Abstract: A method and apparatus is described to reduce delay when changing channels in a television environment. The method may comprise receiving a plurality of television channels from a remote content provider wherein each channel includes channel information used to display the channel. At least one channel of the plurality of channels may be identified as a stored channel and channel information of the at least one stored channel may be stored in storage (e.g. in a circular buffer). Thereafter, upon selection of the stored channel, the stored channel information is accessed for display. In an example embodiment, the storage may be updated to maintain a most recently received I-frame and subsequent MPEG signals of the stored channel. Accordingly, when changing channels it may not be necessary to wait for the next I-frame to display a newly selected channel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described to reduce delay when changing channels in a television environment. The method may comprise receiving a plurality of television channels from a remote content provider wherein each channel includes channel information required to display the channel. At least one channel of the plurality of channels may be identified as a stored channel and channel information of the at least one stored channel may be stored in storage (e.g. in a circular buffer). Thereafter, upon selection of the stored channel, the stored channel information is accessed for display. In an example embodiment, the storage may be updated to maintain a most recently received I-frame and subsequent MPEG signals of the stored channel. Accordingly, when changing channels it may not be necessary to wait for the next I-frame to display a newly selected channel.

Abstract: A method and mechanism for recreating particular data at a remote location within a television system. While watching television, a viewer tags a particular television program which is deemed of interest. The viewer then generates a message including an edit list which identifies the tagged program material and conveys the message to a remote location. The message is received at the remote location by a receiving device. The receiving device is configured to then capture and record the identified program material in response to processing the message. Capture of the identified program material may begin immediately, or may be scheduled for a later time. The receiving device is configured to either determine when the identified program material will next be broadcast, or may be configured to generate a request for the program material from a remote content server. The message may identify a single program, or multiple program selections taken from one or more programs.