METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INTERNET PROTOCOL TELEVISION MEDIA CONTENT SHARING

摘要

A method and apparatus for enabling IP service subscribers to share media contents with other IP service subscribers or Internet users in either a secured or open fashion are disclosed. In one embodiment, the present invention enables the sharing of home movies, pictures, and other media contents, where media could be stored media or media created in real-time. Namely, the present method allows IP service subscribers to effectively create their own TV station, e.g., complete with stored or live content programming and content scheduling. In turn, the method allows a viewing subscriber to select and view a shared media program created by another subscriber.

主权项

1. A method for providing a media content programming via a communication network, the method comprising:
receiving, via a processor, a selection of the media content programming created by a first subscriber of the communication network, wherein the selection of the media content programming is based on a first input by a second subscriber of the communication network; receiving, via the processor, a selection of a channel number for delivering the media content programming, wherein the selection of the channel number is based on a second input by the second subscriber, wherein the channel number corresponds to an unused television channel that is available to be assigned to carry a program signal comprising media content, wherein the unused television channel comprises an unassigned television channel that is currently not carrying any media content programming; and delivering, via the processor, the media content programming from the communication network via the unused television channel, wherein the media content programming is delivered on the unused television channel by the communication network in response to the selection of the channel number.