Patent attributes
An improved IP video playback system for quicker access and better user experience during IP video playback is provided. Aspects of the IP video playback system allow a content service provider to provide quicker access to requested content items. When a user requests access to content items, an analysis is performed to calculate the lengths of time in which a portion of the content item can be downloaded, cached, and displayed and the corresponding size of that portion. The analysis may be based on various parameters. Once the analysis is performed and the portion is downloaded, playback may begin and the process may be repeated as necessary with increasing portion sizes until a predetermined portion size is reached, the user indicates a content switch, or the content item has been fully downloaded.
