Comcast Cable Communications, LLC

Walter Mlodzinski

James Barkley

Some aspects may include determining whether to allow a skip over a portion of required content based on the amount of time elapsed since a portion of required content was played. The amount of time elapsed since a portion of required content was played may be measured based on the sum time of content played, or may be based on the amount of wall time elapsed. The determination of whether to allow a skip over a portion of required content may be made based on comparing the amount of time elapsed since a portion of required content was played to a threshold amount of time. Some aspects may allow free navigation within content if the amount of time elapsed is less than the threshold, and may restrict navigation or require playback of required content if the amount of time elapsed is greater than the threshold.

Arbitrated content consumption

Methods and systems for providing content are disclosed. An example method can comprise receiving and/or storing first content comprising a first break point, receiving and/or storing second content comprising a second break point, providing the first content, and providing the second content at the second break point in place of the first content at the first break point. In an aspect, the first and second content can be first and second episode of a television show. The first content and the second content can comprise portions that may be commercials, alternate scenes, previews. The portions in the second content can be received at a later time. For example, the portions in the second content can be a newer version or updated version of the respective portions in the first content. The portions in the second content can be played when the first content is provided.

Methods and systems for providing content

Methods and systems are described herein for inserting placement opportunities into content assets. A content distributor may receive a content asset comprising a plurality of content fragments. The content distributor may be further configured to adjust a playback duration of a portion of the content fragments so that the placement opportunity may be inserted at the content asset fragment boundaries.

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Doylestown, PA, United States of America

Walter Mlodzinski