120  is a cable television network, a satellite television network, or an Internet Protocol television (IPTV) network. The network interface  116  is configured to transmit a user designation of a prioritized audio stream  170  to the server  130  via the network  120 . The network interface  116  is also configured to receive a composite content stream  173  that includes a multimedia content item  171  and the prioritized audio stream  172  from the server  130  via the network  120 . 
     The server  130  may be a cable television provider server, a satellite television provider server, an IPTV provider server, or some other server. For example, the server  130  may include network interfaces and software modules to enable communication with content sources (e.g., the first content source  140  and the second content source  160  via the Internet  150 ) and subscriber STBs (e.g., the STB  110  via the network  120 ). The server  130  may also include one or more memory devices and software modules to enable combination of multimedia content and a prioritized audio stream, as described herein. The server  130  is configured to receive the user designation of a prioritized audio stream  170  from the STB  110 , indicating that the prioritized audio stream  172  is to be transmitted along with a future broadcast (e.g., live broadcast, re-broadcast, syndicated broadcast, unicast, or video on demand broadcast) of the multimedia content item  171 . The server  130  is also configured to retrieve the multimedia content item  171  (e.g., from a first content source  140 ) and to retrieve the prioritized audio stream  172  (e.g., from a second content source  160 ) via the Internet  150 . In a particular embodiment, the multimedia content item  171  includes a video stream and a native audio stream. 
     The server  130  is further configured to combine the multimedia content item  171  and the prioritized audio stream  172  to form a composite content stream  173  for transmission to the STB  110  via the network  120 . In a particular embodiment, the composite content stream  173  includes the video stream, the native audio stream, and the prioritized audio stream. In another particular embodiment, the composite content stream  173  includes the video stream and the prioritized audio stream but not the native audio stream, because the server  130  has replaced the native audio stream with the prioritized audio stream  172 . 
     The content sources  140 ,  160  are external to the server  130 . The content sources  140 ,  160  may provide syndicated television programming, live television programming, movie programming, radio programming, interactive programming, Internet-based content streams, or other types of content. In a particular embodiment, the prioritized audio stream  172  may be a restricted-access prioritized audio stream. For example, access to the prioritized audio stream  172  may be restricted via subscription, pay-per-access, password, or other security measure. In such an embodiment, the STB  110  may transmit an authorization token (e.g., a password received at the input interface  114 ) to the server  130 , where the authorization token enables access to the prioritized audio stream  172 . The server  130  may then transmit the authorization token to the second content source  160  prior to retrieving the prioritized audio stream  172  from the second content source  160 . 
     In operation, a user of the STB  110  may designate a prioritized audio stream to be transmitted along with an upcoming broadcast of multimedia content, and the STB  110  may transmit the user designation  170  to the server  130  via the network  120 . For example, the server  130  may receive a user designation indicating that Internet radio commentary for an upcoming football game is to be transmitted to the STB  110  along with the television broadcast of the football game. 
     Once the multimedia content item  171  and the prioritized audio stream  172  are available, the server  130  may retrieve the multimedia content item  171  from the first content source  140  and the prioritized audio stream  172  from the second content source  160 . For example, once the football game begins, the server  130  may retrieve the live television broadcast of the football game from the first content source  140  (e.g., a server associated with a television channel carrying the live television broadcast) and may retrieve the Internet radio commentary for the football game from the second content source (e.g., a server associated with a radio station) via the Internet  150 . The live television broadcast may include native video (e.g., video captured by television cameras) and native audio (e.g., audio commentary from television announcers). The Internet radio commentary may include local commentary from a radio station affiliated with the home team or the away team. 
     The server  130  may then combine the multimedia content item  171  and the prioritized audio stream  172  to form the composite content stream  173 . For example, the server  130  may combine the live television broadcast and the Internet radio commentary associated with the football game. Forming the composite content stream  173  may include interleaving packets of the multimedia content item  171  and the prioritized audio stream  172 , replacing the native audio stream with the prioritized audio stream  172 , or any combination thereof. In a particular embodiment, the server  130  synchronizes the multimedia content item  171  and the prioritized audio stream  172  before forming the composite audio stream  173 . For example, the server  130  may introduce a delay in the Internet radio commentary in order to synchronize the Internet radio commentary with the live television broadcast. Once formed, the composite content stream  173  may be broadcast to the STB  110 , where the composite content stream  173  is processed and signals based on the composite content stream  173  are transmitted to the display device  102  (e.g., an HDTV). 
