Abstract: A technique includes establishing communication over a network link between first and second digital video recorders (DVRs). The network link includes one or more of: an Internet link, a two way multiple systems operator (MSO) link between a computer system of an MSO and a DVR. Responsive to at least one transfer command, content is transferred from the first DVR to the second DVR over the network link.

Abstract: A technique to backup data on a DVR includes receiving a transfer command, and responsive to the transfer command, backing up content on a first storage of an in-home digital video recorder (DVR) to a second storage configured as a redundant array of independent disks (RAID)-1. The transfer is over a direct communication path between the first and second storages.

Abstract: A technique for using an MSO-based network of DVRs to share content includes receiving a request for content from a first digital video recorder (DVR) in an establishment of a first customer in a multiple system's operator (MSO) video network including at least a second DVR in an establishment of a second customer. The establishment of the first customer is remote from the establishment of the second customer. Responsive to the request for contest, the MSO video network is queried for content satisfying the request. Responsive to identifying the content satisfying the request on the second DVR, the content satisfying the request is copied from the second DVR to the first DVR.

Abstract: Responsive to the transfer command, content on a first digital video recorder (DVR) is transferred to a second DVR over a wired or wireless link that directly connects the first DVR to the second DVR with no intervening components between the DVRs, such that the first DVR can be removed from use. The content may he video received on a video input of the first DVR and stored in the first DVR in decrypted form prior to decoding.

Abstract: A technique for transferring content on a customer's DVR to a new location to which the customer has moved includes accessing information including content and/or identification of content recorded on a first digital video recorder (DVR) located at a first customer facility, and loading the content and/or identification of content on a second DVR at a facility associated with a multiple systems operator (MSO). The second DVR is delivered to the customer at a second customer facility.

Abstract: A technique for load balancing between first and second DVRs includes receiving a customer-generated signal to enable load balancing between at least first and second digital video recorders (DVRs), and responsive to the signal and based at least in part on a storage size of at least one content, execute a load balancing algorithm to move at least some content from the first DVR to the second DVR.

Abstract: A technique for load balancing between first and second DVRs includes receiving a customer-generated signal to enable load balancing of to-be-recorded content at a future time between at least first and second digital video recorders (DVRs). Responsive to the signal and based at least in part on a storage size of at least one content, a load balancing algorithm is executed to determine which of the first DVR or the second DVR to record content at the future time.

Abstract: A technique for load balancing between first and second DVRs includes receiving a customer selection of content with respect to load balancing between the DVRs, and responsive to the customer selection and based at least in part on a storage size of one content, execute a load balancing algorithm to move at least some content from the first DVR to the second DVR. Responsive to the customer selection and based at least in part on a storage size of a future content, a DVR is selected to record the future content at a future recording time.