CA2446852C - Television delivery system - Google Patents
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- CA2446852C CA2446852C CA002446852A CA2446852A CA2446852C CA 2446852 C CA2446852 C CA 2446852C CA 002446852 A CA002446852 A CA 002446852A CA 2446852 A CA2446852 A CA 2446852A CA 2446852 C CA2446852 C CA 2446852C
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Abstract
A system for delivering broadcast television over the Internet Protocol is described. A broadcast provider obtains television signals from traditional sources such as satellite or cable and encodes the signals for delivery to a subscriber/user over an IP enabled broadband network. An IP multicast protocol is used for conventional TV programming and near video on demand movie selections. An IP unicas protocol is used for video on demand services. A user/subscriber has a television/set top box or a PC with appropriate software to decode the IP format for program viewing. An interactive electronic program guide, viewable on the subscriber's monitor, provides the subscriber with access to a range of viewing features and system management functions.
Description
TELEVISION DELIVERY SYSTEM
This is a divisional application of Canadian Patent Application Serial No. 2,334,203 filed Tune 3, 1999.
TPChnic~~l FieZ.d This invention relates generally to a delivery sy:sLem io~r digital television and more particularly to a system and method ~cr the delivery and end to end management of inte~~active television and integrated Web sevzvices.
Bar. kgz-mind Art Witx: tae proliferation of TV broadcast providers delivering reguiaz- programming as well as specialty services, such as pay per view and first run movies, TV viewers are frequently faced with scheduling problems in order to vie~~~ their favorite programs. The scheduling problem is even more severe in a typical 1-v~ousehold having one television with several potential viewers each having tlze:ir own viewing 0 preferences.
Tv broadcasts are currently delivered though service providers such as cable companies, and satellite operators and, of course, direct broadcast reception via traditional antennas and rabbit ears. Conventional cable service requires the installation of a dedicated cable to the subscriber's residence. Satellite broadcast service requires that the user have a satellite dish located on or somewhere close to their residence. Antennas and rabbit ears are 30 generally limited to the reception of local programming.
Additionally, prograrl delivery via all of these services is at the convenience o1: the service provider or broadcaster and, hence, the user or subscriber must arrange his or her schedule to coincide with program availability.
It is well l~:nown thav~ the purchase of personal computers by homeowners has increased dramatically in recent years.
Typically, these computers are used for word processing, accour_ting and other record keeping purposes. Most of these computers also have modems for connection to the Internet through an Internet Service Provider utilizing conventional telephone service. Frequently, however, these rradems have a low baud rate that m,ar;.es downloading of information, t0 particularly graphics, unacceptable.
D~.sc~~osure of the Invention In view of the foregoing there is a requirement to provide an improved method of delivering broadcast television a.nd providing Internet access to subscribers of such services.
The present invention relates to a system that provides the hardware and the necessary software for a broadcast provider, u.Thich may be a telephone company, to offer a wide 20 range of managed broadcast television services to consumers.
In accordance with various aspects of the invention these services include: end to end network administration;
Interactive Program Guide (IPG) functionality offering self-serve pay-per-view, ~Tideo on demand and Internet access;
customer profile management; billing and payment capabilities; consumer arranged service options; channel packaging; user activity collection; statistics and reporting; video games; basic television; and VCR
functionality including self-serve viewing of previously 30 broadcast programs.
Through the present invention broadcast providers such as telephone companies are afforded the opportunity to compete successfully in the b~_oadcast TV marJtet . With the combination of high speed, TP capable technologies, (for example, ATM, xDSL, NtI?EG-1 and MPEG-2, and IP-Multicasting;
tied together v~ith the systems of the present invention telephone companies no longer need to want Lar Lutu~:e.
technalogy solutions.
Therefore in accordance with a first aspect of the invent10I1 there is provided a s~rstem for the delivery of broadcast television from a broadcast provider Lo a subscriber via t:
Internet Protocol (IPj, the system comprising: means at the broadcast provider's location for_ retrieving broadcast television signals; means at the broadcast provider's location fo~~ conf:igu?-:ing the television :~ignal.~~ into IP
format for transmission over a broadband backbone networ't;
and a management sysi~;~m for managing ~ subscriber's access to the television signals.
In a preferred embodiment the system e-mploys an interactive program guide (TPG} that offers a sub~cr~.ber access to multiple scheduling and servicing functions including browsing and searching using a menu driven, 'point and click' process.
Further, the system contemplates the use of an IP Multicast protocol for TV broadcast and near video on demand services.
Additionally, an IP Unicast protocol may be used for video on demand service.
Significantly, all of these features are delivered via IP
and ATM technologies using a single point of access rather than a combination of delivery systems such as satellite and cable.
J
The present system makes use of a decoder at the subscriber's location. to convert the IP format into a form fer viewing on a television or computer monitor. The decoder for a television is incorporated into a set top bo}:
associated with the T'V ~~lhile the decoder for the computer monitor will typically be installed in the PC.
The management aspects of the invention result in the :0 ab~~.lity to remotely manage client devices (for example set top boxes) at the sutbscriber's locat~OIl. Such management include~~ remote diagnostics and notification of data updates.
In accord~:nce with a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of delivering TV broadcast from a broadcast provider tc a subscriber over a broadband, IP
enabled neturork. The method comprises: obtaining broadcast TV signals for the broadcast provider; converting the 20 broadcast signals to IP format; transmitting the converted signals over the network; and providing a management function to manage a subscriber's access to broadcast signals .
In a preferred embodiment the converted signals are in a MPEG encoded format.
Brief Descriz~tion of the Drawings 30 The invention will now be described in greater detail with reverence to the atta=shed drawings wherein:
Figure 1 is a high level diagram of a video broadcast system in accordance with one aspect of the present invention;
Figua.-e 2 is a more detailed diagram of the system of Figure z;
Figure 3 is an architectural block diagram of network elements;
:=iguz-e ~' illustrate the operational aspects of the Digital TV Manager;
Figure 5 is a layered diagram illustrating t;he rel~~tionshio of system components;
Figure 6 is a depiction of one example of an interactive program guide (IPG);
Figure 7 illustrates an exemplary information banner appearing in the IPG;
Figure 8 illustrates an alternative IPG;
Figure 9 is a block diagram of. the pant TV c~onccpt according to one aspect of the invention; and Figure ?0 illustrates a system for concurrent transmis~ior.
of P~IPEG-1 and MPEG-2 encoded signals.
F~est Mode for. Car_r.~ririg out the Ynvention Figure 1 is a high level diagram of the basic elements of a video delivery system. Video source 12 retrieves signals for broadcast from various sources such as satellites. These signals are delivered to a videowencoder l4 via NTSC (PAL, SECAM) video signals where they are converted to an IP
Multicast form and subsectuently sent out by a service provider 1G over a broadcast network to a Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer (DSLAM) 18 vrhich might be located in a telephone company central office. The IP i~Iulticast signal from the DSLAM 18 is delivered to a subscribers residence over an xDSL link sur_h as an Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) where it is received by an F~SL modem 20 and delivered to a client server such as a Set Top Box (STB) 22.