     It will be appreciated that the system  100  of  FIG. 1  may enable a user to enjoy multimedia content and a prioritized audio stream from a single source. For example, the system  100  of  FIG. 1  may enable a user to simultaneously enjoy both a multimedia content item (e.g., a live television broadcast of a football game at a screen of an HDTV) and a prioritized audio stream (e.g., Internet radio commentary emitted from speakers of the HDTV) at a single device (e.g., the HDTV). 
     It should be noted that although the system  100  of  FIG. 1  has been described in the context of Internet radio commentary of a sports event, the prioritized audio stream may be any audio stream. For example, the prioritized audio stream  172  may be a higher or lower quality audio stream than the native audio stream of the multimedia content item  171 . As another example, the prioritized audio stream  172  may be in a different language than the native audio stream. 
     It will also be appreciated that the system  100  of  FIG. 1  may enable revenue generation for television providers. For example, a user may be given the option of replacing a standard (e.g., stereo) audio stream associated with multimedia content with a high-quality (e.g. surround sound) prioritized audio stream for a fee. It will further be appreciated that the system  100  of  FIG. 1  may enable revenue generation for content providers. For example, a content provider associated with the second content source  160  may charge a pay-per-access fee or subscription fee for access to the prioritized audio stream. Furthermore, because television viewers that otherwise do not have access to the content provider (e.g., out-of-town viewers with respect to a local radio station) may access the prioritized audio stream via the system  100  of  FIG. 1 , the system  100  of  FIG. 1  may increase an available advertising audience of a content provider. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a flow diagram of a particular embodiment of a method  200  of transmitting a prioritized audio stream along with multimedia content. In an illustrative embodiment, the method  200  may be performed by the server  130  of  FIG. 1 . 
     The method  200  includes receiving a designation of a prioritized audio stream to be transmitted with a broadcast of multimedia content, at  202 . The designation is received at a server prior to the broadcast. For example, in  FIG. 1 , the server  130  may receive the designation of a prioritized audio stream from the STB  110  via the network  120 . 
     The method  200  also includes retrieving the multimedia content from a first content source that is external to the server, at  204 . For example, in  FIG. 1 , the server  130  may retrieve the multimedia content from the first content source  140 . The method  200  further includes retrieving the prioritized audio stream from a second content source that is external to the server and that is different than the first content source, at  206 . For example, in  FIG. 1 , the server  130  may retrieve the prioritized audio stream from the second content source  160  via the Internet  150 . 
     The method  200  includes adding the prioritized audio stream to the multimedia content to form a composite content stream, at  208 . For example, in  FIG. 1 , the server  130  may add the prioritized audio stream to the multimedia content to form the composite content stream. The method  200  also includes initiating a broadcast of the composite content stream, at  210 . For example, in  FIG. 1 , the server  130  may initiate a broadcast of the composite content stream by transmitting the composite content stream to the STB  110  via the network  120 . 
     It will be appreciated that by implementing the method  200  of  FIG. 2 , a server may package and provide both multimedia content and prioritized audio to users via a single composite content stream. In a particular embodiment, the method  200  of  FIG. 2  is modified to enable data retrieval from more than two content sources. For example, one or both of the multimedia content and the prioritized audio stream may be formed by combining content from more than one source. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a flow diagram of another particular embodiment of a method  300  of transmitting a prioritized audio stream along with multimedia content. In an illustrative embodiment, the method  300  may be performed by the server  130  of  FIG. 3 . 
     The method  300  includes receiving a designation of a prioritized audio stream to be transmitted with a broadcast of multimedia content, at  302 . The designation is received at a server (e.g., an IPTV server) prior to the broadcast. The multimedia content includes a video stream and a native audio stream. For example, referring to  FIG. 1 , the server  130  may receive a user designation of the prioritized audio stream from the STB  110  via the network  120 . 
