Efficiently distributing video using a hybrid network that uses existing infrastructure

摘要

A method and apparatus for transporting a video program in compressed form from a source location to a second location. The method comprises receiving at an intermediate location a first compressed version of the video program using a first compression method, transported from the source location to an intermediate location over a first segment that includes a link of a first type. The method further comprises transcoding the first compressed version to a second compressed version compressed using a second compression method that is in relatively widespread use. The method further comprises sending the second compressed version to the second location over a link of a second type. The link of the second type includes infrastructure to transport video program streams compressed by the second compression method. The first compression method can achieve a higher compression ratio that the second compression method for approximately the same image quality.