Abstract: Techniques are described to provide content access. In an implementation, a determination is made at a client that a high-definition channel has content that matches content provided by a standard-definition channel. Access is provided to the content via the high-definition channel and access is restricted to the content via the standard-definition channel up the client is capable of outputting the content and high definition.

Abstract: Before a programming guide is created, a unique code is assigned to each TV program that can be identified in the programming guide. Prior to the creation of the programming guide, a viewer selects the unique code corresponding to the TV show that the viewer would like to record whenever that TV show is broadcast. When the programming guide is created, the corresponding unique codes are associated with each TV program in the programming guide. The TV program corresponding to the viewer-selected unique code is then scheduled to be recorded in accordance with the announced broadcast schedule in the programming guide. A recording is made of the TV program corresponding to the viewer-selected unique code as the TV program is broadcast in accordance with the announced broadcast schedule in the programming guide.

Abstract: A unified recording format allows both recorded programs and paused buffered broadcasts to be stored in memory as a common virtual stream. As content is received on a channel, it is placed into the virtual stream with newer content at the start of the stream and progressively aging content migrating farther downstream. A front section of the stream effectively operates as a pause buffer, as the currently tuned broadcast program is recorded in this section and is responsive to pause/resume commands. Recorded programs are also stored as part of the same virtual stream. Pointers are used to identify the boundaries of the pause buffer, as well as the beginning and end of each recorded program in the virtual stream.

Abstract: Methods and systems for enhancing a user's viewing experience are described. Various embodiments can record episodes of a special event program, record previously-broadcast episodes of a special event program, assist the user in recording episodes that are associated with a program for which they have set up a record event, maintain an entertainment system's user interface by automatically removing record events, handle season premiers and finales by automatically recording them, and assist the user in recording episodes in which they might be interested.

Abstract: A unified recording format allows both recorded programs and paused buffered broadcasts to be stored in memory as a common virtual stream. As content is received on a channel, it is placed into the virtual stream with newer content at the start of the stream and progressively aging content migrating farther downstream. A front section of the stream effectively operates as a pause buffer, as the currently tuned broadcast program is recorded in this section and is responsive to pause/resume commands. Recorded programs are also stored as part of the same virtual stream. Pointers are used to identify the boundaries of the pause buffer, as well as the beginning and end of each recorded program in the virtual stream.

Abstract: Recording resource limitation resolution is described. In one implementation a time period is detected during which programs are designated to be recorded, and during which at least one of the designated programs cannot be recorded due to a recording resource limitation. All possible combinations to record the designated programs which will resolve the recording resource limitation can be determined using an iterative selection process. A recording conflict user interface is displayed, and any one of the possible combinations which will resolve the recording resource limitation can be selected via the recording conflict user interface. Other implementations are also described.

Abstract: A request is received to create a program event to record a program from a broadcast start time through a broadcast end time on a broadcast channel. The program event is created to record the program in a recording for a playback of the program from the recording. Upon an occurrence of an incident likely to prevent the play back, a diagnostic descriptive of the incident is output.

Abstract: A system or method selects among multiple tuners to tune a particular channel. A request is received to tune a first channel. In response to this request, a first tuner is assigned to tune the first channel. A request is received to tune a second channel. If the program tuned by the first tuner is not being recorded, the first tuner is assigned to tune the second channel. If the program tuned by the first tuner is being recorded, the second tuner is assigned to tune the second channel.

Abstract: A recording system uses electronic program guide information to resolve conflicts between programs that have been selected by a viewer for recording. The recording system allows the viewer to select conflicting (i.e., coinciding) programs for recording, while communicating to the viewer that a conflict exists. Conflicts can be automatically resolved in response to a dynamic change to the recording system, such as an increase in the number of tuners available for recording. Conflicts can also be automatically resolved as senior conflicting programs are taken off the broadcast schedule or are deselected by the viewer. A junior program that conflicts with a senior repeating program can be scheduled for recording by removing from the recording schedule only those instances of the senior repeating program that actually conflict with the junior program, while keeping non-conflicting showings of the repeating program on the schedule.