     The method  300  also includes receiving an authorization token to access the prioritized audio stream, at  304 . For example, referring to  FIG. 1 , the server  130  may receive a password that enables access to the prioritized audio stream. The method  300  further includes retrieving the multimedia content from a first content source that is external to the server, at  306 . The multimedia content may include syndicated television programming, live television programming, video on demand programming, or a movie. For example, referring to  FIG. 1 , the server  130  may retrieve the multimedia content from the first content source  140 . 
     The method  300  further includes retrieving the prioritized audio stream from a second content source that is external to the server and that is different than the first content source, at  308 . Retrieving the prioritized audio stream includes transmitting the authorization token to the second content source. For example, referring to  FIG. 1 , the server  130  may transmit the password to the second content source  160  and may retrieve the prioritized audio stream from the second content source  160 . 
     The method  300  includes synchronizing the prioritized audio stream with the multimedia content, at  310 , and replacing the native audio stream with the prioritized audio stream to form a composite content stream, at  312 . For example, referring to  FIG. 1 , the server  130  may synchronize the prioritized audio stream with the multimedia content (e.g., by delaying one or both of the prioritized audio stream and the multimedia content) and replace the native audio stream of the multimedia content with the prioritized audio stream, thereby forming the composite content stream. 
     The method  300  also includes initiating a broadcast of the composite content stream, at  314 . For example, referring to  FIG. 1 , the server  130  may initiate broadcast of the composite content stream by transmitting the composite content stream to the STB  110  via the network  120 . 
     It will be appreciated that the method  300  of  FIG. 3  may enable servers to provide multimedia content and prioritized audio via a single composite content stream (e.g., a composite IPTV stream), including access-restricted prioritized audio. It will also be appreciated that the method  300  of  FIG. 3  may enable a server to synchronize the multimedia content with the prioritized audio, so that the composite content stream does not include out-of-sync problems experienced by users who attempt to enjoy multimedia content and prioritized audio via separate devices. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , a particular embodiment an IPTV system to transmit a prioritized audio stream along with multimedia content is illustrated and generally designated  400 . The embodiment of  FIG. 4  is included only for illustrative purposes and in no way represents a limiting embodiment of this invention. Readers will understand that the television service can be a cable television service, a satellite television service, or any other television service. Furthermore, the embodiment of  FIG. 4  describes only one possible implementation of an IPTV television service and in no way represents a limiting embodiment for IPTV television services. Readers will understand that an IPTV television service can be embodied in many other ways within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     As shown, the system  400  includes a client facing tier  422 , an application tier  464 , an acquisition tier  452 , and an operations and management tier  480 . Each tier  422 ,  452 ,  464 , and  480  can be coupled to a private network  450 ; to a public network  474 , such as the Internet; to an access network  442 ; or to more than one of the private network  450 , the public network  474 , and the access network  442 . For example, the client-facing tier  422  can be coupled to the private network  450  and to the access network  442 . Further, the application tier  464  can be coupled to the private network  450  and to the public network  474 . The acquisition tier  452  can also be coupled to the private network  450  and to the public network  474 . Additionally, the operations and management tier  480  can be coupled to the public network  474 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the various tiers  422 ,  452 ,  464 , and  480  may communicate with each other via the private network  450 , the public network  474 , and the access network  442 . For instance, the client-facing tier  422  can communicate with the application tier  464  and the acquisition tier  452  via the private network  450 . The application tier  464  can communicate with the acquisition tier  452  via the private network  450 . Further, the application tier  464  can communicate with the acquisition tier  452  and the operations and management tier  480  via the public network  474 . Moreover, the acquisition tier  452  can communicate with the operations and management tier  480  via the public network  474 . In a particular embodiment, elements of the application tier  464 , including, but not limited to, a client gateway  466 , can communicate directly with the client-facing tier  422 . 
