EP1086589A2 - Systeme de distribution de programmes televises - Google Patents

Systeme de distribution de programmes televises

Info

Publication number
EP1086589A2
EP1086589A2 EP99923344A EP99923344A EP1086589A2 EP 1086589 A2 EP1086589 A2 EP 1086589A2 EP 99923344 A EP99923344 A EP 99923344A EP 99923344 A EP99923344 A EP 99923344A EP 1086589 A2 EP1086589 A2 EP 1086589A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
subscriber
broadcast
television
access
ipg
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP99923344A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Allan Cameron
Trenton Pomeroy
David Alston
Sean Higgins
Ian Jones
Darren Swansburg
Jeff Furlong
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Nokia Canada Inc
Original Assignee
ImagicTV Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from GBGB9812218.7A external-priority patent/GB9812218D0/en
Application filed by ImagicTV Inc filed Critical ImagicTV Inc
Priority to EP04010055A priority Critical patent/EP1517559A3/fr
Publication of EP1086589A2 publication Critical patent/EP1086589A2/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/47—End-user applications
    • H04N21/472—End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or services; End-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification, for manipulating displayed content
    • H04N21/47208—End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or services; End-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification, for manipulating displayed content for requesting near-video-on-demand content
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/20—Servers specifically adapted for the distribution of content, e.g. VOD servers; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/23—Processing of content or additional data; Elementary server operations; Server middleware
    • H04N21/234—Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing of video streams or manipulating encoded video stream scene graphs
    • H04N21/2343—Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing of video streams or manipulating encoded video stream scene graphs involving reformatting operations of video signals for distribution or compliance with end-user requests or end-user device requirements
    • H04N21/23439—Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing of video streams or manipulating encoded video stream scene graphs involving reformatting operations of video signals for distribution or compliance with end-user requests or end-user device requirements for generating different versions
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/20—Servers specifically adapted for the distribution of content, e.g. VOD servers; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/23—Processing of content or additional data; Elementary server operations; Server middleware
    • H04N21/235—Processing of additional data, e.g. scrambling of additional data or processing content descriptors
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/20—Servers specifically adapted for the distribution of content, e.g. VOD servers; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/25—Management operations performed by the server for facilitating the content distribution or administrating data related to end-users or client devices, e.g. end-user or client device authentication, learning user preferences for recommending movies
    • H04N21/254—Management at additional data server, e.g. shopping server, rights management server
    • H04N21/2543—Billing, e.g. for subscription services
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/20—Servers specifically adapted for the distribution of content, e.g. VOD servers; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/25—Management operations performed by the server for facilitating the content distribution or administrating data related to end-users or client devices, e.g. end-user or client device authentication, learning user preferences for recommending movies
    • H04N21/258—Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics, processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/20—Servers specifically adapted for the distribution of content, e.g. VOD servers; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/25—Management operations performed by the server for facilitating the content distribution or administrating data related to end-users or client devices, e.g. end-user or client device authentication, learning user preferences for recommending movies
    • H04N21/258—Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics, processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data
    • H04N21/25866—Management of end-user data
    • H04N21/25891—Management of end-user data being end-user preferences
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/20—Servers specifically adapted for the distribution of content, e.g. VOD servers; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/27—Server based end-user applications
    • H04N21/274—Storing end-user multimedia data in response to end-user request, e.g. network recorder
    • H04N21/2747—Remote storage of video programs received via the downstream path, e.g. from the server
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/43—Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronising decoder's clock; Client middleware
    • H04N21/435—Processing of additional data, e.g. decrypting of additional data, reconstructing software from modules extracted from the transport stream
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/47—End-user applications
    • H04N21/482—End-user interface for program selection
    • H04N21/4821—End-user interface for program selection using a grid, e.g. sorted out by channel and broadcast time
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/60—Network structure or processes for video distribution between server and client or between remote clients; Control signalling between clients, server and network components; Transmission of management data between server and client, e.g. sending from server to client commands for recording incoming content stream; Communication details between server and client 
    • H04N21/63—Control signaling related to video distribution between client, server and network components; Network processes for video distribution between server and clients or between remote clients, e.g. transmitting basic layer and enhancement layers over different transmission paths, setting up a peer-to-peer communication via Internet between remote STB's; Communication protocols; Addressing
    • H04N21/64—Addressing
    • H04N21/6405—Multicasting
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/60—Network structure or processes for video distribution between server and client or between remote clients; Control signalling between clients, server and network components; Transmission of management data between server and client, e.g. sending from server to client commands for recording incoming content stream; Communication details between server and client 
    • H04N21/63—Control signaling related to video distribution between client, server and network components; Network processes for video distribution between server and clients or between remote clients, e.g. transmitting basic layer and enhancement layers over different transmission paths, setting up a peer-to-peer communication via Internet between remote STB's; Communication protocols; Addressing
    • H04N21/64—Addressing
    • H04N21/6408—Unicasting
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N7/00—Television systems
    • H04N7/16—Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems
    • H04N7/173—Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems with two-way working, e.g. subscriber sending a programme selection signal
    • H04N7/17309—Transmission or handling of upstream communications

