Abstract: A personal video recorder (PVR) enables delivery of audio-visual content and associated metadata to storage devices. The PVR is configured to access a plurality of services using a plurality of storage modules. Each storage module is dedicated to a single designated content provider. One or more of the storage modules are removably coupled to the PVR. A disconnected storage module can be reconnected to another PVR different from the PVR from which the storage module was disconnected. Where authorization is required to access content stored on the storage module, authentication is performed each time the removable storage module is reconnected to a PVR.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling distribution and brokering of content information are described. A request to download data is transmitted to a server. Information on multiple content providers storing data obtained from the server is received. Finally, identification information for one content provider, which allowed the download of data, is transmitted to the server along with payment for the download of data.

Abstract: A multi-media broadcasting system that links a user profiles associated with a first user with a second user profile associated with a second user, where the first and second user profiles each comprise an indication of an interest common to the first and second users. The user profiles allow a user to customize a viewing experience via the broadcasting system. In addition, the system detects a content update to the first user profile, wherein the content update is associated with a content item that comprises content having a characteristic within the interest common to the first and second users. Furthermore, the system notifies the second user of the content update if the second user profile has not been updated with the content update.

Abstract: A personal video recorder (PVR) enables delivery of audio-visual content and associated metadata to storage devices. The PVR is configured to access a plurality of services using a plurality of storage modules. Each storage module is dedicated to a single designated content provider. One or more of the storage modules are removably coupled to the PVR. A disconnected storage module can be reconnected to another PVR different from the PVR from which the storage module was disconnected. Where authorization is required to access content stored on the storage module, authentication is performed each time the removable storage module is reconnected to a PVR.

Abstract: A personal video recorder (PVR) enables delivery of audio-visual content and associated metadata to storage devices. The PVR is configured to access a plurality of services using a plurality of storage modules. Each storage module is dedicated to a single designated content provider. One or more of the storage modules are removably coupled to the PVR. A disconnected storage module can be reconnected to another PVR different from the PVR from which the storage module was disconnected. Where authorization is required to access content stored on the storage module, authentication is performed each time the removable storage module is reconnected to a PVR.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for updating user profiles of interest by identifying sets of user profiles according to common interests and notifying other user profiles of a set when one common interest profile has an update to the common interest.

Abstract: A system and method for remote recording of programs using a broadcast without a direct internet connection including receiving preferences provided by a system user via cable service provider, using the preferences to determine broadcast media to be recorded, recording the determined broadcast media and presenting the recorded broadcast media to an end user. The system of the present invention utilizes the broadcast channel to directly send information to the user's audio/video recording system located at a different location. Since the cable service provider presently sends programming information to each household using the broadcast channel, additional information can also be added to this channel. Hence, a system user can access his audio/video recording system without actually having to directly communicate with his audio/video recording system.

Abstract: Multimedia content presented to a user may be augmented by the user. The content may be annotated with information received from the user. Additionally or alternatively, the multimedia content may be bookmarked by the user and sources with related information are automatically found and associated with the content.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for updating user profiles of interest by identifying sets of user profiles according to common interests and notifying other user profiles of a set when one common interest profile has an update to the common interest.

Abstract: A method of generating personalized television programming content. The method involves developing a user profile and employing a filtering process to isolate relevant content to be presented. The filtering process involves the removal of content that does not fit the customization profiles of any of the system users usage patterns. The method further involves marking content suitable for a particular user and presenting the marked content to the user.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling distribution and brokering of content information are described. A request to download data is transmitted to a server. Information on multiple content providers storing data obtained from the server is received. Finally, identification information for one content provider, which allowed the download of data, is transmitted to the server along with payment for the download of data.

Abstract: Interactive decision-making scenarios in an audio/video broadcast are described. A profile of a user and content information associated with a selected content file are retrieved in response to a selection input command from the user, the selection input command selecting the content file for transmission to the user. A play sequence of the content file is further selected based on the user profile and the content information. Finally, the selected play sequence is presented to the user.