Abstract: In many aspects, systems and methods for recording overlapping media content using interactive media guidance applications are provided. The systems and methods for recording overlapping media content generally relate to cropping overlapping portions of the media content thereby allowing a user to enjoy most of the recording while only forgoing a portion of the beginning or the end of a program.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying program guide information from multiple sources, including second level information, in response to a first request for program guide information.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to non-hierarchical interface screens for use with a video recorder. The present invention includes a set-top box having an internal storage device, such as a hard drive where broadcasts are transferred from a broadcast input source to the storage device and can later be retrieved from the storage device for viewing. The set-top box is connected to an output device such as a television, which displays a graphical user interface (GUI) and an interactive program guide (IPG). The GUI also allows the user to access several core interface screens that all correspond to specific buttons on an input device, such as a remote control. The user is able to access any of the core interface screens without navigating through a hierarchically arranged series of interface screens.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a video recorder having user extended and automatically extended time slots. An embodiment of the present invention includes a set-top box having an internal storage device, such as a hard drive where broadcasts are transferred from a broadcast input source to the storage device. The set-top box is connected to an output device such as a television, which displays a graphical user interface (GUI) and an interactive program guide (IPG). The user has the option to extend a chosen time slot, in which a show is scheduled to be transferred to the storage device. The time slot may be extended before the show, after the show, or both.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a shared tuner video recorder system architecture. In one embodiment, multiple set-top boxes are networked and configured to share tuners with each other. If a specific set-top box has no tuners available to schedule a show, it attempts to schedule the show on the tuner of another set-top box in the network.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for providing a full service cable television system. The cable system incorporates a digital and analog transmission architecture capable of delivering a high number of high quality television programs, advanced cable services, and online services to a subscriber's home. The cable system comprises a cable headend, at least one fiber transport, at least one distribution hub, at least one hybrid fiber coax plant, and a plurality of set-top terminals. Programs and services are transmitted to the set-top terminals in both digital and analog formats to maintain downward compatibility with existing systems. The set-top terminal incorporates a central processing unit, a unified memory architecture, a memory management unit, communications circuitry, I/O control circuitry, and audio and video output circuitry.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a video recorder having user extended and automatically extended time slots. An embodiment of the present invention includes a set top box having an internal storage device, such as a hard drive where broadcasts are transferred from a broadcast input source to the storage device. The set top box is connected to an output device such as a television, which displays a graphical user interface (GUI) and an interactive program guide (IPG). The user has the option to extend a chosen time slot, in which a show is scheduled to be transferred to the storage device. The time slot may be extended before the show, after the show, or both.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, one or more devices are connected to a set-top box that is coupled to a television screen or other output device. A GUI is provided which allows a user to easily control the connected device by sending them control signals. The control signals cause the connected device to enter a new state. For instance if the connected device is a light and the light is off, the new state is on. In one embodiment the user accesses the GUI and defines events and rules associated with one of the connected devices. The set-top box in conjunction with the connected device then determines if the defined event has occurred. If it has, the rules are applied to the device and the device performs some action. In another embodiment, a portion of the device's action sends data to the GUI and provides some form of output to the user.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a storage manager for a video recorder. The present invention includes a set-top box having an internal storage device, such as a hard drive where broadcasts are transferred from a broadcast input source to the storage device and can later be retrieved from the storage device for viewing. The set-top box is connected to an output device such as a television, which displays a graphical user interface (GUI) and an interactive program guide (IPG). The GUI also allows the user to access a saved shows screen that provides: what shows already reside on the disk; what shows will are scheduled to be transferred to the disk; the relative location of the saved shows on the disk; estimates of how long it will be before certain saved shows are erased from the disk to make room for newly scheduled shows; an identification the amount of time a saved show is set to remain on the disk by viewing graphical icons; the priorities of the saved shows on the disk.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a conflict manager for a personal video recorder. An embodiment of the present invention includes a set-top box having an internal hard drive or other storage device where broadcasts are transferred to the storage device. The set-top box is connected to an output device such as a television, which displays a graphical user interface (GUI) and an interactive program guide (IPG). The IPG displays a list of broadcasts that are available by tuning to different channels. The GUI allows the user to navigate the IPG, for instance, by viewing different times and dates for broadcasts. The GUI also allows the user to activate a video recorder within the set-top box, by navigating the IPG and selecting broadcasts to later transfer to the storage device. The user may select multiple broadcasts to transfer, may repeatedly transfer the same program, or may repeatedly transfer the same program in a series.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for providing a full service cable television system. The cable system incorporates a digital and analog transmission architecture capable of delivering a high number of high quality television programs, advanced cable services, and online services to a subscriber's home. The cable system comprises a cable headend, at least one fiber transport, at least one distribution hub, at least one hybrid fiber coax plant, and a plurality of set-top terminals. Programs and services are transmitted to the set-top terminals in both digital and analog formats to maintain downward compatibility with existing systems. The set-top terminal incorporates a central processing unit, a unified memory architecture, a memory management unit, communications circuitry, I/O control circuitry, and audio and video output circuitry.