Abstract: A networked personal video recording (“PVR”) system couples a plurality of clients to one or more PVR media servers over a network. One or more PVR media servers include television tuners to tune television signals. A storage medium buffers the television signals to implement PVR functionality. For example, the PVR media server records television programs for clients. Clients are assigned to television tuners, and the clients display television programs received at the assigned tuner. The network transfers the buffered television signals to the clients.

Abstract: A networked personal video recording (“PVR”) system couples a plurality of clients to one or more PVR media servers over a network. One or more PVR media servers include television tuners to tune television signals. A storage medium buffers the television signals to implement PVR functionality. For example, the PVR media server records television programs for clients. Clients are assigned to television tuners, and the clients display television programs received at the assigned tuner. The network transfers the buffered television signals to the clients.

Abstract: A user interface is implemented on a client device remote from a host device. The host device operates an application program that implements a user interface, such as an electronic programming guide or a guide for a personal video recorder, that permits a user to control at least one target device. The host device transfers to the client device an identification of at least one scene. In general, a scene defines an abstract layout for at least one screen display of the user interface. The client device generates at least one screen display for the scene based on its interpretation of the scene. The client device then displays the screen as an implementation of the user interface. Thereafter, a user initiates, using the client device, an operation to control the target device. In response, the target device performs the operation. The host device may also display information at a client device. For example, the host device may transmit information about a media currently playing at the client device.

Abstract: A network client aggregates media items available in a media system. The network consists of a plurality of nodes, including at least two media server nodes. A client node generates an internal request to obtain a list of media items available in the media system. In response, the client node generates a request for a list of media items from each individual media server node on the network. Each media server node sends their list of media items to the client node. The client node aggregates the lists of media items from each of the media server nodes. Thus, a list of media items available on the media system is aggregated to a requesting client node in the media system.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method is described. The method includes receiving a request at a control module from a first remote device to access media data from a storage management module and determining that a first user is requesting access to the data based upon a first remote identification (ID). The method further includes opening a second stream between the playback module and the storage management module and receiving the data at the playback module.