Definitions

  • This invention relates generally to a delivery system for digital television and more particularly to a system and method for the delivery and end to end management of interactive television and integrated Web services.
  • TV broadcasts are currently delivered through 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 generally limited to the reception of local programming.
  • program delivery via all of these services is at the convenience of the service provider or broadcaster and, hence, the user or subscriber must arrange his or her schedule to coincide with program availability.
  • the purchase of personal computers by homeowners has increased dramatically m recent years.
  • these computers are used for word processing, accounting 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 modems have a low baud rate that makes downloading of information, particularly graphics, unacceptable.
  • the present invention relates to a system that provides the hardware and the necessary software for a broadcast provider, which may be a telephone company, to offer a wide range of managed broadcast television services to consumers.
  • these services include: end to end network administration; Interactive Program Guide (IPG) functionality offering self- serve pay-per-view, video 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 broadcast programs .
  • IPG Interactive Program Guide
  • IP capable technologies for example, ATM, xDSL, MPEG-1 and MPEG-2, and IP-Multicasting
  • IP Internet Protocol
  • the system employs an interactive program guide (IPG) that offers a subscriber access to multiple scheduling and servicing functions including browsing and searching using a menu driven, 'point and click' process.
  • IPG interactive program guide
  • IP Multicast protocol for TV broadcast and near video on demand services .
  • IP Unicast protocol may be used for video on demand service.
  • the present system makes use of a decoder at the subscriber's location to convert the IP format into a form for viewing on a television or computer monitor.
  • the decoder for a television is incorporated into a set top box associated with the TV while the decoder for the computer monitor will typically be installed in the PC.
  • the management aspects of the invention result in the ability to remotely manage client devices (for example set top boxes) at the subscriber's location.
  • client devices for example set top boxes
  • Such management includes remote diagnostics and notification of data updates .
  • a method of delivering TV broadcast from a broadcast provider to a subscriber over a broadband, IP enabled network comprises: obtaining broadcast TV signals for the broadcast provider; converting the 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 .
  • the converted signals are in a MPEG encoded format .
  • Figure 1 is a high level diagram of a video broadcast system in accordance with one aspect of the present invention
  • Figure 2 is a more detailed diagram of the system of Figure
  • Figure 3 is an architectural block diagram of network elements
  • FIG. 4 illustrate the operational aspects of the Digital TV Manager
  • Figure 5 is a layered diagram illustrating the relationship of system components
  • Figure 6 is a depiction of one example of an interactive program guide (I G) ;
  • Figure 7 illustrates an exemplary information banner appearing m the IPG
  • FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative IPG
  • Figure 9 is a block diagram of the past TV concept according to on aspect of the invention.
  • Figure 10 illustrates a system for concurrent transmission of MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 encoded signals.
  • FIG. 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 video encoder 14 via NTSC (PAL, SECAM) video signals where they are converted to an IP Multicast form and subsequently sent out by a service provider 16 over a broadcast network to a Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer (DSLAM) 18 which might be located m a telephone company central office.
  • the IP Multicast signal from the DSLAM 18 is delivered to a subscribers residence over an xDSL link such as an Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) where it is received by an ADSL modem 20 and delivered to a client server such as a Set Top Box (STB) 22.
  • ADSL Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line
  • STB Set Top Box
  • FIG. 2 is a slightly more detailed representation of the basic concept of the present invention.
  • the video source 12 is a satellite located at head-end 24, which may be operated by a broadcast provider such as a telephone company or other service provider.
  • Head end 24 interfaces with a broadband network 26 through a IP multicast router 28.
  • the broadband network is IP compatible (for example, IP Multicast) and has sufficient bandwidth capacity 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 other access 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 box 22.
  • the set top box 22 in this implementation includes decoding circuitry for decoding MPEG-1 and/or MPEG- 2 as well as IP Multicast.
  • the computer 30 may be equipped with an appropriate MPEG card or appropriate software if the broadcast is to be viewed on a computer monitor.
  • Set top box 22 may be activated by an interface unit such as a key board 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 12, off-air broadcast or a storage medium providing movies or the like.
  • the service provider encodes the broadcast signal (MPEG) and makes it available to service subscribers through the broadband network 26 using the Internet protocol .
  • MPEG broadcast signal
  • DTVM Digital TV Manager
  • DTVM 40 provides end to end management of services and resources of the integrated broadcast delivery system.
  • DTVM 40 is linked to the network 26 via a transport router 42.
