Cox Communications, Inc.

Sedna Patent Services, LLC

Comcast IP Holdings I, LLC

Diva Systems Corporation

Michael C Bertram

Tobie J LaRocca

Emeline C Tsai

Christopher W B Goode

Geoffrey Alan Cleary

Nikhil Rajdev

Tobie J LaRooca

John M Randall

A method and apparatus for transport encoded asset data and content data, multiplexing the transport encoded content data with a plurality of NULL transport packets to provide 'place holder' for the asset data transport packets, and replacing the NULL transport packets with asset data transport packets prior to transmitting the multiplexed transport stream to a set top box.

Method and apparatus for injecting information assets into a content stream

A method and apparatus providing time-shifted television within a video-on-demand system.

System and method for time shifting the delivery of video information

Four techniques which result in the visual improvement of transitions between video streams with a same packet identifier (PID). All four techniques are applicable in the situation where the stream transition is between two streams that utilize the same PID. Retaining the same PID reduces the delay between the time the user selects an action via the remote control to the time when the new stream is displayed on the TV. The first technique includes two methods: a method for pre-conditioning video stream data for storage; and a method for transitioning between video streams which utilizes the pre-conditioning. The second technique involves a method for transitioning between video streams where timing information in the new stream is modified so as to be consistent with timing information in the old stream. The third technique involves a method for transitioning between video streams where packets in the old stream are replaced by picture repeat packets. The fourth technique involves a method for transitioning between video streams where packets in the old stream are replaced by null packets. The various techniques discussed above may be combined to further improve the smoothness and quickness of the video stream transitions. For example, the first technique may be combined with either the third or fourth technique. Similarly, the second technique may be combined with either the third or fourth technique.

Visual improvement of video stream transitions

A conditional access control apparatus for inserting descrambling messages and impulse authorizations to enable requesting subscribers to utilize requested scrambled content. The apparatus includes a content and asset storage module for storing content and assets, and a pre-encryption module for encrypting content to be stored in said content device. A transport processor inserts stored content into a forward application transport channel (FATC), and a controller interacts with a requesting subscriber and inserts into the FATC descrambling messages and impulse authorizations enabling the requesting subscriber to utilize requested scrambled content.

Method and apparatus for performing impulse authorizations within a video on demand environment

A video-on-demand conditional access information distribution system includes establishing a session with a set top terminal by defining an in-band communications channel for transporting content to the set top terminal, and communicating to the set top terminal via the defined in-band communications channel, an authorization message and descrambling message suitable for determining a descrambling key for descrambling a program stream. The set top terminal sends a request for content via an out of band communications channel and a scrambled program stream is provided to the set top terminal via the defined in-band communications channel. The authorization message is sent prior to the set top terminal receiving the descrambling message and the scrambled program stream, which includes video-on-demand content requested by the set top terminal.

Method and apparatus for performing session based conditional access

A method and apparatus for forming and processing an MPEG transport stream such that programs may be inserted into, or deleted from, the MPEG transport stream without significant retiming operations.

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San Jose, CA, United States of America

Michael C Bertram