초록 ▼

A flexible and configurable system for distributing media (or programming) to one or more distribution networks. The system includes a media server, at least one server interface unit, a first communications path coupling the media server and a server interface unit, distribution network interface u

A flexible and configurable system for distributing media (or programming) to one or more distribution networks. The system includes a media server, at least one server interface unit, a first communications path coupling the media server and a server interface unit, distribution network interface unit(s), and a second communications path coupling a server interface unit and the distribution network interface unit(s). The media server stores files of encoded (e.g., compressed) media data and files of scheduling information. Each of the distribution network interface unit(s) conditions received media data for transmission over the distribution network(s) which may be analog and/or digital distribution networks.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] A method for selectively supplying one of (a) a first media signal from a first media source, the first media signal having at least one break indication signal, and (b) a second media signal from a second media source, to a distribution network, the method comprising steps of:a) d

[ We claim:] [1.] A method for selectively supplying one of (a) a first media signal from a first media source, the first media signal having at least one break indication signal, and (b) a second media signal from a second media source, to a distribution network, the method comprising steps of:a) detecting the at least one break indication signal of the first media signal;b) querying a schedule database based on (i) a channel indicator corresponding to the first media source and (ii) a time, to retrieve a media file identification;c) retrieving, from the second media source, compressed media data corresponding to the media file identification;d) decoding the compressed media data to generate decompressed media data;e) generating the second media signal from the decompressed media data;f) providing the first media signal from the first media source to a first input of a switch;g) providing the second media signal to a second input of the switch; andh) selectively providing one of the first and second media signals to the distribution network by controlling the switch based on the at least one break indication signal.