Method for adapting the segment size in transcoded multimedia streams

摘要

A method of streaming an output content stream transcoded from a corresponding input content stream includes offering, to a client device, a number of alternative versions of the output content stream, for selection by the client device, and dividing the input content stream into two or more segments. The segments can have two or more different lengths. Prior to the offering step at least a first segment of the input content stream is transcoded into corresponding segments of an output content stream representing alternative versions offered to the client device. Upon receiving a request from the client device for a selected version of the output content stream, streaming is begun with using a first one of the corresponding segments of an output content stream representing alternative versions offered to the client device that had been transcoded and stored prior to offering. Information is extracted from subsequent requests indicating a capacity of a connection with the client. Depending on whether or not the connection capacity varies over a predetermined number of consecutive requests, the streamed segments are of the shorter or longer type.