FiQUre 2 is a slightly more detailed representation of. the bask concept of the present invention. As shourn the video source 12 is a satellite located at head-end 24, which may be operated 1~j~ a bro~udcast provide, such as a telephone company or other service provider. Head end 2~ interfaces with a broadband netcao~-k 26 through a IP multicast muter 23. As noted the broadband network is IP compatible (for example, IP Multicast) and has sufficient bandvridth capacity ;0 to transport encoded video signals. A subscriber to the broadcast service has access to the network via a broadband link: such as a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), for example Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL), Hybrid Fiber Coax (HFC) Fiber to the Curb (FTTC) or wireless service such as Local Multipoint Distribution System (LMDS}. ADSL is of particular significance because it allows a broadcast provider to deliver programming to residential communities over existing copper wire without having to delay introduction of the services until the ether access 20 technologies become widely available.
The subscriber can access the TV broadcast with either a computer 30 having an associated CPU or a television 32 with a set top bor: 22. The set top box 22 in this implementation includes decoding circuitry for decoding MPEG-1 and/or MPEG-
This is a divisional application of Canadian Patent Application Serial No. 2,334,203 filed Tune 3, 1999.
TPChnic~~l FieZ.d This invention relates generally to a delivery sy:sLem io~r digital television and more particularly to a system and method ~cr the delivery and end to end management of inte~~active television and integrated Web sevzvices.
Bar. kgz-mind Art Witx: tae proliferation of TV broadcast providers delivering reguiaz- programming as well as specialty services, such as pay per view and first run movies, TV viewers are frequently faced with scheduling problems in order to vie~~~ their favorite programs. The scheduling problem is even more severe in a typical 1-v~ousehold having one television with several potential viewers each having tlze:ir own viewing 0 preferences.
Tv broadcasts are currently delivered though service providers such as cable companies, and satellite operators and, of course, direct broadcast reception via traditional antennas and rabbit ears. Conventional cable service requires the installation of a dedicated cable to the subscriber's residence. Satellite broadcast service requires that the user have a satellite dish located on or somewhere close to their residence. Antennas and rabbit ears are 30 generally limited to the reception of local programming.
Additionally, prograrl delivery via all of these services is at the convenience o1: the service provider or broadcaster and, hence, the user or subscriber must arrange his or her schedule to coincide with program availability.
It is well l~:nown thav~ the purchase of personal computers by homeowners has increased dramatically in recent years.
Typically, these computers are used for word processing, accour_ting and other record keeping purposes. Most of these computers also have modems for connection to the Internet through an Internet Service Provider utilizing conventional telephone service. Frequently, however, these rradems have a low baud rate that m,ar;.es downloading of information, t0 particularly graphics, unacceptable.
D~.sc~~osure of the Invention In view of the foregoing there is a requirement to provide an improved method of delivering broadcast television a.nd providing Internet access to subscribers of such services.
The present invention relates to a system that provides the hardware and the necessary software for a broadcast provider, u.Thich may be a telephone company, to offer a wide 20 range of managed broadcast television services to consumers.
In accordance with various aspects of the invention these services include: end to end network administration;
Interactive Program Guide (IPG) functionality offering self-serve pay-per-view, ~Tideo on demand and Internet access;
customer profile management; billing and payment capabilities; consumer arranged service options; channel packaging; user activity collection; statistics and reporting; video games; basic television; and VCR
functionality including self-serve viewing of previously 30 broadcast programs.
Through the present invention broadcast providers such as telephone companies are afforded the opportunity to compete successfully in the b~_oadcast TV marJtet . With the combination of high speed, TP capable technologies, (for example, ATM, xDSL, NtI?EG-1 and MPEG-2, and IP-Multicasting;
tied together v~ith the systems of the present invention telephone companies no longer need to want Lar Lutu~:e.
technalogy solutions.
Therefore in accordance with a first aspect of the invent10I1 there is provided a s~rstem for the delivery of broadcast television from a broadcast provider Lo a subscriber via t:
Internet Protocol (IPj, the system comprising: means at the broadcast provider's location for_ retrieving broadcast television signals; means at the broadcast provider's location fo~~ conf:igu?-:ing the television :~ignal.~~ into IP
format for transmission over a broadband backbone networ't;
and a management sysi~;~m for managing ~ subscriber's access to the television signals.
In a preferred embodiment the system e-mploys an interactive program guide (TPG} that offers a sub~cr~.ber access to multiple scheduling and servicing functions including browsing and searching using a menu driven, 'point and click' process.
Further, the system contemplates the use of an IP Multicast protocol for TV broadcast and near video on demand services.
Additionally, an IP Unicast protocol may be used for video on demand service.
Significantly, all of these features are delivered via IP
and ATM technologies using a single point of access rather than a combination of delivery systems such as satellite and cable.
J
The present system makes use of a decoder at the subscriber's location. to convert the IP format into a form fer viewing on a television or computer monitor. The decoder for a television is incorporated into a set top bo}:
associated with the T'V ~~lhile the decoder for the computer monitor will typically be installed in the PC.
The management aspects of the invention result in the :0 ab~~.lity to remotely manage client devices (for example set top boxes) at the sutbscriber's locat~OIl. Such management include~~ remote diagnostics and notification of data updates.
In accord~:nce with a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of delivering TV broadcast from a broadcast provider tc a subscriber over a broadband, IP
enabled neturork. The method comprises: obtaining broadcast TV signals for the broadcast provider; converting the 20 broadcast signals to IP format; transmitting the converted signals over the network; and providing a management function to manage a subscriber's access to broadcast signals .
In a preferred embodiment the converted signals are in a MPEG encoded format.
Brief Descriz~tion of the Drawings 30 The invention will now be described in greater detail with reverence to the atta=shed drawings wherein:
Figure 1 is a high level diagram of a video broadcast system in accordance with one aspect of the present invention;
Figua.-e 2 is a more detailed diagram of the system of Figure z;
Figure 3 is an architectural block diagram of network elements;
:=iguz-e ~' illustrate the operational aspects of the Digital TV Manager;
Figure 5 is a layered diagram illustrating t;he rel~~tionshio of system components;
Figure 6 is a depiction of one example of an interactive program guide (IPG);
Figure 7 illustrates an exemplary information banner appearing in the IPG;
Figure 8 illustrates an alternative IPG;
Figure 9 is a block diagram of. the pant TV c~onccpt according to one aspect of the invention; and Figure ?0 illustrates a system for concurrent transmis~ior.
of P~IPEG-1 and MPEG-2 encoded signals.
F~est Mode for. Car_r.~ririg out the Ynvention Figure 1 is a high level diagram of the basic elements of a video delivery system. Video source 12 retrieves signals for broadcast from various sources such as satellites. These signals are delivered to a videowencoder l4 via NTSC (PAL, SECAM) video signals where they are converted to an IP
Multicast form and subsectuently sent out by a service provider 1G over a broadcast network to a Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer (DSLAM) 18 vrhich might be located in a telephone company central office. The IP i~Iulticast signal from the DSLAM 18 is delivered to a subscribers residence over an xDSL link sur_h as an Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) where it is received by an F~SL modem 20 and delivered to a client server such as a Set Top Box (STB) 22.
