Linear video distribution methods, systems, and devices

Abstract

The invention notably relates to the linear distribution of video programs, or segment(s) thereof, to end user devices. Video programs, or segment(s) thereof, received from one or more content source, are encoded and encapsulated into IP video streams. The streams are transmitted to a satellite operator network operation center (NOC), which encrypts the streams. The encrypted streams are transmitted, as multicast video streams, through a satellite, to one or more cable television headend, and then, over an IP-based network, to cable modems located within subscriber premises. An IP-enabled end user device transmits, to a gateway associated with one of the cable modems, a command requesting that the IP-enabled end user device obtain a requested video stream as a unicast stream. Upon receiving the command, the gateway triggers the conversion, at the gateway, of the requested video stream from multicast to unicast for transmission over a home network provided within the subscriber premises. The requested video stream is then transmitted, over the home network, to said end user device, which decrypts and decodes the requested video stream into the original video program, or segment(s) thereof, so that it can be displayed to the end user.