Updating content libraries by transmitting release data

摘要

There are many boxes (e.g., set-top boxes) in a system offering media services to users. Each of the boxes maintains a library with a significant number of titles. Techniques for updating the library in each of these boxes using a transmission infrastructure are described. According to one aspect of the techniques, a service provider is provided with a high bandwidth broadcasting or multicasting capability, a release fragmented into a header and several segments is transmitted to all boxes that are respectively configured to receive a proper release package to update the library. Alternatively, separate release packages may be transmitted via different channels to the boxes, wherein each of the boxes is tuned to a proper channel to receive a proper release package.

主权项

1. A method for enabling playback of media, the method comprising:
storing, by a first local device corresponding to a first end user, a header segment of first media content, the header segment comprising a beginning portion of the first media content; receiving, by the first local device from the first end user after the storing, a request to playback the first media content; initiating, by the first local device in response to the receiving, playback of the first media content by playing the header segment stored on the first local device; determining a number of one or more tail segments based at least in part on a transmission rate and a minimum uploading speed; obtaining, by the first local device after or during the playing, the number of the one or more tail segments from one or more other local devices corresponding to one or more other end users, the number of the one or more tail segments comprising at least part of a remaining portion of the first media content; and continuing, by the first local device, playback of the first media content using the number of the one or more tail segments obtained from the one or more other local devices.