Methods and apparatus for selecting digital access technology for programming and data delivery

摘要

Methods and apparatus for selecting digital access technology for programming and data delivery over, e.g., a content-based network. In one embodiment, the network comprises an HFC cable or satellite network that includes a server process interfacing with a plurality of customer premises equipment (CPE), and/or associated client devices, each having different capabilities profiles. The server determines the one or more capabilities possessed by the CPE, and evaluates one or more program or content choices for possible delivery to that CPE based on its profile. The server generates a list of programs or content based on this evaluation, and transmits this list to the CPE, which displays the list for viewing by a user. The user is therefore offered a list of available content that is compatible with their specific configuration. A business and operational rules engine is also optionally employed to control the operation of the foregoing processes to accomplish particular business or operational goals.

主权项

1. A method of operating a switched content delivery network having a plurality of nodes for servicing a respective plurality of client devices and a switching mechanism for controlling delivery of programs to individual ones of said plurality of nodes, said method comprising:
providing a plurality of programs to said switching mechanism, said switching mechanism configured to reallocate bandwidth based at least in part on viewership for particular programs; obtaining first information relating to capabilities of a plurality of particular client devices serviced by said node; obtaining second information relating to program requests from said plurality of particular client devices; and comparing said first information relating to said capabilities of said plurality of particular client devices to said second information relating to said program requests to identify at least one of said plurality of programs as being both: (i) requested by each of said plurality of particular client devices, and (ii) in a format which is determined that each of said plurality of particular client devices are capable of accessing.