Managed multiplexing of video in an adaptive bit rate environment

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for delivering video programs are provided. A plurality of video programs are provided in a fragmented, adaptive bit rate format. A request for a respective video program from the plurality of video programs is received from each of a plurality of clients. The requested video programs are multiplexed for delivery to the clients in a multiplex over a shared, fixed-bit-rate transmission channel. The requests may be for the same or different video programs. The requests for the video programs may occur at the same or at different times. In the fragmented, adaptive bit rate format, the fragment delivered to the client may not be the same as the requested fragment and is dependent on multiple criteria, including the bitrate and quality of the requested and delivered fragments, the total available delivery bandwidth, and other fragment requests made on the channel. The resulting multiplex may be either a constant bit rate multiplex or a variable bit rate multiplex.