# How to Seamlessly Switch Video Streams for Many Viewers > This patent describes a computer system that allows an administrator or viewer to smoothly switch between different video or audio sources for many people watching at the same time, without interrupting their viewing experience. - **Patent:** US 6732183 - **Original title:** Video and audio streaming for multiple users - **Owner:** BroadWare Technologies LLC - **Granted:** 2004 - **Status:** Public domain (expired) - **Times cited:** 98 - **Field:** telecommunications, software, consumer_electronics ## What it does The system provides streaming media to multiple client devices over a network. It uses a 'network server module' to send a video stream from a 'first streaming media source' to all viewers on a single channel (Claim 1). When a 'switching terminal' (which could be an administrator or even one of the viewers, per Claims 6 and 7) requests a change, a 'proxy module' steps in. This proxy module, which usually forwards the current stream, then starts forwarding the new 'second streaming media source' to the network server module. Crucially, this happens *while* the network server is still sending the old stream to the viewers (Claim 2), allowing for a smooth, 'seamless transition' on the same channel, like switching camera feeds during a live event. ## What it does NOT cover - Does not cover systems where only a single client receives streaming media, as it specifies a 'plurality of clients' (Claim 1). - Does not cover switching between streams that results in a noticeable interruption or 'hiccup' for the viewer, as it emphasizes 'seamless transition' (Claim 1). - Does not cover systems where the new stream is sent on a completely different channel, as the transition occurs 'on the first channel' (Claim 1). - Does not cover direct client-to-source streaming without an intermediary 'network server module' and 'proxy module' (Claim 1). - Does not cover systems that switch streams without the proxy module forwarding the new stream while the old stream is still active (Claim 2). ## The clever bit The clever part is the 'proxy module' forwarding the new stream to the network server *while* the old stream is still being sent to clients. This allows the network server to prepare or buffer the new content in advance, ensuring that when the actual switch happens, it's smooth and without interruption for the viewers. ## Real-world examples 1. Live sports broadcasts online with multiple camera angles 2. Webinars or online conferences switching between presenters or screens 3. Streaming services transitioning between episodes or advertisements 4. Television news programs switching between live feeds from different locations ## Why it matters This patent addresses a fundamental challenge in early internet streaming: how to change content for a large audience without disruptions. Before such mechanisms, switching video feeds often meant buffering delays or a complete restart of the stream for viewers. By enabling seamless transitions, this technology improved the quality of experience for live events, online broadcasts, and on-demand content, making streaming more professional and user-friendly. ## Frequently asked questions ### What does How to Seamlessly Switch Video Streams for Many Viewers cover? This patent describes a computer system that allows an administrator or viewer to smoothly switch between different video or audio sources for many people watching at the same time, without interrupting their viewing experience. ### Who owns patent US 6732183? BroadWare Technologies LLC owns this patent, granted in 2004. ### When does this patent expire? This patent has expired and is now in the public domain — anyone can use the invention freely. ### What is patent US 6732183 cited by? This patent has been cited by 98 later patents that build on its ideas. ### What problem does this patent solve? This patent addresses a fundamental challenge in early internet streaming: how to change content for a large audience without disruptions. Before such mechanisms, switching video feeds often meant buffering delays or a complete restart of the stream for viewers. By enabling seamless transitions, this technology improved the quality of experience for live events, online broadcasts, and on-demand content, making streaming more professional and user-friendly. ### What does this patent NOT cover? Does not cover systems where only a single client receives streaming media, as it specifies a 'plurality of clients' (Claim 1). **Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/6732183/video-and-audio-streaming-for-multiple-users **Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US6732183 --- _Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._ ## Related patents Semantically similar inventions in the PatentBrief corpus: - [How Home Gateways Manage Video Streaming Traffic to Prevent Buffering](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/9479807/netflix-interactive-content-bandersnatch) — A system where home internet gateways report device buffer status to a central server to intelligently manage bandwidth for multiple video streams. - [How to Play Any Media Playlist by Converting it to a Standard Format](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/6990497/dynamic-streaming-media-management) — This patent describes a system that takes media playlists in various formats, converts them into a single standard format, and then streams the referenced content, even allowing for dynamic changes during playback. - [How Networks Keep Video Streams Smooth During Busy Times](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/9538220/netflix-a-b-testing-framework) — A method for internet providers to automatically balance network resources so that multiple users streaming video simultaneously experience the best possible overall quality. - [How Software Automatically Collects and Organizes Data from Multiple Websites](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/8112476/amazon-ec2-elastic-compute-cloud) — A system that automatically logs into multiple websites, pulls information, and stores it locally before you even ask for it, so it is ready to view instantly. - [How Apps Automatically Switch Between Video Call Connection Methods](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/9083770/facebook-reactions) — A system that automatically decides whether to connect video calls directly between users or through a central server based on the number of people and connection quality.