System and method for progressive delivery of media content

An apparatus for processing media content, comprising:

• a memory operable to store processor instructions;
• a processor operable to execute the processor instructions and, while executing the processor instructions, operable to:
• receive a request for media content from a client;
• identify a first media file containing media content associated with the request, wherein the first file has a first media format;
• estimate one or more characteristics of a second media file based, at least in part, on the first media file, wherein the second media file has a second media format;
• generate media information for the second media file based, at least in part, on the estimated characteristics of the second media file;
• initiate creation of the second media file associated with the request;
• and
• transmit the media information to the client before creation of the second media file has been completed.

A system for delivering media content, comprising:

• a transcoder comprising:
• a memory operable to store processor instructions for the transcoder;
• and
• a processor operable, when executing the processor instructions for the transcoder, to:
• receive a request for media content from a client;
• identify a first media file containing media content associated with the request, wherein the first file has a first media format;
• estimate one or more characteristics of a second media file based, at least in part, on the first media file, wherein the second media file has a second media format;
• generate media information for the second media file based, at least in part, on the estimated characteristics of the second media file;
• initiate creation of the second media file associated with the request;
• and
• transmit the media information to the client before creation of the second media file has been completed;
• and
• the client operable to:
• receive the media information;
• request at least a portion of the second media file from the transcoder;
• and
• play the portion of the second media file based on the received media information.