CPC H04N 21/2396 (2013.01) [H04N 21/23113 (2013.01); H04N 21/274 (2013.01)] | 19 Claims |
1. An automated process executed by a network server system that delivers recorded media programs to a plurality of viewers, the automated process comprising:
recording an initial number of copies of a media program for storage by the network server system, wherein the initial number of copies is based upon an expected demand for the media program;
after the initial number of copies of the media program have been recorded, receiving requests from at least some of the viewers to view a copy of the media program;
assigning, in response to each of the requests, one of the copies to the viewer making the request to thereby permit access to the assigned copy of the media program by the viewer; and
subsequently deleting at least some of the copies of the media program that are not yet assigned to any of the plurality of viewers.
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