Abstract: A method for recording multiple pieces of content with a single tuner. A content delivery network can include multiple channels organized into bands with several channels per band. These bands can be transmitted on an up-link such as to a satellite. The bands can be relayed to receivers at the end user locations. The end user receivers can tune to one, two, or some other fraction of the total number of transmitted bands. When a user selects a program to view and/or record, a tuner of the receiver tunes to the band that includes the channel that includes the program. The method prompts the user regarding the other channels that form the set of channels on that band, and solicits input for recording one or more concurrent programs of the band, which can all be recorded on the single receiving tuner.

Abstract: Systems and method for controlling a device in a home automation system based on a speaker-dependent command may include receiving a voice command for controlling the device connected to the home automation system, performing a voice recognition analysis to determine a speaker identity of the received voice command, and performing a speech recognition analysis to identify the device in the home automation system that is intended to be controlled. The systems and methods may include determining a permission status to control the identified device, whereby the determined permission status is based on the determined speaker identity and the identified device. The systems and methods may include controlling the identified device in the home automation system based on the determined status.

Abstract: A method for recording multiple pieces of content with a single tuner. A content delivery network can include multiple channels organized into bands with several channels per band. These bands can be transmitted on an up-link such as to a satellite. The bands can be relayed to receivers at the end user locations. The end user receivers can tune to one, two, or some other fraction of the total number of transmitted bands. When a user selects a program to view and/or record, a tuner of the receiver tunes to the band that includes the channel that includes the program. The method prompts the user regarding the other channels that form the set of channels on that band, and solicits input for recording one or more concurrent programs of the band, which can all be recorded on the single receiving tuner.

Abstract: Systems and methods direct a customer using an appliance coupled to a display toward received information. An input is received from the customer at the appliance, and a period of relative non-use is identified. In response to the period of relative non-use, the appliance is tuned to an informational channel to thereby present the received information to the customer on the display.