Apparatus and methods for multi-stage multiplexing in a network

A method of providing content over a content distribution network, said content distribution network having at least a first multiplexing apparatus and a second multiplexing apparatus, said second multiplexing apparatus being disposed downstream of said first multiplexing apparatus, said method comprising:

• multiplexing a plurality of primary content elements together at said first multiplexing apparatus to form a first multiplex;
• delivering said first multiplex to said second multiplexing apparatus at or proximate to an expiration of a delay period;
• during said delay period providing information relating to said first multiplex to said second multiplexing apparatus;
• during said delay period receiving feed-back information from said second multiplexing apparatus, said feed-back information relating to one or more second content elements requested by one or more subscribers to be inserted into said first multiplex;
• and
• utilizing said feed-back information to dynamically switch one or more second content elements into said first multiplex prior to said delivery thereof to said second multiplexing apparatus by said first multiplexing apparatus, said delivery being substantially simultaneous with an expiration of said delay period.

A first multiplexing apparatus in a series of two or more multiplexing apparatus within a content distribution network, said first multiplexing apparatus being upstream of said two or more multiplexing apparatus in said series and comprising:

• an interface for communication to said two or more multiplexing apparatus;
• a storage apparatus;
• and
• a processor configured to execute at least one computer program thereon, said computer program comprising a plurality of instructions which are configured to, when executed, cause said first multiplexing apparatus to:
• create a first multiplex comprising a plurality of primary content elements;
• prior to said expiration of a pre-determined delay period, provide information relating to said first multiplex to said at least one of said two or more multiplexing apparatus;
• prior to said expiration of said pre-determined delay period, receive feed-back information from said at least one of said two or more multiplexing apparatus, said feed-back information relating to one or more second content elements requested by one or more subscribers to be inserted into said first multiplex;
• and
• utilize said feed-back information to dynamically switch one or more second content elements into said first multiplex prior to a delivery thereof to said at least one of said two or more multiplexing apparatus, said delivery being substantially simultaneous with an expiration of said pre-determined delay period.

In a content delivery network comprising at least a first and second multiplexing apparatus in series, said second multiplexing apparatus being downstream of said first multiplexing apparatus and comprising:

• an interface for communication to said first multiplexing apparatus;
• a storage apparatus;
• and
• a processor configured to execute at least one computer program thereon, said computer program comprising a plurality of instructions which are configured to, when executed, cause said second multiplexing apparatus to:
• receive information relating to a first multiplex comprising a plurality of content elements and generated by said first multiplexing apparatus and a delay period;
• receiving a request for one or more second content elements from one or more subscribers in communication with said second multiplexing apparatus during said delay period;
• generating feed-back information based at least in part on said request;
• delivering said feed-back information to said first multiplexing apparatus prior to an expiration of said delay period;
• and
• upon expiration of said delay period receive a second multiplex from said first multiplexing apparatus, said second multiplex comprising said requested one or more second content elements.