Apparatus and methods for multi-stage multiplexing in a network
AssigneeTime Warner Cable Inc.
InventorsWilliam L. Helms, Paul D. Brooks
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for performing multiplexing of video or other content (e.g., programs) within a network using feed-back from a subsequent digital program insertion stage, and/or feed-forward information from a prior multiplexing stage. In one embodiment, the network comprises a hybrid fiber coax (HFC) cable network having headend and hub-based statistical multiplexing stages, and communication between the two stages is used to improve the visual quality performance and bandwidth utilization of the output multi-program stream during conditions where downstream content is inserted into the transport stream. Business methods associated with the various multiplexing features described above are also disclosed.
Claims19
A headend multiplexing apparatus adapted for the transmission of a plurality of content elements over a cable network, comprising:
- first multiplexing apparatus adapted to receive said plurality of content elements from one or more sources, and create at least one output multiplex based thereon;
- a process in communication with said first multiplexing apparatus and adapted to control at least one aspect of said first multiplexing apparatus in the creation of said output multiplex;
- and
- a data interface adapted to communicate data between said headend multiplexing apparatus and a second multiplexing apparatus within said network, said data comprising information which allows for the control of individual bitrates of said plurality of content elements by at least one of said first and second multiplexing apparatuses;
- wherein said control of said at least one aspect of said first multiplexing apparatus comprises utilizing said data, having been received from said second multiplexing apparatus, to anticipate bandwidth shaping in the creation of said output multiplex.
A method of operating a content-based network having a plurality of multiplexing stages, comprising:
- receiving a plurality of content elements at a first of said plurality of multiplexing stages;
- generating a multiplex based at least in part on said content elements at said first multiplexing stage;
- providing, by said first multiplexing stage, said multiplex to a second of said plurality of multiplexing stages, said second multiplexing stage being downstream from said first multiplexing stage, said act of providing comprising introducing a variable delay;
- and
- providing, by said first multiplexing stage, data relating to said multiplex and data relating to the timing of said variable delay to said second multiplexing stage.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.