Streaming digital video between video devices using a cable television system

摘要

Systems and methods are presented that permit an individual to share digital video between video devices using a cable television system. A first video device streams digital video to a cable headend, which transcodes it and stitches it with other video content, such as a menuing system. The headend then transmits the digital video to a second video device, such as a set top box, for display. The data stream may be controlled using a standard set top box remote control, and the system may be used without purchasing additional hardware or software, or configuring a wireless local area network.

主权项

1. A method of streaming digital video between a first video device and a second video device, the first video device being connected to a public data network, wherein the second video device is connected to a cable television system having a cable network and a cable headend, the cable headend also being connected to the public data network, the second video device being controlled by a video device controller, the method comprising:
establishing a first bidirectional data channel from the first video device to the cable headend; establishing a second bidirectional data channel over the cable network from the second video device to the cable headend, thereby permitting bidirectional data communication between the first video device and the second video device through the cable headend; receiving a first data stream that includes the digital video at the cable headend from the first video device using the first bidrectional data channel; forming a second data stream that includes a second video that is based on the digital video received in the first data stream; and transmitting the second data stream from the cable headend to the second video device using the second bidirectional data channel, wherein playback of the second video is controlled by sending commands from the video device controller to the second video device for onward transmission to the first video device over the first and second bidirectional data channels.