FiQUre 2 is a slightly more detailed representation of. the bask concept of the present invention. As shourn the video source 12 is a satellite located at head-end 24, which may be operated 1~j~ a bro~udcast provide, such as a telephone company or other service provider. Head end 2~ interfaces with a broadband netcao~-k 26 through a IP multicast muter 23. As noted the broadband network is IP compatible (for example, IP Multicast) and has sufficient bandvridth capacity ;0 to transport encoded video signals. A subscriber to the broadcast service has access to the network via a broadband link: such as a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), for example Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL), Hybrid Fiber Coax (HFC) Fiber to the Curb (FTTC) or wireless service such as Local Multipoint Distribution System (LMDS}. ADSL is of particular significance because it allows a broadcast provider to deliver programming to residential communities over existing copper wire without having to delay introduction of the services until the ether access 20 technologies become widely available.
The subscriber can access the TV broadcast with either a computer 30 having an associated CPU or a television 32 with a set top bor: 22. The set top box 22 in this implementation includes decoding circuitry for decoding MPEG-1 and/or MPEG-
2 as well as IP Multic ast. The computer 30 may be equipped with an appropriate MhEG card or appropriate software if the broadcast is to be viewed or, a computer rnonit~or. Set top box 22 may be activated by an interface unit such as a lcey board 30 or remote device 23.
The broadcast provider as shown in Figures 1 and 2 is able to access television broadcast signals from various sources such as satellite l2, off-air broadcast or a storage medium providing movies or tl~ie like. The service prov~.der encodes the broadcast signal OMPEG) and makes it available tc service subscr fibers through the broadband net.worl: 2G usincr the InterT~et protocol.
Also shown in Figure 2 is the Digital TV Manager (DTVM) 40 that provides end to e:nd n;anagement of service= and resources of the integrated broadcast delivery system. D'iVM
40 is linked to the ne:tworh. 2~ via a transport muter X12.
Figure 3 shows in greater detail the architectL:ral configuration including the home or customer equipment, the broadband IP networ)> and services and the DT~-'M services. In Figure 3 a second aspect of the deliverable a>ervices, i.e.
Internet access is shown.
For standard broadcast. signals and pay per vievt (PPV) or near video on demand (NVOD) services a multicast IP protocol 2o is used in order to make efficient use of bandc~,ridth. ~v"ith this protocol numerous subscribers can have access to a program at the same time. For true video on demand service, however a unicast IP protocol is used.
Figure 3 illustrates ~n block diagram format the various elements of a broadcast delivery system according to the invention. As shown, t:he home appliance sect~~.on includes a personal computer 30 and TV with set top boy 22. Access to the network is through a xDSL access element sucO as a~~ ADSL
30 Transmission Unit (ATIJ) 20. The broadband IP Network and Services section includes access muter 18 and the transport network 'cloud° 26. The transport network 2~ has access to the various broadcast features such as Video on Demand (VOD) 50 , Near Video on DE:rnand (NVOD) 52 and e-mail 54 arid Web access through the Ieiternet 56.
The DTVM section 40 contains the multiple service features available to a subscriber of the system. These include but are not limited to ~.lling and reporting, Interactive Program Guide (IPG) access, connection and channel packaging sertrice a:~d informati.on banner service.
Figure 4 is an operational view of the system shown in Figure 3. The Digital Subscriber Lire Access Multiplexes (DS'~AM) I~ at the edge of the high speed TP network is a network device which may be located at a telephone company central office. The DSLA_M enables a telephone company to provide subscribers with xDSL, such as ADSL, technology and to connect the subscriber to a Last bac'..bone such as an ATM
net~raork. The ATM network routes the various broadcast services, previously mentioned, to the DSL~AM which, in turn makes them accessible to subscribers via their computer 30 and/or set top box 22.
Figure 5 shows in a layer format the relationship between service and resource providers respecting the overall TV
broadcast delivery Lystem. At the bottom layer (layer 1) are the equipment and appliance suppliers such as set top box and computer suppliers, etc. The second layer (layer 2) represents the service provider such as a Telco who make available the IP and other protocols necessary to transport the services and features between the provider and subscr fiber . The thixd layer ( layer 3 ) ir~c 1 udes the functionality of the DTVM according to the present invention. As indicated these include Customer and Admin s services, Reporting and Billing services and IPG and Browses clients.
The DTVM allows Service Providers such as Telcos to offer az:
alte~~native to cable TV as presently Jczzown. '.Chzwyh the L7'('VM
interactive TV carp be integrated with Web Browsing, Web-based mail, VOD and pay per view services. Customized services including self-subscription is offered through the IPG. The IPG has access to TV program scheduling information such as TVGuide and mai:es this information available in' electronic form for use by the subscriber. The IPG also provides access to VGh, NVOD, Internet programming as well as video and audio coz~ter~t . The subscriber successes the IPG
through the set top,bo~~: or through the computer software. In the set top box. implernentation some memory may be available locally for storing specific information, or alternatively, the entire IPG is maintained in the network. The subscriber typically has a remote control or keyboard for interfacing with the IPG displayed on the television or computer ?o monitor. Scheduling information may be in a arid format o:.-in time slot form as vaill be discussed later. In any event the interactive nature of the IPG gives a subscriber control over many aspects of t:he broadcast system. Ef:amples of IPG
format and functional=_ty are shown in Figures 6, 7 and 8.
The DTVM in car_junction with IPG provides a subscriber with the ability to channel_ browse for TV program: and Web sites.
A seven day channel l~tneup with scheduled automatic refresh is provided. The IPG client softT,aare is automatically updated by the system at regular intervals. Figure 6 shows 30 one example of an IPG menu showing channel, time and schedule content information. Clicking on a highlighted selection displays a brief information banner with relevant data concerning program content and time remaining. This banner can be expanded as shown in Figure 7 to provide more detail if available. Figure 8 illustrates a second example of an IPG including a program detail banner containing information representing a highlighted channel.
As stated above the IPG is client software that operates in, for example, both a windows and set top environment and provides a link to the client MPEG-1/MPEG-2 decoder and the client conditional access module. This software also t0 provides the user with access to all broadcast content on the broadband multicast IP network as well as supporting services (i.e. subscription management).
Looking at Figure 5., the IPG data delivery block 60 relates to server software which provides the broadcast content schedules, previously mentioned, to the client IPG software based on the broadcast; provider, customer location and customer profile. The server softc~aare has the responsibility to extract broadcast content schedules from various existing 2o data sources.
The live MPEG encoder 62 is a component which provides real-time MPEG--1 or MPEG-2 encoding. It encodes analog video and audio inputs to produce MPEG-i system at MPEG-2, Transport Streams for delivery via an IP multicast network.