  • Figure 3 shows m greater detail the architectural configuration including the home or customer equipment, the broadband IP network and services and the DTVM services.
  • a second aspect of the deliverable services i.e. Internet access is shown.
  • a multicast IP protocol is used in order to make efficient use of bandwidth. With 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.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates in block diagram format the various elements of a broadcast delivery system according to the invention.
  • the home appliance section includes a personal computer 30 and TV with set top box 22. Access to the network is through a xDSL access element such as an ADSL Transmission Unit (ATU) 20.
  • ATU ADSL Transmission Unit
  • the Services section includes access router 18 and the transport network ⁇ cloud' 26.
  • the transport network 26 has access to the various broadcast features such as Video on Demand (VOD) 50, Near Video on Demand (NVOD) 52 and e-mail 54 and Web access through the Internet 56.
  • VOD Video on Demand
  • NVOD Near Video on Demand
  • e-mail e-mail
  • Web access through the Internet 56.
  • the DTVM section 40 contains the multiple service features available to a subscriber of the system. These include but are not limited to billing and reporting, Interactive Program Guide (IPG) access, connection and channel packaging service and information banner service.
  • IPG Interactive Program Guide
  • FIG 4 is an operational view of the system shown in Figure 3.
  • the Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer (DSLAM) 18 at the edge of the high speed IP network is a network device which may be located at a telephone company central office.
  • the DSLAM enables a telephone company to provide subscribers with xDSL, such as ADSL, technology and to connect the subscriber to a fast backbone such as an ATM network.
  • the ATM network routes the various broadcast services, previously mentioned, to the DSLAM 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 system.
  • the equipment and appliance suppliers such as set top box and computer suppliers, etc.
  • the second layer 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 subscriber.
  • the third layer includes the functionality of the DTVM according to the present invention. As indicated these include Customer and Admin services, Reporting and Billing services and IPG and Browser clients .
  • the DTVM allows Service Providers such as Telcos to offer an alternative to cable TV as presently known.
  • Service Providers such as Telcos
  • the IPG can be integrated with Web Browsing, Web- based Email, 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 makes this information available in electronic form for use by the subscriber.
  • the IPG also provides access to VOD, NVOD, Internet programming as well as video and audio content.
  • the subscriber accesses the IPG through the set top box or through the computer software. In the set top box implementation 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 monitor. Scheduling information may be in a grid format or in time slot form as will be discussed later. In any event the interactive nature of the IPG gives a subscriber control over many aspects of the broadcast system. Examples of IPG format and functionality are shown in Figures 6, 7 and 8.
  • the DTVM in conjunction with IPG provides a subscriber with the ability to channel browse for TV programs and Web sites. A seven day channel lineup with scheduled automatic refresh is provided.
  • the IPG client software is automatically updated by the system at regular intervals.
  • Figure 6 shows 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 m Figure 7 to provide more detail if available.
  • Figure 8 illustrates a second example of an IPG including a program detail oanner containing information representing a highlighted channel.
  • the IPG is client software that operates m, for example, both a Windows and set top environment and provides a link to the client MPEG-l/MPEG-2 decoder and the client conditional access module.
  • This software also provides the user with access to all broadcast content on the broadband multicast IP network as well as supporting services (i.e. subscription management) .
  • 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 software has the responsibility to extract broadcast content schedules from various existing data sources .
  • the live MPEG encoder 62 is a component which provides realtime MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 encoding. It encodes analog video and audio inputs to produce MPEG-1 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 based on time of day, broadcast provider, the customer location and customer profile.
  • the Near Video-on-Demand (NVOD) Server 66 is a component that provides scheduled managed delivery of pre-recorded material via an IP multicast network.
  • the Customer profile management system/subscription management system 68 is software to store and track customer preferences, usage patterns, billing status, mailing addresses, client devices, service subscription, etc. It also provides the core data for many of the other components .
  • the Notifier and Indicator block 70 is software that gives the system the ability to script, send and display on the client server notices and messages such as calling ID and messages waiting.
  • the Video-on-Demand (VOD) Server 72 is a component which will provide the client access to VOD playback using interactive VCR controls for optimal control. It provides all the tools necessary to store, manage and deliver realtime, full -screen video and audio content.
  • a Conditional Access System (not shown) consists 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 connection 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 consumer with the ability to manage their subscription (including self-service) system is a user interface to allow the end user to view, add and delete channels from their service subscription and check their usage and pay bills.