     The client-facing tier  422  may communicate with user equipment via an access network  422 , such as an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) access network. The client-facing tier  422  can communicate with a representative set-top box device  428  at a customer premise. In a particular embodiment, customer premises equipment (CPE) that facilitates communication with the set-top box device  428  includes routers, local area network devices, modems, such as digital subscriber line (DSL) modems, any other suitable devices for facilitating communication between a set-top box device and the access network  442 , or any combination thereof. 
     In a particular embodiment, the client-facing tier  422  can be coupled to the CPE via fiber optic cables. Alternatively, the CPE can include digital subscriber line (DSL) modems that are coupled to one or more network nodes via twisted pairs, and the client-facing tier  422  can be coupled to the network nodes via fiber-optic cables. The set-top box device  428  can process data received via the access network  442 , via a suitable IPTV software platform. 
     The set-top box device  428  can be coupled to an external display device, such as a television monitor  412 . Moreover, the set-top box device  428  can communicate with a remote control  414 . The set-top box device  428  can include IPTV set-top box devices as well as video gaming devices or consoles that are adapted to receive IPTV content. The set-top box device  428  can also include computers or other computing devices that are adapted to emulate set-top box device functionality and any other device adapted to receive IPTV content and transmit data to an IPTV system via an access network. 
     In an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment, the set-top box device  428  can send and receive data, video, or any combination thereof, from the client-facing tier  422  via the access network  442  and render or display the data, video, or any combination thereof, at the display device  412  to which it is coupled. For example, the set-top box device  428  may send a designation of prioritized audio  490  to the client-facing tier  422 . As another example, the set-top box device  428  may include tuners that receive and decode television programming signals including a composite content stream  496  prior to transmission of signals to the display device  412 . Further, the set-top box device  428  can include a STB processor  430  and a STB memory device  426  that is accessible to the STB processor  430 . In one embodiment, a computer program, such as the STB computer program  424 , can be embedded within the STB memory device  426 . In another illustrative embodiment, a user computing device, such as a personal computer, laptop or local server, can be coupled to the set-top box device  428 , for example, via a universal serial bus (USB) connection, Ethernet connection, wireless connection, or other connection. 
     In an illustrative embodiment, the client-facing tier  422  can include a client-facing tier (CFT) switch  444  that manages communication between the client-facing tier  422  and the access network  442  and between the client-facing tier  422  and the private network  450 . As illustrated, the CFT switch  444  is coupled to one or more data servers, such as D-servers  434 , that store, format, encode, replicate, or otherwise manipulate or prepare video content for communication from the client-facing tier  422  to the set-top box device  428 . The CFT switch  444  can also be coupled to a terminal server  446  that provides terminal devices with a connection point to the private network  450 . In a particular embodiment, the CFT switch  444  can be coupled to a video-on-demand (VOD) server  448  that stores or provides VOD content imported by the IPTV system  400 . 
     Further, the CFT switch  444  is coupled to one or more video servers  432  that receive video content and transmit the content to the set-top box  428  via the access network  442 . In a particular embodiment, the CFT switch  444  can be coupled to one or more publication servers that facilitate the formation of groups that share private content and the inclusion of indicators of such private content with video content received by users in a group. 
     In an illustrative embodiment, the client-facing tier  422  can communicate with a large number of set-top boxes, such as the representative set-top box  428  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 can be supported by networking the client-facing tier  422  to numerous set-top box devices. In a particular embodiment, the CFT switch  444 , or any portion thereof, can include a multicast router or switch that feeds one or more video streams from a video server to multiple set-top box devices. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the application tier  464  can communicate with both the private network  450  and the public network  474 . The application tier  464  can include a first application tier (APP) switch  470  and a second APP switch  478 . In a particular embodiment, the first APP switch  470  can be coupled to the second APP switch  478 . The first APP switch  470  can be coupled to an application server  468  and to an OSS/BSS gateway  472 . In a particular embodiment, the application server  468  can provide applications to the set-top box device  428  via the access network  442 , which enable the set-top box device  428  to provide functions, such as display, messaging, processing of IPTV data and VOD material, etc. In a particular embodiment, the OSS/BSS gateway  472  includes operation systems and support (OSS) data, as well as billing systems and support (BSS) data. In one embodiment, the OSS/BSS gateway  472  can provide or restrict access to an OSS/BSS server  486  that stores operations and billing systems data. 
