Methods and apparatus for local channel insertion in an all-digital content distribution network

A method of operating a content insertion device for use in a content-based network, comprising:

• filtering out a radio frequency band from an incoming signal to produce a filtered incoming signal;
• encoding analog content to produce encoded digital content;
• modulating and upconverting said encoded digital content to the frequency of said radio frequency band;
• mixing said modulated and upconverted encoded digital content with said filtered incoming signal to produce an outgoing signal;
• and
• transmitting said outgoing signal onto at least a portion of said content-based network.

A method of delivering an all-digital transport stream comprising local content to a digital receiver in a content-based network comprising a headend and at least one distribution hub, the method comprising:

• providing a first multiplexed transport stream comprising a plurality of digitally encoded single transport streams;
• receiving analog local content at said at least one distribution hub of said network;
• encoding said analog local content to form a digitally encoded local content stream;
• inserting said digitally encoded local content stream into said multiplexed transport to produce a second multiplexed transport stream;
• and
• providing said second multiplexed transport stream to said digital receiver via that portion of said content-based network between said at least one hub and said digital receiver, and without having to backhaul or provide said analog local content to the headend of said network.

A method of inserting local analog programming at a node in a digital content delivery network, the method comprising:

• receiving said local analog programming at said node;
• converting said local analog programming into a digital compressed format;
• and
• inserting said local analog programming in said digital compressed format into a program transport for delivery over said network.

Network apparatus for use in a content-based network, comprising:

• a filter adapted to filter said incoming signal to remove at least a portion thereof in order to produce a filtered signal;
• a receiver adapted to receive an analog signal;
• an encoder adapted to encode said analog signal to form a digitally encoded signal;
• and
• a combiner adapted to combine said digitally encoded signal with said filtered signal.

A method of operating a content-based network comprising a statistical multiplexer and a distribution node, the method comprising:

• receiving an analog signal at said distribution node;
• digitizing said analog signal at said node to produce a digital program stream;
• providing data to said multiplexer or a control process associated therewith, said data relating to the bitrate of said digital program stream;
• and
• using said data to control at least one aspect of the multiplexing of a multiplexed transport stream into which said digital program stream will be inserted.

Signal insertion apparatus for use at a premises, comprising:

• a first receiver configured to receive a radio frequency digital signal;
• a second receiver configured to receive an analog video signal;
• encoding apparatus adapted to digitally encode said analog video signal;
• and
• insertion apparatus adapted to insert said digitally encoded analog signal into said radio frequency digital signal.

A method of doing business over a content-based network, comprising:

• receiving local programming at a hub in said network;
• receiving management information related to insertion of said local programming;
• receiving a programming signal at said hub;
• and
• transmitting said local programming to subscriber premises by replacing, in response to said management information, a part of said programming signal with a signal produced from said local programming.