  • the Report and Billing Service system 84 provides integrated billing and reporting services which enables a subscriber to dynamically monitor service usage and to keep track of service costs on a self-serve basis.
  • the Database block 86 represents software to provide an information database of broadcast content unique to the broadcast distribution system provider to feed the IPG database .
  • the Operational Services component or End to End network management system 88 has management software to integrate the control of all the broadcast distribution system components into a networked management framework, including quality of service management and usage collection.
  • Figure 6 provides an elementary example of an interactive broadcast schedule. As shown, program listings for a range of TV channels for a particular time period is given. With a listing such as this displayed on a TV monitor a viewer can scan the list, click on a desired program and the television will tune in to selected channel .
  • Figure 8 illustrates another version of a program guide known as a preview IPG according to the present invention. Electronic program guides per se are known and it will be apparent to one skilled m the art that a form of chart best suited for the viewer's purpose can be designed.
  • IP multicast is characterized by the sending out of data to distributed servers on a multicast backbone 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 traffic that requires separate connections for each source- destination pair, IP multicasting allows many recipients to share the same source. This means that ust one set of packets is transmitted for all the destinations.
  • IP Internet Protocol
  • the system has the ability to broadcast television digital signals over existing copper wire (DSL technologies) , or any other broadband IP enabled network including LMDS and Hybrid Fiber Coax (HFC) .
  • the system has the ability to script, send and display messages to a client device screen m real time. Mechanisms 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.
  • the automatic service provisioning of a television channel online is possible. This eliminates the need for service provider or Telco trucks to go to the consumer's location to add or remove new channel offerings.
  • the system allows consumers to change channel/package information online without the need for equipment and/or personnel ' s physical presence to be dispatched to a consumer's home to connect or disconnect the appropriate channels.
  • 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. MPEG 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.
  • the DVTM offers the ability to remotely inform the client device (e.g. STB) that new data and/or 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 .
  • VOD Video on Demand
  • NVOD Near Video on Demand
  • VOD is an umbrella term for a wide set of technologies that enables individuals to select videos from a central server for viewing on a television or computer screen. Additionally, the system affords a service provider to make available games on demand. This service is similar to VOD wherein Nintendo-type games are available for access by subscribers .
  • a consumer can choose a game from tne IPG or using a Web user interface. A subscriber is charged per game/time played.
  • a URL is an address used to enable an Internet browser program to find a particular Internet resource.
  • a subscriber could view a URL channel on the IPG similar 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 m 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 allow for channel hotlmks.
  • the user can operate a remote entry device to activate a transfer to a dynamic web page.
  • the web page could display, 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 m the network. It is anticipated that one or more servers m 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 source, enabling a viewer to retrieve previously aired programs for viewing at their choice of times.
  • the PC hard drive can optionally serve as a storage medium for previously aired programs.
  • the system will also allow a customer to view a list of programs recorded, watch one of the programs from the list, set up the system to remotely record programming on a network storage device either m real time or m advance.
  • FIG. 9 shows the past TV and network VCR aspects of the invention.
  • Past TV uses one or more video servers 90 m 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.
  • Network VCR uses the video server 90 to provide a subscriber with all the features of a VCR plus random access.
  • the server 90 stores the multiple programs from the IP multicast TV content, indexes them and makes them available to the subscriber via 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 based on user criteria, system gathered data, and/or an outside source, such as TV Guide, movie critics, etc.
  • the system will also allow the multicast backbone network to activate a television set or a VCR.
  • a subscriber is able to have the television turn on at a predetermined time as well as set the VCR to record a program at the same time or another pre-selected time.
  • a viewer or subscriber will have the ability to personalize or customize channel selection, for example, create a list of favorite programs. Through this feature a viewer can scan the interactive broadcast schedule, select favorite programs for a viewing interval and have the television automatically switch to those channels at the appropriate times.
  • Virtual recording allows the viewer to "record” /store a program for viewing at a later time.
  • the system also gives a viewer a one touch search feature. Though this feature a viewer can configure the system with certain searching criteria such as program theme, by actor, by program/movie title, etc and 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 through the interactive nature of the system to choose from different payment options for the programs selected for viewing, such as a channel subscription or pay-per-view (PPV) .
