Intelligent retransmission of data stream segments

A computer-readable memory comprising instructions executable by a computing device to enable intelligent retransmission of a media data segment in a data stream of media content, the instructions being executable to perform a method comprising:

• receiving at the computing device a user input setting a user preference that defines a propensity for retransmission of data;
• detecting at the computing device a missing media data segment at a media receiver, wherein the media data segment comprises key frame data or predictive frame data, and the media data segment was sent over a network from a media server;
• assigning a value to the missing media data segment based upon media playback consequences of not utilizing the missing media data segment, wherein the value is based upon a plurality of parameters including a user set the user preference for the data stream and whether the data segment comprises key frame data or predictive frame data;
• comparing the value with a threshold;
• and
• requesting retransmission of the missing media data segment from the media server if the value meets a predetermined condition relative to the threshold.

A computing device comprising:

• a computer-readable storage medium;
• and
• instructions stored on the computer-readable storage medium, the instructions being executable by the computing device to run a network media receiver that receives media content, the network media receiver comprising:
• a network buffer to receive and buffer an encoded media data segment from a media server;
• a decoder coupled with the network buffer, the decoder to decode the media data segment for playback;
• and
• a retransmission request module coupled with the network buffer, the retransmission request module being configured to:
• receive a user input setting a user preference that defines a propensity for retransmission of data;
• detect a missing media data segment;
• assign a value to the missing media data segment based upon media playback consequences of not utilizing the missing media data segment, said value based upon a plurality of parameters including the user preference;
• compare the value with a threshold;
• request retransmission of the missing media data segment from the media server if the value meets a predetermined condition relative to the threshold.