The Banner Server 64 is server software 'which will provide scheduled ad insertion into the client IPG bG.sed on time of day, broadcast provider, the customer location and customer_ 30 profile.
The Near Videe-on-Demand (N~IOD) Server 66 is a component that provides scheduled managed delivery of pre-z-ecorded material via an IP multicast network.
'The Customer profile rr,anagement systern/subscript;.on management system 68 His software to store and track customer preferences, usage patterns, billing status, mailing addresses, client devices, service subscription, etc. It also provides the cor« data for many of the others components.
The Notifier and Indica;_ar block 70 is softcaar;~ that gives the system the abilit;r co script, send and displ~:y on the client server notices and messages such as calling ID and messages waiting.
The Video-on-Demand (VOD) Server 72 is a componer_t which will provide the client access to VOD playback using interactive VCR controls for optimal contro l It provides all the tools necessa~.-y to store, manage and deliver real-time, full-screen video and audio content.
A Conditional Access System (not shown) cons__sts of both a source and destination module and is responsible for the encryption, as necessary, of data between the source and destination to protect: copyrights.
The consumer Services section 80 includes such functionality as conr_ection services, self ordering services and provisioning.
Administration services section 82 includes the importation of IPG data on a scheduled basis. Channel packaging which provides a consumex- with the ability to manage their subscription (including self-service; system is a user interface to allow the end user to viectr add and delete channels from their service subscription and check their usage and pav bills.
The Report anti Billing Service system 8« provides integrated lc) billing and repo~~ting services which enables a subscriber to dynamically monitor service usage ardd to .'peep track of service costs on a self-serve b~isis.
The Database block.8~ represents software to provide ar_ information database of broadcast content unique to the broadcast dist:ributio.n system provider t:o feed the IPG
database.
The Operational Servi~::es compor_ent or Errd to Dnd network.
20 management system 88 :has management softv~are to integrate the control of all the broadcast distribution system components into a networked management framework, including quality of service management and usage collection.
The interactive nature of the services provided by the broadcast s~rstem of t:ne present invention gi~Jes a subscriber considerably more options as to what programs may be watched and when they may be ~;ri~wed. Figure 6 provides an elementary e::ample ot= an interac'~ive broadcast schedule. As shoum, .0 program listings for a range of TV channels for a particular time period i~ given. R~ith a listing such as this displayed on a TV monitor a vio~~rer can scan the list, click on a desired program and the television will tune in to selected channel. Figure F3 illustrates another version of a program guide l~::oum as a preview IPG according to the present invention, Electronic program guides per se are IiIlOWli and it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that a form of chart best suited for the viewer's purpose can be~~ de~~~~.~~rled.
The following description identifies some of the feauures available through the system of the present invention.
I0 The system includes all the necessary software fo?- a broadcast provider to offer broadcast television over Internet Protocol (IP), including IP multicast anc3 unicast, which allo~.~ channel browsing by selecting IP multicast streams. IP multicast is characterized by the sending out of data to distributed servers on a multicast backbor~c network.
For large amounts of data (including video transmissions), IP multicast is more efficient than normal Internet unicast transmissions because the server can broadcast a message to many recipients simultaneously. Unlike traditional Internet 20 traffic that requires separate connections v~or each source-destination pair, TP multicasting allours many recipients to share the same source. This means that just one set of packets is transmitted for all the destinations.
The system has the aaility to broadcast television digital signals over existing copper wire (DSL tecr~nologies), or any other broadband IP enabled network including LMDS and Hybrid Fiber Coax (HFC). According to the present invention tl;e system has the ability to script, send and displ,~r messages 3o to a client device screen in real time. Me:chanismN used to accomplish this include IP multicast and/or SNMP. Messages may include icons that relate to the message available to be viewed. The user can press a key on a remote device to retrieve the corresponding message via SNMP or Unicast. The messages can include, for example, calling line ID
notifications and message waiting indicators.
With this system the automatic service provisioning of a television channel online is possible. This eliminates the need for se~-~~ice pro,rider or Telco trucl~a to go to the consumer' ~ locat20T: 'to add or remove near channel oftcrings .
The systerr~ allows consumers to change channel/i-ackage information online without the need for equipment and/or personnel's physical presence to be dispatched to a cor_sumer~s home to connect or disconnect the appropriate channels. Additionally, the DTVM allows management, remotely, of the client devices including the ability to query and reset key indicators such as system Health indicators, e.g. MPE:~ diagnosis, application and network status, e.g. current viewed channel, current NFS server, and re-initialize the client device. This may be accomplished by, for example, a SNMP protocol. Further, the DVTM offers ?0 the ability to remotely inform the client device (e. g. STE) that new data and/ar software is available and should be retrieved. This may be accomplished by, for example, IP
multicast and/or SNMP.
household consumers are able to self-service their accounts, add and remove channels, view and/or pay broadcast provider's real-time and end-of-period bill summaries online.
3U The interactive electronic program guide allows access to such enhanced video features as Video on Demand (VOD) or Near Video on Demand (N'VOD). VOD is an umbrella term for a wide set of technologies that enables individuals to select 1~
videos from a central server for viewing on a television. or computer screen. Additionally, the system affords a service provident to make available games on demand. 'This service is simila r to vOD wherein Nintendo-type games are available fc~
access by subscribers. A consumer can choose a game L~rmn tia:v IPG or using a Web user interface. A subscriber is charged per game/time played.
It is also within the scope of the invention for a service provider to assign a URL to a channel mut:vber. A URL is an address used co enable an Internet browser program to find a particular Internet resource. Using this feature a subscriber could view a URL channel on t'ne IPG slinllar to a video channel. Customers would be able to scan through URL
channels and select a desired URL by entering the associated numbers from the remote device in the same way as video channels are selected. Going through a URL channel would switch the client device (STB, for example) to a web browser and thereby access a selected web page. In the same way the system can alloy for channel hotlinks. While watching a program or vahen a program is highlighted on the IPG, tllE' user can operate a remote entry device to activate a transfer to a dynamic web page. The web page could disp:Lay, for example, information on the program, on the channel, or on the subject matter currently being shown. The system could also provide links to related topics.
The system acts as a virtual VCR, with the ability to schedule, record and playback various programs in the network. It is anticipated that one or more server's in the network will maintain a recording of recently aired programs for access by a user at some finite time after the program was initially shown. Thus the system acts as a backup video IS
source, enabling a viewer to retrieve previously aired programs for viewing at their choice of times. Tn the PC
i:r:plementation the PC. hard drive can optionally serve as a storage medium for pz-eviously aired programs. The system v~iil also ~zl?.ow a cu~~tome?- to view a list of programs recorded, watch one of the programs from the list, set up the system to remoteZ.y record programming on a networ)~
storage device either in real time or in advance. A Remote storage device and associated software effectively records to only one copy of a tagged program far access by multiple users later. ~igure 9 shows the past TV and network VCR
aspects of tl~c invention. Past TV uses one or more video servers 90 in the network that continuously stores the iP
Multicast TV content from a number of previous days (the number is application specific). The stored data is indexed and made available via the HTML based IPG through the STB.
