Netflix Inc.

Mcdowell Signal Processing

Aaron Hipple

Mark Watson

Ioannis Katsavounidis

Will Wolcott

Colin McDowell

A method includes receiving, with a computing system, data representing a video item into a buffer. The method further includes outputting the video item from the buffer to a display system. The method further includes determining that utilization of the buffer falls below a predetermined threshold. The method further includes, in response to determining that the utilization of the buffer falls below the predetermined threshold, determining that there is a specified rebuffering point within a predetermined time frame. The method further includes pausing with the computing system, the video item at the specified rebuffering point in response to determining that there is the specified rebuffering point within the predetermined time frame.

Temporal placement of a rebuffering event

A modified limiter of the present invention produces a consistent loudness level across one or more input tracks. The modified limiter has a target threshold, wherein signal levels below the target threshold are adjusted. The signal levels below the target threshold are adjusted by using an upward expander, which is not a time-based parameter but, instead, is based on signal levels only. A release target of the modified limiter is a highest peak within a look-ahead delay. The modified limiter is highly optimized as compared to other look-ahead limiters. As such, its processing footprint on an application such as audio management software like iTunes&#x2122;, or a consumer music playback device like an iPod&#x2122;, is minimal. The modified limiter is also able to be used in other technologies, such as but not limited to cell phones like an iPhone&#x2122; and set-top boxes like an Apple TV&#x2122;.

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Portola Valley, CA, United States of America

Aaron Hipple