Abstract: Various methods and systems permit digital data, such as video data, audio/video data, audio/video/subpicture data and the like, to be processed in a manner that permits playback at different speeds in both forward and reverse directions. Various embodiments are also directed to handling playback rate changes in a manner that can enhance the user's experience.

Abstract: Various methods and systems permit digital data, such as video data, audio/video data, audio/video/subpicture data and the like, to be processed in a manner that permits playback at different speeds in both forward and reverse directions. Various embodiments are also directed to handling playback rate changes in a manner that can enhance the user's experience.

Abstract: The buffer of a programmable video recorder includes a backing store having a plurality of discrete temporary files that are configured to store non-byte streamed data, such as ASF data. The data stream includes a number of data samples that are each assigned a time stamp upon receipt. Each data sample is then assigned and written to a temporary file based on a corresponding duration assigned to each of the temporary files. The backing store operates like a moving window as the oldest temporary files are replaced with the newest temporary files.

Abstract: In accordance with certain aspects of the present invention, an algorithm is provided that can be used to detect and track the difference between an on-host clock (i.e., “host clock”) and a remote clock (i.e., “reference clock”). As part of the algorithm, a scaling value is computed and tracked over time. The scaling value, when applied to the host clock, results in clock values that increase at substantially the same rate as the reference clock itself increases. Hence, the host clock will have been slaved to the reference clock.

Abstract: In accordance with certain aspects of the present invention, an algorithm is provided that can be used to detect and track the difference between an on-host clock (i.e., “host clock”) and a remote clock (i.e., “reference clock”). As part of the algorithm, a scaling value is computed and tracked over time. The scaling value, when applied to the host clock, results in clock values that increase at substantially the same rate as the reference clock itself increases. Hence, the host clock will have been slaved to the reference clock.

Abstract: A system receives a broadcast data stream that is encoded using any encoding format. The received broadcast data stream is demultiplexed and stored on a storage device. In response to a command to play back the stored broadcast data stream, the stored data stream is retrieved and rendered in a manner that corresponds to the play back command. Multiple systems may retrieve the stored broadcast data stream simultaneously.

Abstract: A system receives a broadcast program and temporarily stores the program data. A request is received to permanently record the broadcast program. This request is received after a portion of the broadcast program has been received and temporarily stored. The broadcast program is then permanently recorded, including the temporarily stored program data. A metafile identifies portions of the broadcast program and is accessible by a reader to continuously retrieve the stored portions of the broadcast program.