Netvlork VCR uses the video server 90 to provide a subscriber with all the feature; of a VCR plus random access. The server 90 stores the multiple programs from the IP mult:icast 20 TV content, indexes them and makes them available to the subscriber va the IPG.
The system acts as an intelligent agent providing the ability to rEmind a viewer of an upcoming program, enabling recommendations by the system to consumers about program content bases on usez~ criteria, system gathered data, and/or an outside source, such as TV Guide, movie critics, etc.
Ti~~~ system w:.11 also allow the multicast backbone network to 30 activate a t~~levisior.. set or a VCR. With this feature, a subscriber i:: able to have the television turn on at a predetermines: time as well as set the VCR to record a program at th.e same time or another pre-selected time.
lG
With the broadcast system of the present. invention a viewer or subsc.~-iber will have the ability to persona~.ize or customi:::~' channel selection, for example, create a list of favorite programs. Through this feature ~~ viewc.~r can scan the interactive broadcast schedule, select favorite programs for a viewing interva:L and have the television automatically switch to those channels at the appropriate tinv,es.
Virtual recording allows the viewer to "record"/store ~:
program for viewing at a later time. In addition to this recording feature the system also gives a vie~~~er a one touc':
search feature. Though this feature a viewer c:_~n configure the system with certain searching criteria suci~ as program theme, by actor, by program/movie title, etc a~~d with the one step searching feature retrieve the requested programming information from the IPG.
The viewer is also provided with the ability to view a program's video trailer from the electronic program guide when a viewer "clicks on"/selects that program.
The household consumer is given the ability th:.'ough the interactive nature of the system to choose fr.o~n differenl~
payment options for the programs selected for viewing, such as a channel subscription or pay-per-view (PPVj. This means that a user can purchase a pay-per-view event in real tune in a self-serve mannez-. A PPV event is determined using data sent and stored on the: client device. Typically, before a user can view the PPV programming, he/she baill be required to confirm the purcha:~e of the event. This will normally involve the set up of a purchase password that reauires the user to enter the correct password to purchase the PPV event and view the event at its scheduled time.
The nrovidcr is also able to provide concurrent transmission of each channel via MPEG-2 and P~IPEG-1 to allow fall bacJc when access bandwidth becomes impaired or client does not support MP)JG-2.. This, in effect, is a backup system if failure occurs on the main transmission facilitv. The ability to r~scognize the failure of a delivered video signal t0 and switch to an alternate signal is based on a configurable algo7-ithm. This increases the level of broadcast availability in the event of a loop (e. g. xDSL) impairment, encoder fai 1 ure, or facility/network failure. This a 1 so allo~~:s for multiple. scat-tops in a single home to negotiate fo~w best available video. This is shown in Figure 1C.
Th-a system or the invention permits transcoding of satellite transmission directly to IP multicast MPEG. This takes existing digital transmissions from a satellite and 20 reprocesses them for delivery on an TP Multicast delivery system. The advantages of this are that it lowers the cost of head-end equipment (satellite dish, etc.) by replacing the encoder ~:Jith a transcoder, and it also maximizes the quality of the signal being delivered from a digital signal source at thn head-end.. It is only digitized once, and remains that way. At the broadcast provider location a split/distributed head-end (signal from satellite) car_ also be employed to optimize transport facility cost.
.0 One of the significant features of the present invention is that a viewer is able to see their household's viewing history logs; household repeats (programs that are viewed regularly, or programs that have been seen before, for example). This, obviously, provides a parent the means to determine the amount of television being viewed by children and whether the programs watched are suitable.
The system also provided for sti 11-picture channel brow~ir~y by the viewer wizen avail able. This means that a viewer ~~.~il~
be able to see a still "view's of a program listed in the electronic program guide.
1o Other features provided by the invention include Multicast download where information required to. boot a network dE:vice to a multicast group is constantly delivered b~ a network server. The DHCP server is configured to rcturtw: the multicast address and port as parameters in a L~OOTP
response. The network device is programmed to join the multicast group and download a bootstrap progr~im to local memory and boot from 'she local memory rather tinan across tl:e network. Also, the system can provide a multicast filesystem wherein a server constantly delivers a read-only filesysterl 2o to a multicast group. A network device is prog~.-ammed to access the filesystem by joining the multicast group and waiting until the requested file appears. Encryption is used for security and compression is used to minimize bandwidth.
Since multicast UDP may lose packets, the multicast group is rejoined and holes in the files are filled if holes exist.
Industrial Appl~.cabili~
In summary, thisinvention is applicable to technologies 30 such as xDSL, MPEG-2, MPEG-1, Internet Protocc:' (IP), including IP multicast and unicast existing copper plant, or any other broadband IP-enabled network including LMDS and EFC. The system will work with a personal computer or with a television set in conjunction with a set-top box and a remote control/keyboard. The system allows broadcast provida~z-s to delive,- broadcast television and Internee access to subscribers over, for example, existing copper access lines, utilizing the Internet protocol.
While pay°ticular emu>odiments of the imVention have been descr,~.bed and illustrated it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that numerous alternatives and variation can be to implemented. It is to be understood, however, that such alternatives and variations will fall within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
The broadcast provider as shown in Figures 1 and 2 is able to access television broadcast signals from various sources such as satellite l2, off-air broadcast or a storage medium providing movies or tl~ie like. The service prov~.der encodes the broadcast signal OMPEG) and makes it available tc service subscr fibers through the broadband net.worl: 2G usincr the InterT~et protocol.
Also shown in Figure 2 is the Digital TV Manager (DTVM) 40 that provides end to e:nd n;anagement of service= and resources of the integrated broadcast delivery system. D'iVM
40 is linked to the ne:tworh. 2~ via a transport muter X12.
Figure 3 shows in greater detail the architectL:ral configuration including the home or customer equipment, the broadband IP networ)> and services and the DT~-'M services. In Figure 3 a second aspect of the deliverable a>ervices, i.e.
Internet access is shown.
For standard broadcast. signals and pay per vievt (PPV) or near video on demand (NVOD) services a multicast IP protocol 2o is used in order to make efficient use of bandc~,ridth. ~v"ith this protocol numerous subscribers can have access to a program at the same time. For true video on demand service, however a unicast IP protocol is used.
Figure 3 illustrates ~n block diagram format the various elements of a broadcast delivery system according to the invention. As shown, t:he home appliance sect~~.on includes a personal computer 30 and TV with set top boy 22. Access to the network is through a xDSL access element sucO as a~~ ADSL
30 Transmission Unit (ATIJ) 20. The broadband IP Network and Services section includes access muter 18 and the transport network 'cloud° 26. The transport network 2~ has access to the various broadcast features such as Video on Demand (VOD) 50 , Near Video on DE:rnand (NVOD) 52 and e-mail 54 arid Web access through the Ieiternet 56.
The DTVM section 40 contains the multiple service features available to a subscriber of the system. These include but are not limited to ~.lling and reporting, Interactive Program Guide (IPG) access, connection and channel packaging sertrice a:~d informati.on banner service.
