Abstract: A system and method may include receiving, at a set top box, one or more user inputs from an input device, analyzing the one or more user inputs to identify last application data, prioritizing one or more pointers associated with the last application data based on at least usage data, receiving, at the set top box, one or more request messages from the input device, and outputting, to a display device, last application information, in response to receiving the one or more request messages, based on the prioritization of the one or more pointers.

Abstract: A system and method for extending recording time over an allocated time slot for a A/V recording device including receiving, at a programming content server, a request for one or more programs and transmitting, via the programming content server, the request for one or more programs to at least one of a linear content system and a digital content system. Also, the system and method may include receiving, at the programming content server, the one or more requested programs from at least one of the linear content system and the digital content system; and transmitting, via the programming content server, one or more programming content identification messages to a set-top box in the event that the one or more requested programs extend over an allocated time slot.

Abstract: Systems for testing set-top boxes and content distribution networks are provided. In general, systems and methods are described for simulating a set-top box subscriber base, remotely controlling the operations of the set-top boxes of the simulated subscriber base, and analyzing the quality of transmissions received by the set-top boxes. Houses, streets, and towns are simulated using multiple set-top boxes connected to a network. A controller is configured to remotely instruct the set-top boxes to access content from the network and to monitor the operations of the set-top boxes, and an analyzer is configured to monitor the quality of the transmissions received. Methods are also provided for testing set-top boxes and content distribution networks and for testing the quality of transmissions from one source as compared to another source.

Abstract: A system and method for extending recording time over an allocated time slot for a AN recording device including receiving, at a programming content server, a request for one or more programs and transmitting, via the programming content server, the request for one or more programs to at least one of a linear content system and a digital content system. Also, the system and method may include receiving, at the programming content server, the one or more requested programs from at least one of the linear content system and the digital content system; and transmitting, via the programming content server, one or more programming content identification messages to a set-top box in the event that the one or more requested programs extend over an allocated time slot.

Abstract: Systems for testing set-top boxes and content distribution networks are provided. In general, systems and methods are described for simulating a set-top box subscriber base, remotely controlling the operations of the set-top boxes of the simulated subscriber base, and analyzing the quality of transmissions received by the set-top boxes. Houses, streets, and towns are simulated using multiple set-top boxes connected to a network. A controller is configured to remotely instruct the set-top boxes to access content from the network and to monitor the operations of the set-top boxes, and an analyzer is configured to monitor the quality of the transmissions received. Methods are also provided for testing set-top boxes and content distribution networks and for testing the quality of transmissions from one source as compared to another source.