     The second APP switch  478  can be coupled to a domain controller  476  that provides Internet access, for example, to users at their computers  490  via the public network  474 . For example, the domain controller  476  can provide remote Internet access to IPTV account information, e-mail, personalized Internet services, or other online services via the public network  474 . In addition, the second APP switch  478  can be coupled to a subscriber and system store that includes account information, such as account information that is associated with users who access the IPTV system  400  via the private network  450  or the public network  474 . In an illustrative embodiment, the subscriber and system store can store subscriber or customer data and create subscriber or customer profiles that are associated with IP addresses of corresponding set-top box device  428 . 
     In a particular embodiment, the application tier  464  can include a client gateway  466  that communicates data directly to the client-facing tier  422 . The client gateway  466  may be coupled directly to the CFT switch  444 . The client gateway  466  can provide user access to the private network  450  and the tiers coupled thereto. In an illustrative embodiment, the set-top box device  428  can access the IPTV system  400  via the access network  442 , using information received from the client gateway  466 . User devices can access the client gateway  466  via the access network  442 , and the client gateway  466  can allow such devices to access the private network  450  once the devices are authenticated or verified. Similarly, the client gateway  466  can prevent unauthorized devices, such as hacker computers or stolen set-top box devices from accessing the private network  450 , by denying access to these devices beyond the access network  442 . 
     For example, when the representative set-top box device  428  accesses the client-facing tier  422  via the access network  442 , the client gateway  466  can verify subscriber information by communicating with the subscriber and system store via the private network  450 . Further, the client gateway  466  can verify billing information and status by communicating with the OSS/BSS gateway  472  via the private network  450 . In one embodiment, the OS S/BSS gateway  472  can transmit a query via the public network  474  to the OSS/BSS server  486 . After the client gateway  466  confirms subscriber and/or billing information, the client gateway  466  can allow the set-top box device  428  to access IPTV content and VOD content at the client-facing tier  422 . If the client gateway  466  cannot verify subscriber information for the set-top box device  428 , e.g., because it is connected to an unauthorized twisted pair or other connection, the client gateway  466  can block transmissions to and from the set-top box device  428  beyond the access network  442 . 
     As indicated in  FIG. 4 , the acquisition tier  452  can include an acquisition tier (AQT) switch  456  that communicates with the private network  450 . The AQT switch  456  can also communicate with the operations and management tier  480  via the public network  474 . In a particular embodiment, the AQT switch  456  can be coupled to a live acquisition server  460  that receives or acquires television content, movie content, advertisement content, other video content, or any combination thereof, from a broadcast service  462  and a first content source  492 , such as a satellite acquisition system or satellite head-end office. For example, the first content source  492  may provide a live television broadcast of an automobile racing event. The live acquisition server  460  may also receive or acquire a prioritized audio stream from a second content source  494  via the public network  474 . For example, the second content source  494  may provide in-car audio commentary from particular drivers participating in the automobile racing event. In a particular embodiment, the live acquisition server  460  can transmit content to the AQT switch  456 , and the AQT switch  456  can transmit the content to the CFT switch  444  via the private network  450 . 
     In an illustrative embodiment, content can be transmitted to the D-servers  434 , where it can be encoded, formatted, stored, replicated, or otherwise manipulated and prepared for communication from the video server(s)  432  to the set-top box device  428 . The CFT switch  444  can receive content from the video server(s)  432  and communicate the content to the set-top box device  428 . The set-top box device  428  may then in turn transmit the content to the television monitor  412 . In an illustrative embodiment, video or audio portions of the content can be streamed to the set-top box device  428 . 