Figure 4 is an operational view of the system shown in Figure 3. The Digital Subscriber Lire Access Multiplexes (DS'~AM) I~ at the edge of the high speed TP network is a network device which may be located at a telephone company central office. The DSLA_M enables a telephone company to provide subscribers with xDSL, such as ADSL, technology and to connect the subscriber to a Last bac'..bone such as an ATM
net~raork. The ATM network routes the various broadcast services, previously mentioned, to the DSL~AM which, in turn makes them accessible to subscribers via their computer 30 and/or set top box 22.
Figure 5 shows in a layer format the relationship between service and resource providers respecting the overall TV
broadcast delivery Lystem. At the bottom layer (layer 1) are the equipment and appliance suppliers such as set top box and computer suppliers, etc. The second layer (layer 2) represents the service provider such as a Telco who make available the IP and other protocols necessary to transport the services and features between the provider and subscr fiber . The thixd layer ( layer 3 ) ir~c 1 udes the functionality of the DTVM according to the present invention. As indicated these include Customer and Admin s services, Reporting and Billing services and IPG and Browses clients.
The DTVM allows Service Providers such as Telcos to offer az:
alte~~native to cable TV as presently Jczzown. '.Chzwyh the L7'('VM
interactive TV carp be integrated with Web Browsing, Web-based mail, VOD and pay per view services. Customized services including self-subscription is offered through the IPG. The IPG has access to TV program scheduling information such as TVGuide and mai:es this information available in' electronic form for use by the subscriber. The IPG also provides access to VGh, NVOD, Internet programming as well as video and audio coz~ter~t . The subscriber successes the IPG
through the set top,bo~~: or through the computer software. In the set top box. implernentation some memory may be available locally for storing specific information, or alternatively, the entire IPG is maintained in the network. The subscriber typically has a remote control or keyboard for interfacing with the IPG displayed on the television or computer ?o monitor. Scheduling information may be in a arid format o:.-in time slot form as vaill be discussed later. In any event the interactive nature of the IPG gives a subscriber control over many aspects of t:he broadcast system. Ef:amples of IPG
format and functional=_ty are shown in Figures 6, 7 and 8.
The DTVM in car_junction with IPG provides a subscriber with the ability to channel_ browse for TV program: and Web sites.
A seven day channel l~tneup with scheduled automatic refresh is provided. The IPG client softT,aare is automatically updated by the system at regular intervals. Figure 6 shows 30 one example of an IPG menu showing channel, time and schedule content information. Clicking on a highlighted selection displays a brief information banner with relevant data concerning program content and time remaining. This banner can be expanded as shown in Figure 7 to provide more detail if available. Figure 8 illustrates a second example of an IPG including a program detail banner containing information representing a highlighted channel.
As stated above the IPG is client software that operates in, for example, both a windows and set top environment and provides a link to the client MPEG-1/MPEG-2 decoder and the client conditional access module. This software also t0 provides the user with access to all broadcast content on the broadband multicast IP network as well as supporting services (i.e. subscription management).
Looking at Figure 5., the IPG data delivery block 60 relates to server software which provides the broadcast content schedules, previously mentioned, to the client IPG software based on the broadcast; provider, customer location and customer profile. The server softc~aare has the responsibility to extract broadcast content schedules from various existing 2o data sources.
The live MPEG encoder 62 is a component which provides real-time MPEG--1 or MPEG-2 encoding. It encodes analog video and audio inputs to produce MPEG-i system at MPEG-2, Transport Streams for delivery via an IP multicast network.
The Banner Server 64 is server software 'which will provide scheduled ad insertion into the client IPG bG.sed on time of day, broadcast provider, the customer location and customer_ 30 profile.
The Near Videe-on-Demand (N~IOD) Server 66 is a component that provides scheduled managed delivery of pre-z-ecorded material via an IP multicast network.
'The Customer profile rr,anagement systern/subscript;.on management system 68 His software to store and track customer preferences, usage patterns, billing status, mailing addresses, client devices, service subscription, etc. It also provides the cor« data for many of the others components.
The Notifier and Indica;_ar block 70 is softcaar;~ that gives the system the abilit;r co script, send and displ~:y on the client server notices and messages such as calling ID and messages waiting.
The Video-on-Demand (VOD) Server 72 is a componer_t which will provide the client access to VOD playback using interactive VCR controls for optimal contro l It provides all the tools necessa~.-y to store, manage and deliver real-time, full-screen video and audio content.
A Conditional Access System (not shown) cons__sts of both a source and destination module and is responsible for the encryption, as necessary, of data between the source and destination to protect: copyrights.
The consumer Services section 80 includes such functionality as conr_ection services, self ordering services and provisioning.
Administration services section 82 includes the importation of IPG data on a scheduled basis. Channel packaging which provides a consumex- with the ability to manage their subscription (including self-service; system is a user interface to allow the end user to viectr add and delete channels from their service subscription and check their usage and pav bills.
The Report anti Billing Service system 8« provides integrated lc) billing and repo~~ting services which enables a subscriber to dynamically monitor service usage ardd to .'peep track of service costs on a self-serve b~isis.
The Database block.8~ represents software to provide ar_ information database of broadcast content unique to the broadcast dist:ributio.n system provider t:o feed the IPG
database.
The Operational Servi~::es compor_ent or Errd to Dnd network.
20 management system 88 :has management softv~are to integrate the control of all the broadcast distribution system components into a networked management framework, including quality of service management and usage collection.
The interactive nature of the services provided by the broadcast s~rstem of t:ne present invention gi~Jes a subscriber considerably more options as to what programs may be watched and when they may be ~;ri~wed. Figure 6 provides an elementary e::ample ot= an interac'~ive broadcast schedule. As shoum, .0 program listings for a range of TV channels for a particular time period i~ given. R~ith a listing such as this displayed on a TV monitor a vio~~rer can scan the list, click on a desired program and the television will tune in to selected channel. Figure F3 illustrates another version of a program guide l~::oum as a preview IPG according to the present invention, Electronic program guides per se are IiIlOWli and it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that a form of chart best suited for the viewer's purpose can be~~ de~~~~.~~rled.
The following description identifies some of the feauures available through the system of the present invention.
I0 The system includes all the necessary software fo?- a broadcast provider to offer broadcast television over Internet Protocol (IP), including IP multicast anc3 unicast, which allo~.~ channel browsing by selecting IP multicast streams. IP multicast is characterized by the sending out of data to distributed servers on a multicast backbor~c network.
For large amounts of data (including video transmissions), IP multicast is more efficient than normal Internet unicast transmissions because the server can broadcast a message to many recipients simultaneously. Unlike traditional Internet 20 traffic that requires separate connections v~or each source-destination pair, TP multicasting allours many recipients to share the same source. This means that just one set of packets is transmitted for all the destinations.