Abstract: Techniques are described to provide content access. In an implementation, a determination is made at a client that a high-definition channel has content that matches content provided by a standard-definition channel. Access is provided to the content via the high-definition channel and access is restricted to the content via the standard-definition channel up the client is capable of outputting the content and high definition.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to conflict management resolution. Typically systems for resolving conflicts between television programs with coinciding broadcast schedules use preferences, a confusing and limited display, or a combination thereof. The present invention, on thee other hand, provides for determining time spans or time slices, that indicate the duration of the conflict, and uses these to determine the available recording options. These can then be displayed in a user friendly interface, that is easy to understand and simple to use. In addition, other example embodiments ensure that the various programs and/or available options are capable of being cycled through, regardless of preference settings.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling entertainment systems are described. In accordance with one embodiment, one or more conditional directives are developed and injected from externally of an entertainment system into the system. The conditional directives direct the entertainment system to conditionally perform some action that is directed to enhancing the user's experience. Typically, the conditional directives come from an external third party. A conditional directive comprises one or more conditions and one or more actions. The conditions define conditions that are to be met before an action is performed. The actions define actions that are to be performed in the event that one or more associated conditions are met.

Abstract: A system or method selects among multiple tuners to tune a particular channel. A request is received to tune a first channel. In response to this request, a first tuner is assigned to tune the first channel. A request is received to tune a second channel. If the program tuned by the first tuner is not being recorded, the first tuner is assigned to tune the second channel. If the program tuned by the first tuner is being recorded, the second tuner is assigned to tune the second channel.

Abstract: Streaming content navigation techniques are described. In an implementation, techniques are described to provide a non-modal message when navigation is attempted to a stream of content that is not permitted for consumption by a client device. In another implementation, techniques are described to provide an alternate content stream when sequential navigation between streams of content is attempted.

Abstract: Embodiments of virtual tuner management are described. A viewing system, for instance, may include a plurality of client devices that are configured to render content, such as television programs. The viewing system may pool the resources available from the client devices such that each client device is not limited to functionality that is provided locally by the client device. To manage content consumption in the viewing system, virtual tuners may be employed, each of which represent an ability of the viewing system to consume a single stream of content (e.g., a television program) provided by a content provider.

Abstract: Memory is allocated to record a program being broadcast proportional to its remainder in a client device having a processor in communication with a receiver. The processor executes an application to allocate space in the memory to record the remainder of the broadcast of the program being received by the receiver that has a predetermined time length. The executing application obtains the predetermined time length from the broadcast received by the receiver and derives the remainder of the broadcast of the program from the present time and the predetermined time length obtained from the broadcast. The space can be logically erased prior to its allocation. A video recorder records the broadcast of the program being received by the receiver in the space in the memory. A video playback device plays back the recorded broadcast of the program from the space in the memory.

Abstract: Content management using a website is described. In an implementation, one or more computer readable media include instructions that are executable to provide an option, via a website, that is selectable by a first user though interaction with a website to specify that a second user is permitted, through interaction with the website, to cause content to be recorded locally at a client of the first user.

Abstract: Embodiments of streaming content management are described herein. For example, techniques may be employed to manage streams received by client devices such that the client devices may receive content and share functionality.

Abstract: A system identifies a television program selected to be recorded. The identified television program has a scheduled start time and is associated with a program series. A program guide is searched to locate television programs associated with the same series as the identified television program. The program guide is searched for television programs that have a start time within a predetermined period of time of the scheduled start time of the television program selected to be recorded.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to conflict management resolution. Typically systems for resolving conflicts between television programs with coinciding broadcast schedules use preferences, a confusing and limited display, or a combination thereof. The present invention, on other hand, provides for determining time spans or time slices, that indicate the duration of the conflict, and uses these to determine the available recording options. These can then be displayed in a user friendly interface, that is easy to understand and simple to use. In addition, other example embodiments ensure that the various programs and/or available options are capable of being cycled through, regardless of preference settings.