Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLC

James S Manchester

Wilfred Jaime Miles

Matthew Zelesko

Ethan Wolf

Michael Angus

Chris Faw

Sean Coar

An encoder resource receives segments of content on one or more data feeds. The encoder resource receives and/or produces encoder control information specifying multiple different bit rate data streams on which to encode the segments of content. As specified by the encoder control information, in accordance with encoding rules, the encoder resource adaptively encodes the segments of content into a varying number of different bit rate data streams. Clients in a network environment initiate retrieval of the varying number of different bit rate data streams to playback content.

Situation-dependent dynamic bit rate encoding and distribution of content

Methods and apparatus for automatically transitioning program delivery/reception between alternative sources, e.g., from a non-IP channel to an IP video source or between two alternative IP sources are described. The transition maybe triggered by a detected problem with the delivery via the non-IP channel or because of scheduled service. The transition may be in response to a command sent to a device or because the receiving device detects a problem with one of the content sources triggering an automatic switch to the alternative content source. In at least some embodiments the different content sources corresponding to different coding methods, e.g., with MPEG-2 encoded and packetized content being delivered by a non-IP content delivery channel and MPEG-4 being delivered using unicast IP content delivery techniques. The methods facilitate deployment of new services with IP content delivery being deployed initially on a regional basis with non-IP content delivery gradually being rolled out.

Methods and apparatus for enhancing network reliability and/or enabling phased deployment of video services

A server resource provides notification to subscribers in a respective network environment that the content is available for retrieval at a particular bit rate (e.g., a promotional bit rate) or particular level of quality (e.g., promotional level of quality) amongst multiple levels of quality for a limited duration of time. For example, an especially high level of quality (or bit rate) of the content may be available only for the limited duration of time. After making the especially high level of quality of content available for retrieval during a promotional period, the content may be subsequently available for retrieval only at lower levels of quality. Accordingly, one or more configurations as discussed herein include changing the ability to access content encoded at different levels of quality over time.

Variability in available levels of quality of encoded content

Methods and apparatus relating to the supply of targeted advertisements to user devices receiving broadcast or multicast content are described. The methods and apparatus are well suited for systems where content is broadcast or multicast to a plurality of user playback devices, e.g., set top boxes, with advertisements included in the content delivered via a first communications channel, e.g., a broadcast communications channel. Viewing information, e.g., information indicating the tuning of a customer premise device to a channel and/or the outputting of program content is reported to a headend or other device. One or more targeted advertisements are delivered to a customer premise device via a secondary channel, e.g., unicast IP packet channel, with the alternative advertisement being displayed in place of the broadcast advertisement.

Methods and apparatus that support delivery of targeted advertising content via a secondary channel

A content delivery resource in a cable network receives a request for specified content. The content delivery resource retrieves profile information assigned to the subscriber domain. The profile information indicates multiple different playback formats assigned to the subscriber domain. To service the request, the content delivery resource utilizes the profile information associated with the subscriber domain to select versions of the specified content encoded in accordance with the multiple different playback formats. The content delivery resource then initiates transmission of the versions of the specified content in the multiple different playback formats to the subscriber domain for playback on multiple types of playback devices.

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New York, NY, United States of America

James S Manchester