The system has the aaility to broadcast television digital signals over existing copper wire (DSL tecr~nologies), or any other broadband IP enabled network including LMDS and Hybrid Fiber Coax (HFC). According to the present invention tl;e system has the ability to script, send and displ,~r messages 3o to a client device screen in real time. Me:chanismN used to accomplish this include IP multicast and/or SNMP. Messages may include icons that relate to the message available to be viewed. The user can press a key on a remote device to retrieve the corresponding message via SNMP or Unicast. The messages can include, for example, calling line ID
notifications and message waiting indicators.
With this system the automatic service provisioning of a television channel online is possible. This eliminates the need for se~-~~ice pro,rider or Telco trucl~a to go to the consumer' ~ locat20T: 'to add or remove near channel oftcrings .
The systerr~ allows consumers to change channel/i-ackage information online without the need for equipment and/or personnel's physical presence to be dispatched to a cor_sumer~s home to connect or disconnect the appropriate channels. Additionally, the DTVM allows management, remotely, of the client devices including the ability to query and reset key indicators such as system Health indicators, e.g. MPE:~ diagnosis, application and network status, e.g. current viewed channel, current NFS server, and re-initialize the client device. This may be accomplished by, for example, a SNMP protocol. Further, the DVTM offers ?0 the ability to remotely inform the client device (e. g. STE) that new data and/ar software is available and should be retrieved. This may be accomplished by, for example, IP
multicast and/or SNMP.
household consumers are able to self-service their accounts, add and remove channels, view and/or pay broadcast provider's real-time and end-of-period bill summaries online.
3U The interactive electronic program guide allows access to such enhanced video features as Video on Demand (VOD) or Near Video on Demand (N'VOD). VOD is an umbrella term for a wide set of technologies that enables individuals to select 1~
videos from a central server for viewing on a television. or computer screen. Additionally, the system affords a service provident to make available games on demand. 'This service is simila r to vOD wherein Nintendo-type games are available fc~
access by subscribers. A consumer can choose a game L~rmn tia:v IPG or using a Web user interface. A subscriber is charged per game/time played.
It is also within the scope of the invention for a service provider to assign a URL to a channel mut:vber. A URL is an address used co enable an Internet browser program to find a particular Internet resource. Using this feature a subscriber could view a URL channel on t'ne IPG slinllar to a video channel. Customers would be able to scan through URL
channels and select a desired URL by entering the associated numbers from the remote device in the same way as video channels are selected. Going through a URL channel would switch the client device (STB, for example) to a web browser and thereby access a selected web page. In the same way the system can alloy for channel hotlinks. While watching a program or vahen a program is highlighted on the IPG, tllE' user can operate a remote entry device to activate a transfer to a dynamic web page. The web page could disp:Lay, for example, information on the program, on the channel, or on the subject matter currently being shown. The system could also provide links to related topics.
The system acts as a virtual VCR, with the ability to schedule, record and playback various programs in the network. It is anticipated that one or more server's in the network will maintain a recording of recently aired programs for access by a user at some finite time after the program was initially shown. Thus the system acts as a backup video IS
source, enabling a viewer to retrieve previously aired programs for viewing at their choice of times. Tn the PC
i:r:plementation the PC. hard drive can optionally serve as a storage medium for pz-eviously aired programs. The system v~iil also ~zl?.ow a cu~~tome?- to view a list of programs recorded, watch one of the programs from the list, set up the system to remoteZ.y record programming on a networ)~
storage device either in real time or in advance. A Remote storage device and associated software effectively records to only one copy of a tagged program far access by multiple users later. ~igure 9 shows the past TV and network VCR
aspects of tl~c invention. Past TV uses one or more video servers 90 in the network that continuously stores the iP
Multicast TV content from a number of previous days (the number is application specific). The stored data is indexed and made available via the HTML based IPG through the STB.
Netvlork VCR uses the video server 90 to provide a subscriber with all the feature; of a VCR plus random access. The server 90 stores the multiple programs from the IP mult:icast 20 TV content, indexes them and makes them available to the subscriber va the IPG.
The system acts as an intelligent agent providing the ability to rEmind a viewer of an upcoming program, enabling recommendations by the system to consumers about program content bases on usez~ criteria, system gathered data, and/or an outside source, such as TV Guide, movie critics, etc.
Ti~~~ system w:.11 also allow the multicast backbone network to 30 activate a t~~levisior.. set or a VCR. With this feature, a subscriber i:: able to have the television turn on at a predetermines: time as well as set the VCR to record a program at th.e same time or another pre-selected time.
lG
With the broadcast system of the present. invention a viewer or subsc.~-iber will have the ability to persona~.ize or customi:::~' channel selection, for example, create a list of favorite programs. Through this feature ~~ viewc.~r can scan the interactive broadcast schedule, select favorite programs for a viewing interva:L and have the television automatically switch to those channels at the appropriate tinv,es.
Virtual recording allows the viewer to "record"/store ~:
program for viewing at a later time. In addition to this recording feature the system also gives a vie~~~er a one touc':
search feature. Though this feature a viewer c:_~n configure the system with certain searching criteria suci~ as program theme, by actor, by program/movie title, etc a~~d with the one step searching feature retrieve the requested programming information from the IPG.
The viewer is also provided with the ability to view a program's video trailer from the electronic program guide when a viewer "clicks on"/selects that program.
The household consumer is given the ability th:.'ough the interactive nature of the system to choose fr.o~n differenl~
payment options for the programs selected for viewing, such as a channel subscription or pay-per-view (PPVj. This means that a user can purchase a pay-per-view event in real tune in a self-serve mannez-. A PPV event is determined using data sent and stored on the: client device. Typically, before a user can view the PPV programming, he/she baill be required to confirm the purcha:~e of the event. This will normally involve the set up of a purchase password that reauires the user to enter the correct password to purchase the PPV event and view the event at its scheduled time.
The nrovidcr is also able to provide concurrent transmission of each channel via MPEG-2 and P~IPEG-1 to allow fall bacJc when access bandwidth becomes impaired or client does not support MP)JG-2.. This, in effect, is a backup system if failure occurs on the main transmission facilitv. The ability to r~scognize the failure of a delivered video signal t0 and switch to an alternate signal is based on a configurable algo7-ithm. This increases the level of broadcast availability in the event of a loop (e. g. xDSL) impairment, encoder fai 1 ure, or facility/network failure. This a 1 so allo~~:s for multiple. scat-tops in a single home to negotiate fo~w best available video. This is shown in Figure 1C.
Th-a system or the invention permits transcoding of satellite transmission directly to IP multicast MPEG. This takes existing digital transmissions from a satellite and 20 reprocesses them for delivery on an TP Multicast delivery system. The advantages of this are that it lowers the cost of head-end equipment (satellite dish, etc.) by replacing the encoder ~:Jith a transcoder, and it also maximizes the quality of the signal being delivered from a digital signal source at thn head-end.. It is only digitized once, and remains that way. At the broadcast provider location a split/distributed head-end (signal from satellite) car_ also be employed to optimize transport facility cost.
