STREAMING A SINGLE MEDIA TRACK TO MULTIPLE CLIENTS

A system and method are provided for streaming a media track to multiple clients using a single copy of the track's metadata, rather than making separate copies of the metadata for each stream. A media track's metadata includes information that is used to identify and locate media corresponding to different time positions in the track or media program. Sharing one copy of the metadata among multiple client streams promotes more efficient use of a media streaming server's resources. When a media track is first requested, a track object is generated to store and allow access to the metadata. For each client stream, a separate track handle object is created to manage access to the metadata for the stream's specific context. The streamed media track may be part of a live media event or may be part of a pre-recorded media program.