Method and system for assigning definitions to media network channels
First Claim
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1. A method comprising:
- determining via a processor a predetermined schedule, for program content of a media network channel associated with a Standard-definition (SD) resolution of the program content; and
assigning via the processor only a High-definition (HD) to the media network channel for the program content in response to a number of users in a specified region making a request for a same program content on a same media network channel exceeding a predetermined threshold,wherein the HD relates to the resolution of the program content and is higher in resolution than the SD resolution, the method further comprising;
generating transition content for transmission over a control channel to a user device to cache the transition content at the user device,wherein the transition content comprises a portion of the program content in HD resolution and clock synchronization data,wherein the control channel is a single media network channel with SD resolution bandwidth that is utilized to deliver the transition content for at least one hundred media network channels,wherein a remaining duration of the requested program content in HD resolution is to be slow-played to the user device over the single media network channel with SD resolution bandwidth for caching at the user device, andwherein an electronic program guide (EPG) reflects the transition.
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Abstract
An approach for assigning definitions to media network channels is described. A demand for program content of a media network channel associated with a first definition relating to resolution of the program content is determined. A second definition is assigned to the media network channel for the program content in response to the demand, wherein the second definition relates to the resolution of the program content and is higher in resolution than the first definition.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. A method comprising:
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determining via a processor a predetermined schedule, for program content of a media network channel associated with a Standard-definition (SD) resolution of the program content; and assigning via the processor only a High-definition (HD) to the media network channel for the program content in response to a number of users in a specified region making a request for a same program content on a same media network channel exceeding a predetermined threshold, wherein the HD relates to the resolution of the program content and is higher in resolution than the SD resolution, the method further comprising; generating transition content for transmission over a control channel to a user device to cache the transition content at the user device, wherein the transition content comprises a portion of the program content in HD resolution and clock synchronization data, wherein the control channel is a single media network channel with SD resolution bandwidth that is utilized to deliver the transition content for at least one hundred media network channels, wherein a remaining duration of the requested program content in HD resolution is to be slow-played to the user device over the single media network channel with SD resolution bandwidth for caching at the user device, and wherein an electronic program guide (EPG) reflects the transition. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. An apparatus comprising:
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at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code for one or more programs, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following, determine a predetermined schedule for program content of a media network channel associated with a Standard-definition (SD) resolution of the program content; and assign only a High-definition (HD) to the media network channel for the program content in response to a user demand for the predetermined schedule exceeding a predetermined threshold, assign only a High-definition (HD) to the media network channel for the program content in response to a number of users in a specified region making a request for a same program content on a same media network channel exceeding a predetermined threshold, wherein the HD relates to the resolution of the program content and is higher in resolution than the SD resolution, wherein the apparatus is further caused to; generate transition content for transmission over a control channel to a user device to cache the transition content at the user device, wherein the transition content comprises a portion of the program content in HD resolution and clock synchronization data, wherein the control channel is a single media network channel with SD resolution bandwidth that is utilized to deliver the transition content for at least one hundred media network channels, wherein a remaining duration of the requested program content in HD resolution is to be slow-played to the user device over the single media network channel with SD resolution bandwidth for caching at the user device, and wherein an electronic program guide (EPG) reflects the transition. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method comprising:
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generating via a processor a request for program content of a media network channel, wherein the media network channel is initially associated with a Standard-definition (SD) resolution of the program content, wherein only a High-definition (HD) is assigned to the media network channel for the program content in response to a number of users in a specified region making a request for a same program content on a same media network channel exceeding a predetermined threshold, and wherein the HD relates to the resolution of the program content and is higher in resolution than the SD resolution, the method further comprising; receiving transition content over a control channel to a user device to cache the transition content at the user device, wherein the transition content comprises a portion of the program content in HD resolution and clock synchronization data, wherein the control channel is a single media network channel with SD resolution bandwidth that is utilized to deliver the transition content for at least one hundred media network channels, wherein a remaining duration of the requested program content in HD resolution is to be slow-played to the user device over the single media network channel with SD resolution bandwidth for caching at the user device, and wherein an electronic program guide (EPG) reflects the transition. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14)
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15. An apparatus comprising:
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at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code for one or more programs, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following, generating a request for program content of a media network channel, wherein the media network channel is initially associated with a Standard-definition (SD) resolution of the program content, wherein only a High-definition (HD) is assigned to the media network channel for the program content in response to a number of users in a specified region making a request for a same program content on a same media network channel exceeding a predetermined threshold, and wherein the HD relates to the resolution of the program content and is higher in resolution than the SD resolution, wherein the apparatus is further caused to; receive transition content over a control channel to a user device to cache the transition content at the user device, wherein the transition content comprises a portion of the program content in HD resolution and clock synchronization data, wherein the control channel is a single media network channel with SD resolution bandwidth that is utilized to deliver the transition content for at least one hundred media network channels, wherein a remaining duration of the requested program content in HD resolution is to be slow-played to the user device over the single media network channel with SD resolution bandwidth for caching at the user device, and wherein an electronic program guide (EPG) reflects the transition. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18)
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Specification