Abstract: An instant messaging graphical user interface (“GUI”) is described comprising: a text entry region in which a user may enter instant messages; an IM conversation window in which a complete IM conversation between the user and a selected contact appears; a video window for displaying real time video of the user and/or the contact during an IM session; and a plurality of user-selectable personal video recorder (“PVR”) controls for performing a respective plurality of PVR functions on the video displayed within the video window, the PVR functions including record, pause, and rewind for recording, pausing, and rewinding the video, respectively.