     Further, the AQT switch  456  can be coupled to a video-on-demand importer server  458  that receives and stores television or movie content received at the acquisition tier  452  and communicates the stored content to the VOD server  448  at the client-facing tier  422  via the private network  450 . Additionally, at the acquisition tier  452 , the video-on-demand (VOD) importer server  458  can receive content from one or more VOD sources outside the IPTV system  400 , such as movie studios and programmers of non-live content. For example, the first content source  140  of  FIG. 1  may be an external VOD source. The VOD importer server  458  can transmit the VOD content to the AQT switch  456 , and the AQT switch  456 , in turn, can communicate the material to the CFT switch  444  via the private network  450 . The VOD content can be stored at one or more servers, such as the VOD server  448 . 
     When users issue requests for VOD content via the set-top box device  428  or the order processing module  420 , the requests can be transmitted over the access network  442  to the VOD server  448 , via the CFT switch  444 . Upon receiving such requests, the VOD server  448  can retrieve the requested VOD content and transmit the content to the set-top box device  428  across the access network  442 , via the CFT switch  444 . The set-top box device  428  can transmit the VOD content to the television monitor  412 . In an illustrative embodiment, video or audio portions of VOD content can be streamed to the set-top box device  428 . 
       FIG. 4  further illustrates that the operations and management tier  480  can include an operations and management tier (OMT) switch  484  that conducts communication between the operations and management tier  480  and the public network  474 . In the embodiment illustrated by  FIG. 4 , the OMT switch  484  is coupled to a TV2 server  482 . Additionally, the OMT switch  484  can be coupled to an OSS/BSS server  486  and to a simple network management protocol (SNMP) monitor  488  that monitors network devices within or coupled to the IPTV system  400 . In a particular embodiment, the OMT switch  484  can communicate with the AQT switch  456  via the public network  474 . 
     In an illustrative embodiment, the live acquisition server  460  can transmit content to the AQT switch  456 , and the AQT switch  456 , in turn, can transmit the content to the OMT switch  484  via the public network  474 . In this embodiment, the OMT switch  484  can transmit the content to the TV2 server  482  for display to users accessing the user interface at the TV2 server  482 . For example, a user can access the TV2 server  482  using a personal computer (PC)  490  coupled to the public network  474 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , an illustrative embodiment of a general computer system is shown and is designated  500 . The computer system  500  can include a set of instructions that can be executed to cause the computer system  500  to perform any one or more of the methods or computer based functions disclosed herein. The computer system  500  may operate as a standalone device or may be connected, e.g., using a network, to other computer systems or peripheral devices. For example, the computer system  500  may include or be included within any one or more of the STB  110 , the server  130 , the first content source  140 , and the second content source  160  discussed with reference to  FIGS. 1-4 . 
     In a networked deployment, the computer system  500  may operate in the capacity of a server or as a client user computer in a server-client user network environment, or as a peer computer system in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment. The computer system  500  can also be implemented as or incorporated into various devices, such as a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box (STB), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile device, a palmtop computer, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a communications device, a pager, a personal trusted device, a web appliance, or any other machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. In a particular embodiment, the computer system  500  can be implemented using electronic devices that provide voice, video, or data communication. For example, the computer system  500  may be included within a portable device (e.g., a wireless telephone or smartphone) configured to receive a composite content stream from a server (e.g., the server  130  of  FIG. 1 ) via a mobile network. The portable device may output signals based on the composite content stream at a display and at one or more speakers of the portable device. Further, while a single computer system  500  is illustrated, the term “system” shall also be taken to include any collection of systems or sub-systems that individually or jointly execute a set, or multiple sets, of instructions to perform one or more computer functions. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the computer system  500  may include a processor  502 , e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or both. Moreover, the computer system  500  can include a main memory  504  and a static memory  506  that can communicate with each other via a bus  508 . As shown, the computer system  500  may further include a video display unit  510 , such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a flat panel display, or a solid state display. Additionally, the computer system  500  may include an input device  512 , such as a keyboard, and a cursor control device  514 , such as a mouse. When the computer system  500  is included in a STB (e.g., the STB  110  of  FIG. 1 ), the computer system  500  may include a remote control (e.g., the remote control  104  of  FIG. 1 ) but not a keyboard or mouse. The computer system  500  can also include a disk drive unit  516 , a signal generation device  518 , such as a speaker or remote control, and a network interface device  520 . 
