Multimedia distribution over wide area networks

摘要

A video distribution management system utilizes a shared video library and a wide area network to deliver video files to local caches on the local area networks serving a subset of local viewing stations. A combination of direct local cache access, scheduled future local cache access and speed match distribution of video files makes the overall system both efficient and economical. In particular, a locally stored preface of a video file can be immediately viewed on the local area network while the balance of the video file is transmitted from the remote video library.