METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR VARYING A DATA RATE IN BROADCAST/MULTICAST VIDEO SYSTEMS

摘要

An upstream distribution point of a video distribution system adjusts a transmission data rate of at least one program channel as a function of tuning data associated with at least one endpoint. In one illustration, the upstream distribution point of a cable broadcast system receives tuning data representing the currently tuned, or selected, program from one or more set-top boxes via Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) signaling The upstream distribution point collects the tuning data from the one, or more, endpoints and adjusts a transmission data rate for at least one program channel as a function of the received tuning data.