Providing end user community functionality for publication and delivery of digital media content
An approach provides digital media services. A digital stream is transmitted according to a first resolution over one of a plurality of distribution channels to one or more devices. The digital stream is transmitted according to a second resolution in response to a selection of the digital stream for retrieval by one of the devices, wherein the first resolution is lower than the second resolution.
1 . A method for providing digital media services, the method comprising:
transmitting a digital stream according to a first resolution over one of a plurality of distribution channels to one or more devices; and
transmitting the digital stream according to a second resolution in response to a selection of the digital stream for retrieval by one of the devices, wherein the first resolution is lower than the second resolution.
2 . A method according to claim 1 , further comprising:
switching gradually from the first resolution to the second resolution.
3 . A method according to claim 1 , further comprising:
selectively multiplexing the distribution channels based on a predetermined criterion; and
transmitting the digital media over the multiplexed channel to the one device.
4 . A method according to claim 3 , wherein the digital stream represents video content, and the one device is configured to display the video content.
5 . A method according to claim 4 , further comprising:
providing picture-in-picture control external to the one device for display of the digital media.
6 . A method according to claim 1 , wherein the distribution channels are established over a plurality of networks including a data network, a cellular network or a television broadcast network.
7 . A method according to claim 1 , wherein the digital media services is a part of a managed network service.
8 . A system for providing digital media services, the system comprising:
a media server configured to transmit a digital stream according to a first resolution over one of a plurality of distribution channels to one or more devices,
wherein the media server is further configured to transmit the digital stream according to a second resolution in response to a selection of the digital stream for retrieval by one of the devices, wherein the first resolution is lower than the second resolution.
9 . A system according to claim 8 , wherein the first resolution is gradually switched to the second resolution.
10 . A system according to claim 8 , further comprising:
a multiplexer configured to selectively multiplex the distribution channels based on a predetermined criterion, wherein the digital media is transmitted over the multiplexed channel to the one device.
11 . A system according to claim 10 , wherein the digital stream represents video content, and the one device is configured to display the video content.
12 . A system according to claim 11 , wherein the media server is configured to provide picture-in-picture control for display of the digital media at the one device.
13 . A system according to claim 8 , wherein the distribution channels are established over a plurality of networks including a data network, a cellular network or a television broadcast network.
14 . A system according to claim 8 , wherein the digital media services is a part of a managed network service.
15 . An apparatus for providing digital media services, the apparatus comprising:
means for transmitting a digital stream according to a first resolution over one of a plurality of distribution channels to one or more devices; and
means for transmitting the digital stream according to a second resolution in response to a selection of the digital stream for retrieval by one of the devices, wherein the first resolution is lower than the second resolution.
16 . An apparatus according to claim 15 , further comprising:
means for switching gradually from the first resolution to the second resolution.
17 . An apparatus according to claim 15 , further comprising:
means for selectively multiplexing the distribution channels based on a predetermined criterion; and
means for transmitting the digital media over the multiplexed channel to the one device.
18 . An apparatus according to claim 17 , wherein the digital stream represents video content, and the one device is configured to display the video content.
19 . An apparatus according to claim 18 , further comprising:
means for providing picture-in-picture control external to the one device for display of the digital media.
20 . An apparatus according to claim 15 , wherein the distribution channels are established over a plurality of networks including a data network, a cellular network or a television broadcast network.
21 . An apparatus according to claim 15 , wherein the digital media services is a part of a managed network service.