.0 One of the significant features of the present invention is that a viewer is able to see their household's viewing history logs; household repeats (programs that are viewed regularly, or programs that have been seen before, for example). This, obviously, provides a parent the means to determine the amount of television being viewed by children and whether the programs watched are suitable.
The system also provided for sti 11-picture channel brow~ir~y by the viewer wizen avail able. This means that a viewer ~~.~il~
be able to see a still "view's of a program listed in the electronic program guide.
1o Other features provided by the invention include Multicast download where information required to. boot a network dE:vice to a multicast group is constantly delivered b~ a network server. The DHCP server is configured to rcturtw: the multicast address and port as parameters in a L~OOTP
response. The network device is programmed to join the multicast group and download a bootstrap progr~im to local memory and boot from 'she local memory rather tinan across tl:e network. Also, the system can provide a multicast filesystem wherein a server constantly delivers a read-only filesysterl 2o to a multicast group. A network device is prog~.-ammed to access the filesystem by joining the multicast group and waiting until the requested file appears. Encryption is used for security and compression is used to minimize bandwidth.
Since multicast UDP may lose packets, the multicast group is rejoined and holes in the files are filled if holes exist.
Industrial Appl~.cabili~
In summary, thisinvention is applicable to technologies 30 such as xDSL, MPEG-2, MPEG-1, Internet Protocc:' (IP), including IP multicast and unicast existing copper plant, or any other broadband IP-enabled network including LMDS and EFC. The system will work with a personal computer or with a television set in conjunction with a set-top box and a remote control/keyboard. The system allows broadcast provida~z-s to delive,- broadcast television and Internee access to subscribers over, for example, existing copper access lines, utilizing the Internet protocol.
While pay°ticular emu>odiments of the imVention have been descr,~.bed and illustrated it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that numerous alternatives and variation can be to implemented. It is to be understood, however, that such alternatives and variations will fall within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
Claims (22)
1. A system for the delivery of broadcast television from a broadcast provider to a subscriber via the Internet protocol (IP) said system comprising: means at said broadcast provider's location for retrieving broadcast television signals; means at said broadcast provider's location for configuring said television signals into IP format for transmission over a broadband backbone network; and a management system for managing a subscriber's access to said television signals.
2. A system as defined in claim 1 wherein said IP format is a multicast transmission originating from a single point of access.
3. A system as defined in claim 2 further including conversion means at said subscriber's location for converting said IP multicast into a format for display on a monitor.
4. A system as defined in claim 3 wherein said management system includes an interactive program guide (IPG) containing schedule information relating to programs available for viewing by said subscriber, said schedule being available for display on said monitor.
5. A system as defined in claim 4 wherein said subscriber has means to interface with said IPG displayed on said monitor.
6. A system as defined in claim 5 wherein said means to interface is a remote control or a keyboard.
7. A system as defined in claim 3 having remote diagnostic means for remotely managing said conversion means including; resetting and reinitializing said conversion means and notifying said conversion means of new data or software to be retrieved.
8. A system as defined in claim 5 including means to script, send and display messages in real time on said monitor.
9. A system as defined in claim 8 wherein said messages include calling line identification notifications and message waiting indications.
10. A system as defined in claim 5 wherein said IPG
displays Uniform Resource Locators(URLs) assigned to a channel location.
displays Uniform Resource Locators(URLs) assigned to a channel location.
11. A system as defined in claim 10 wherein selection of one of said URLs provides a subscriber access to a web browser.
12. A system as defined in claim l0 wherein said IPG
includes a background process whereby URLs are attached to broadcast programs such that a subscriber has access to underlying links respecting a viewed program.
includes a background process whereby URLs are attached to broadcast programs such that a subscriber has access to underlying links respecting a viewed program.
13. A system as defined in claim 5 including means to remotely record broadcast programs for access by a subscriber on a self-serve basis.
14. A system as defined in claim 5 including means to record selected broadcast programs and to make said recorded programs available to subscribers on a self-serve basis.
15. A system as defined in claim 5 including subscription management means whereby a subscriber is able to self-manage selection and connection of channel packages.
16. A system as defined in claim 5 including banner service means for insertion of information banners in said IPG.
17. A method of delivering TV broadcast from a broadcast provider to a subscriber over a broadband, IP enabled network, the method comprising: obtaining broadcast TV
signals for said broadcast provider; converting said broadcast signals to IP format; transmitting said converted signals over said network; and providing management means to control a subscriber's access to said signals.
signals for said broadcast provider; converting said broadcast signals to IP format; transmitting said converted signals over said network; and providing management means to control a subscriber's access to said signals.
18. A method as defined in claim 17 further comprising the step of providing an interactive program guide viewable by a subscriber on a subscriber's viewing monitor.
19. A method as defined in claim 18 wherein said subscriber is provided with means to access said interactive program guide in order to implement service related features provided by said service provider.
20. A method as defined in claim 19 wherein said service related features include the ability to self-configure service options.
21. A method as defined in claim 17 wherein boot information is delivered by a server at said broadcast provider location to a client device at said subscriber's location by a multicast protocol.
22. A method as defined in claim 21 wherein encryption and compression are used in said multicast protocol.
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US8813598P | 1998-06-04 | 1998-06-04 | |
| US60/088,135 | 1998-06-04 | ||
| GBGB9812218.7A GB9812218D0 (en) | 1998-06-05 | 1998-06-05 | TV broadcast delivery system |
| GB9812218.7 | 1998-06-05 | ||
| CA002334203A CA2334203C (en) | 1998-06-04 | 1999-06-03 | Television delivery system |
Related Parent Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002334203A Division CA2334203C (en) | 1998-06-04 | 1999-06-03 | Television delivery system |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2446852A1 CA2446852A1 (en) | 1999-12-09 |
| CA2446852C true CA2446852C (en) | 2005-11-01 |
Family
ID=31998300
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002446852A Expired - Fee Related CA2446852C (en) | 1998-06-04 | 1999-06-03 | Television delivery system |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2446852C (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US8352990B2 (en) | 2010-05-10 | 2013-01-08 | Encore Interactive Inc. | Realtime broadcast stream and control data conversion system and method |
Families Citing this family (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6567981B1 (en) | 1998-08-03 | 2003-05-20 | Elysium Broadband Inc. | Audio/video signal redistribution system |
| EP1633144A1 (en) * | 2004-09-06 | 2006-03-08 | Nagra France Sarl | Method for managing condtional access to video streams by a router / DSLAM |
| EP1633143A1 (en) * | 2004-09-06 | 2006-03-08 | Nagra France Sarl | Method for managing conditional access to video streams by a router / DSLAM and router therefor |
-
1999
- 1999-06-03 CA CA002446852A patent/CA2446852C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US8352990B2 (en) | 2010-05-10 | 2013-01-08 | Encore Interactive Inc. | Realtime broadcast stream and control data conversion system and method |
| US8839313B2 (en) | 2010-05-10 | 2014-09-16 | Encore Interactive Inc. | Realtime broadcast stream and control data conversion system and method |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2446852A1 (en) | 1999-12-09 |
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Effective date: 20170605 |