Abstract: A time shift actuation and control method used for a personal video recorder (PVR), comprises the following steps: receiving an infrared interrupt signal; upon verifying that it is a time shift signal, determining the time shift function relating to said PVR, if said time shift function has already been initialized, the said PVR enters into the time shift mode, then performing the corresponding functions according to the different information contained in the infrared interrupt signal, comprising the playing back of the presently played program in one of the following manners: normal speed, slow motion, fast forward, reverse, pause, and stop.