  • PPV pay-per-view
  • a PPV event is determined using data sent and stored on the client device.
  • a user can view the PPV programming, he/she will be required to confirm the purchase of the event . This will normally involve the set up of a purchase password that requires the user to enter the correct password to purchase the PPV event and view the event at its scheduled time.
  • the provider is also able to provide concurrent transmission of each channel via MPEG-2 and MPEG-1 to allow fall back when access bandwidth becomes impaired or client does not support MPEG-2.
  • This, m effect is a backup system if failure occurs on the main transmission facility.
  • the ability to recognize the failure of a delivered video signal and switch to an alternate signal is based on a configurable algorithm. This increases the level of broadcast availability m the event of a loop (e.g. xDSL) impairment, encoder failure, or facility/network failure. This also allows for multiple set-tops m a single home to negotiate for best available video. This is shown in Figure 10.
  • the system of the invention permits transcoding of satellite transmission directly to IP multicast MPEG. This takes existing digital transmissions from a satellite and reprocesses them for delivery on an IP Multicast delivery system.
  • the advantages of this are that it lowers the cost of head-end equipment (satellite dish, etc.) by replacing the encoder with a transcoder, and it also maximizes the quality of the signal being delivered from a digital signal source at the head-end. It is only digitized once, and remains that way.
  • a split/distributed head-end (signal from satellite) can also be employed to optimize transport facility cost.
  • 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
  • the system also provided for still -picture channel browsing by the viewer when available. This means that a viewer will be able to see a still "view" of a program listed in the electronic program guide.
  • Multicast download where information required to boot a network device to a multicast group is constantly delivered by a network server.
  • the DHCP server is configured to return the multicast address and port as parameters in a BOOTP response.
  • the network device is programmed to join the multicast group and download a bootstrap program to local memory and boot from the local memory rather than across the network.
  • the system can provide a multicast filesystem wherein a server constantly delivers a read-only filesystem to a multicast group.
  • a network device is programmed 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.
  • this invention is applicable to technologies such as xDSL, MPEG-2, MPEG-1, Internet Protocol (IP), including IP multicast and unicast existing copper plant, or any other broadband IP-enabled network including LMDS and EFC.
  • IP Internet Protocol
  • 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 providers to deliver broadcast television and Internet access to subscribers over, for example, existing copper access lines, utilizing the Internet protocol.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Databases & Information Systems (AREA)
  • Computer Graphics (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Two-Way Televisions, Distribution Of Moving Picture Or The Like (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un système permettant la diffusion de programmes télévisés selon le protocole Internet (IP). Un fournisseur d'émissions obtient des signaux de télévision de sources classiques telles que le satellite ou le câble, et code ces signaux avant de les délivrer à un abonné/utilisateur sur un réseau à large bande à fonctionnalité IP. Un protocole IP multidestinataire est utilisé pour la programmation télévisée ordinaire et les sélections de films vidéo presque sur demande. Un protocole IP unidestinataire est utilisé pour les services de vidéo sur demande. L'utilisateur/abonné possède un téléviseur/coffret d'abonné ou un ordinateur personnel doté d'un logiciel approprié qui lui permet de décoder le format IP afin de pouvoir visualiser les programmes. Un guide électronique interactif des programmes, pouvant être visualisé sur l'écran de l'abonné, permet à l'abonné d'avoir accès à toute une gamme de caractéristiques de visualisation et de fonctions de gestion du système.
EP99923344A 1998-06-04 1999-06-03 Systeme de distribution de programmes televises Withdrawn EP1086589A2 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP04010055A EP1517559A3 (fr) 1998-06-04 1999-06-03 Système de distribution de télévision

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US8813598P 1998-06-04 1998-06-04
US88135P 1998-06-04
GBGB9812218.7A GB9812218D0 (en) 1998-06-05 1998-06-05 TV broadcast delivery system
GB9812218 1998-06-05
PCT/CA1999/000505 WO1999063759A2 (fr) 1998-06-04 1999-06-03 Systeme de distribution de programmes televises

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP04010055A Division EP1517559A3 (fr) 1998-06-04 1999-06-03 Système de distribution de télévision

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1086589A2 true EP1086589A2 (fr) 2001-03-28

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Family Applications (1)

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EP99923344A Withdrawn EP1086589A2 (fr) 1998-06-04 1999-06-03 Systeme de distribution de programmes televises

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1086589A2 (fr)
AU (1) AU4026999A (fr)
CA (1) CA2334203C (fr)
WO (1) WO1999063759A2 (fr)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU4026999A (en) 1999-12-20
CA2334203A1 (fr) 1999-12-09
WO1999063759A3 (fr) 2000-03-09
CA2334203C (fr) 2004-01-27
WO1999063759A2 (fr) 1999-12-09

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