Batch mode session-based encryption of video on demand content

A Video On Demand (VOD) method, comprising:

• processing content to be delivered in a VOD method by selecting first portions of the content for encryption under a selective encryption system and selecting second portions of the content to remain unencrypted;
• storing the first portions in a first file;
• storing second portions in a second file;
• receiving a request for delivery of the content, the request being from a terminal having decryption capabilities associated with a first decryption method;
• encrypting the first portions using a bulk encryption process to produce encrypted first portions;
• storing the encrypted first portions in a buffer;
• queuing the second portions for delivery to the terminal;
• and
• assembling a stream of selectively encrypted content from the encrypted first portions and the second portions.

A computer readable storage medium storing instructions which, when executed on a programmed processor, carry out a process of:

• processing content to be delivered in a VOD method by selecting first portions of the content for encryption under a selective encryption system and selecting second portions of the content to remain unencrypted;
• storing the first portions in a first file;
• storing second portions in a second file;
• receiving a request for delivery of the content, the request being from a terminal having decryption capabilities associated with a first decryption method;
• delivering the first portions to an encrypter for encryption using a bulk encryption process to produce encrypted first portions;
• receiving and storing the encrypted first portions in a buffer;
• queuing the second portions for delivery to the terminal;
• and
• assembling a stream of selectively encrypted content from the encrypted first portions and the second portions.

A Video On Demand server arrangement, comprising:

• means for receiving content from a selective encryption processor that processes content to be delivered in a VOD method by selecting first portions of the content for encryption under a selective encryption system and selecting second portions of the content to remain unencrypted;
• at least one computer readable storage device;
• a processor that:
• stores the first and second portions in the at least one computer readable storage device;
• receives a request for delivery of the content, the request being from a terminal having decryption capabilities associated with a first decryption method;
• means for sending the first portions to an encrypter that encrypts the first portions using a bulk encryption process to produce encrypted first portions;
• stores the encrypted first portions in a buffer;
• queues the second portions for delivery to the terminal;
• and
• assembles a stream of selectively encrypted content from the encrypted first portions and the second portions.

A Video On Demand (VOD) method, comprising:

• processing content to be delivered in a VOD method by selecting first portions of the content for encryption under a selective encryption system and selecting second portions of the content to remain unencrypted;
• storing the first portions;
• storing second portions;
• receiving a request for delivery of the content, the request being from a terminal having decryption capabilities associated with a specified decryption method;
• encrypting the first portions under a specified encryption method using a bulk encryption process to produce encrypted first portions, the specified encryption method being one of a plurality of possible encryption methods;
• storing the encrypted first portions in a buffer;
• queuing the second portions for delivery to the terminal;
• and
• assembling a stream of selectively encrypted content from the encrypted first portions and the second portions.

A Video On Demand (VOD) method, comprising:

• processing content to be delivered in a VOD method by selecting first portions of the content for encryption under a selective encryption system and selecting second portions of the content to remain unencrypted;
• storing the first portions in a first file;
• storing second portions in a second file;
• receiving a request for delivery of the content, the request being from a terminal having decryption capabilities associated with a specified decryption method;
• encrypting the first portions under a specified encryption method using a bulk encryption process to produce encrypted first portions, the specified encryption method being one of a plurality of possible encryption methods;
• storing the encrypted first portions in a buffer;
• queuing the second portions for delivery to the terminal;
• and
• assembling a stream of selectively encrypted content from the encrypted first portions and the second portions.

A computer readable storage medium storing instructions which, when executed on a programmed processor, carry out a process of:

• processing content to be delivered in a VOD method by selecting first portions of the content for encryption under a selective encryption system and selecting second portions of the content to remain unencrypted;
• storing the first portions;
• storing second portions;
• receiving a request for delivery of the content, the request being from a terminal having decryption capabilities associated with a specified decryption method;
• encrypting the first portions under a specified encryption method using a bulk encryption process to produce encrypted first portions, the specified encryption method being one of a plurality of possible encryption methods;
• storing the encrypted first portions in a buffer;
• queuing the second portions for delivery to the terminal;
• and
• assembling a stream of selectively encrypted content from the encrypted first portions and the second portions.

A Video On Demand server arrangement, comprising:

• means for receiving content from a selective encryption processor that processes content to be delivered in a VOD method by selecting first portions of the content for encryption under a selective encryption system and selecting second portions of the content to remain unencrypted;
• at least one computer readable storage device;
• a processor that:
• stores the first and second portions in the at least one computer readable storage device;
• receives a request for delivery of the content, the request being from a terminal having decryption capabilities associated with a second decryption method;
• means for sending the first portions to an encrypter that encrypts the first portions under one of a plurality of encryption methods using a bulk encryption process to produce encrypted first portions;
• means for storing the encrypted first portions in a buffer;
• a memory queue that queues the second portions for delivery to the terminal;
• and
• means for assembling a stream of selectively encrypted content from the encrypted first portions and the second portions.