     In a particular embodiment, as depicted in  FIG. 5 , the disk drive unit  516  may include a computer-readable medium  522  in which one or more sets of instructions  524 , e.g. software, can be embedded. Further, the instructions  524  may embody one or more of the methods or logic as described herein. In a particular embodiment, the instructions  524  may reside completely, or at least partially, within the main memory  504 , the static memory  506 , and/or within the processor  502  during execution by the computer system  500 . The main memory  504  and the processor  502  also may include computer-readable media. 
     In an alternative embodiment, dedicated hardware implementations, such as application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays and other hardware devices, can be constructed to implement one or more of the methods described herein. Applications that may include the apparatus and systems of various embodiments can broadly include a variety of electronic and computer systems. One or more embodiments described herein may implement functions using two or more specific interconnected hardware modules or devices with related control and data signals that can be communicated between and through the modules, or as portions of an application-specific integrated circuit. Accordingly, the present system encompasses software, firmware, and hardware implementations. 
     In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, the methods described herein may be implemented by software programs executable by a computer system. Further, in an exemplary, non-limited embodiment, implementations can include distributed processing, component/object distributed processing, and parallel processing. Alternatively, virtual computer system processing can be constructed to implement one or more of the methods or functionality as described herein. 
     The present disclosure contemplates a computer-readable medium that includes instructions  524  or receives and executes instructions  524 , so that a device connected to one or more networks  526  (e.g., the network  120  and the Internet  150  of  FIG. 1 ) can communicate voice, video or data over the one or more networks  526 . Further, the instructions  524  may be transmitted or received over the one or more networks  526  via the network interface device  520 . The computer system  500  may be a server that is operable to communicate with a set-top box  528 , a first content source  530 , and a second content source  532  via the one or more networks  526 . In an illustrative embodiment, the set-top box  528  is the STB  110  of  FIG. 1 , the first content source  530  is the first content source  140  of  FIG. 1 , and the second content source  532  is the second content source  160  of  FIG. 1 . 
     While the computer-readable medium  522  is shown to be a single medium, the term “computer-readable medium” includes a single medium or multiple media, such as a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers that store one or more sets of instructions. The term “computer-readable medium” shall also include any medium that is capable of storing a set of instructions for execution by a processor or that cause a computer system to perform any one or more of the methods or operations disclosed herein. 
     In a particular non-limiting, exemplary embodiment, the computer-readable medium can include a solid-state memory such as a memory card or other package that houses one or more non-volatile read-only memories. Further, the computer-readable medium can be a random access memory or other volatile re-writable memory. Additionally, the computer-readable medium can include a magneto-optical or optical medium, such as a disk or tapes or other storage device. Accordingly, the disclosure is considered to include any one or more of a computer-readable medium and other equivalents and successor media, in which data or instructions may be stored. 
     Although the present specification describes components and functions that may be implemented in particular embodiments with reference to particular standards and protocols, the disclosed embodiments are not limited to such standards and protocols. Such standards are periodically superseded by faster or more efficient equivalents having essentially the same functions. Accordingly, replacement standards and protocols having the same or similar functions as those disclosed herein are considered equivalents thereof. For example, such standards may include Ethernet, USB, and Home PNA (HPNA). 
     The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the various embodiments. The illustrations are not intended to serve as a complete description of all of the elements and features of apparatus and systems that utilize the structures or methods described herein. Many other embodiments may be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the disclosure. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from the disclosure, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the disclosure and the figures are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. 
     One or more embodiments of the disclosure may be referred to herein, individually and/or collectively, by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any particular invention or inventive concept. Moreover, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any subsequent arrangement designed to achieve the same or similar purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all subsequent adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the description. 
     The Abstract of the Disclosure is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together or described in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter may be directed to less than all of the features of any of the disclosed embodiments. Thus, the following claims are incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as defining separately claimed subject matter. 
     The above-disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, and not restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiments, which fall within the scope of the present invention. Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the scope of the present invention is to be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the following claims and their equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited by the foregoing detailed description.