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Network bandwidth optimization by dynamic channel allocation

  • US 20040226044A1
  • Filed: 03/09/2004
  • Published: 11/11/2004
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/20/1999
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method for increasing channel utilization in a video broadcast system, comprising:

  • receiving, at a head-end, a request for a video program from one of a plurality of subscriber stations;

    determining, at said head-end, whether said requested video program is associated with one of a plurality of subsets of channels, wherein said plurality of subsets of channels comprises a first subset of channels representing broadcasted channels having a first subscriber viewership level greater than a threshold level, a second subset of channels representing broadcasted channels having a second subscriber viewership level greater less than said threshold level, and a third subset of channels representing on-demand channels having a third subscriber viewership associated with video-on-demand;

    causing substantially continuous transmission of said first subset of broadcast channels from said head-end toward said plurality of subscriber stations;

    causing transmission of said second subset of broadcast channels from said head-end to said plurality of subscriber stations based upon availability of channels in said second subset of channels and assigning video programming corresponding toward said request to an available one of said second subset of channels; and

    causing transmission of said third subset of on-demand channels from said head-end toward said plurality of subscriber stations upon assigning video programming corresponding to said request to an available one of said third subset of channels.

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