A system for handling video content in a network, such as the Internet.
Aspects of the system provide for accessing, distributing and maintaining
digital video or other image content. Video content is acquired from
content providers. Searching, and identification of desired video content
is provided to users of the system by annotating video content with
searchable text. The searchable text is accessed via a database where
relational queries are used to identify desired content. Portions, or
chapters, of the video can be linked to unique descriptions. This allows
for indexing of video so that a viewer, or user, does not have to watch
unwanted segments to get desired information. Access of the video by end
users is facilitated by maintenance of multiple video servers that provide
access to the content. Distribution of video broadcasts can be on-demand
or in real-time. A preferred embodiment uses both satellite and
on-location video distribution. Video information is pre-processed to
compensate for artifacts, degradation and other undesirable effects that
can be introduced into the video information due to compression. The speed
of transmission to an end user from each of multiple servers is tested
prior to transmission of the bulk video so that the fastest or most
efficient server can be used for the transmission. A user interface is
provided to allow end users to access video information. Utilities are
provided to monitor and log end user accessing of videos. Such logged
information can be used to promote additional products or services or to
steer a user to information that the user may need or want. For example,
other information related to the information in a chosen video can be
provided to a particular user. Other features are described
