FIELD: real-time delivery of audiovisual content to a client device.
SUBSTANCE: invention relates to the field of real-time delivery of audiovisual content to a client device. A real-time audiovisual content delivery system is proposed, including: client (110) with access to service provider's network (102) through gateway (140); real-time audiovisual content delivery equipment (120), containing a multicaster for real-time audiovisual content transmission in a multicast form over service provider's network (102); a demulticaster (150) configured to convert the real-time audiovisual content received from the multicaster in a multicast form to a unicast-capable form; and a controller (130) managing the routing of requests for obtaining audiovisual content in real time. Client (110) performs a detection procedure to receive information about the potential presence and availability of demulticaster (150). When client (110) intends to receive the target audiovisual content in real time, client (110) sends a request to controller (130) indicating whether the demulticaster (150) is present and available or not. The controller (130) decides where to redirect client (110) to fulfill the request, in accordance with at least an indication of whether the demulticaster (150) is present and available or not.
EFFECT: flexible solution for supporting networks of service providers.
17 cl, 14 dwg
