Abstract: A multimedia processing device and method for using virtual resources to manage multimedia content system resources and access to such resources by system applications. A multimedia content processing device, such as a set-top box, is configured to provide virtual resources that emulate actual resources, such as a media playing resource, in a manner that allows system applications, such as a television or video on demand application, to believe they have access to the actual underlying system resource. The method includes providing a virtual resource for a system application seeking access to a system resource. The virtual resource can be configured in an attached mode, in which the virtual resource forwards information between an active system application and the accessed resource. The virtual resource also can be configured in a detached mode, in which the virtual resource emulates the actual resource to which a non-active system application is seeking access.

Abstract: A device (10) and method (30) for managing multimedia content recording assets, e.g., within a video processing device, such as a video signal convert/decoder (set-top box) device. The method includes receiving multimedia content, storing at least a portion of the multimedia content requested by one or more content assets, and providing access to the stored multimedia content by one or more of the content assets. The multimedia content requested by one or more content assets is stored once in a single location that is not part of any of the content assets. The video processing device includes a processor for receiving multimedia content and a storage device or element for storing received multimedia content. The processor stores received multimedia content once in a storage location that is not part of any of the requesting content assets, and provides access to the stored multimedia content by the requesting content assets.

Abstract: A multimedia processing device and method for using virtual resources to manage multimedia content system resources and access to such resources by system applications. A multimedia content processing device, such as a set-top box, is configured to provide virtual resources that emulate actual resources, such as a media playing resource, in a manner that allows system applications, such as a television or video on demand application, to believe they have access to the actual underlying system resource. The method includes providing a virtual resource for a system application seeking access to a system resource. The virtual resource can be configured in an attached mode, in which the virtual resource forwards information between an active system application and the accessed resource. The virtual resource also can be configured in a detached mode, in which the virtual resource emulates the actual resource to which a non-active system application is seeking access.