SYSTEM AND METHOD OF PROVIDING VIDEO CONTENT

A method of providing video content includes receiving a channel change data packet from a set-top box device at a subscriber premise via a packet-based video distribution network. The channel change data packet includes data indicating a requested channel and a channel change index value. The method also includes reading the channel change data packet to identify the channel change index value. The channel change index value indicates an available bandwidth at the subscriber premise to receive video content of the requested channel via the packet-based video distribution network. The method also includes allocating an overhead bandwidth to the set-top box device based on the channel change index value.