Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for efficiently “catching-up” a user that is interested in a media asset when that user has missed a portion of the media asset while consuming the media asset together with other people. The system may detect that multiple people are consuming a media asset and may determine, based on a respective profile of each person, whether that person is interested in the media asset. When the system detects that the user is disregarding the media asset, the missed portion of the media asset is stored if the user is interested in the media asset, and is not stored if the user is not interested in the media asset.

Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating setting of television program series recording priority ranking include functionality that monitors television series program viewing habits of a user for a plurality of different television program series. The system then changes television program series recording priority rankings to resolve recording conflicts based on the monitoring of the television series program viewing habits. In some embodiments, the system first sends a notification to the user of an option to upgrade a recording priority ranking. Additionally, the system may record television program episodes whose recordings were skipped due to them having a lower recording priority ranking. The system may record such skipped television program episodes during the next time slot in which a skipped episode is rebroadcast and does not conflict with a higher priority broadcast.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media may be operable to facilitate the resolving of a tuner conflict at a digital video recorder. When a multimedia device receives a request for a new recording session, and there is no available tuner for carrying out the recording session, the multimedia device may determine a duration of time until a tuner becomes available. If the duration of time until a tuner becomes available is less than a threshold duration, the multimedia device may initiate the recording session once the tuner becomes available, and the missing portion of the recording may be recovered at an alternate time or from an alternate content source. When the missing portion is recovered, the recording and the missing portion may be stitched together. If the duration of time until a tuner becomes available is greater than a threshold, the multimedia device may present alternate times for recording the requested content.

Abstract: A method for providing user feedback for a website includes generating, via a programming interface of a first computing device, a substantially transparent overlay for a graphical user interface (GUI) of a web page, the substantially transparent overlay preventing user interaction with the GUI of the web page, receiving coordinates of an area on the substantially transparent overlay, translating, by the first computing device, the coordinates of the area on the substantially transparent overlay to source code for an element on the GUI of the web page located at a corresponding position of the coordinates of the area on the substantially transparent overlay, and transmitting, by the first computing device, source code for the element to a second computing device for rendering the element on a second computing device GUI.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for a service that backs-up and stores events received at an event bus, in order to replay those backed-up events at a later time. In one example, a request to replay an event processed by an event bus may be received, for example, by a service. The event bus may process events by directing individual events to a target to perform an operation on the data. Individual event may include data and metadata indicating attributes of the data. A data object, corresponding to the event may be obtained from an event archive, which stores multiple events organized into a number of data objects according to attributes of the events. An event may be extracted from the data object and sent to the event bus to be reprocessed by the event bus and directed to the target to perform the operation on the data.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and processes for facilitating seamless use of tuners across multiple devices within a LAN are described and may include use of a first user device, communicatively coupled to the LAN, that includes a first hardware processor configured to execute first, non-transient, computer instructions for facilitating a first seamless tuner engine configured to identify at least one first tuner. A second user device, communicatively coupled to the LAN, may include a second hardware processor configured to execute second, non-transient, computer instructions for facilitating a second seamless tuner configured to identify at least one second tuner. At least one of, if not each, of seamless tuner engines may be configured to generate a universal tuner directory identifying availability of each the tuners. The universal tuner directory may be populated and tuners allocated based upon an emergency broadcast, auto-tune, PPV, original content, re-run, or Joey request type.

Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating setting of television program series recording priority ranking include functionality that monitors television series program viewing habits of a user for a plurality of different television program series. The system then changes television program series recording priority rankings to resolve recording conflicts based on the monitoring of the television series program viewing habits. In some embodiments, the system first sends a notification to the user of an option to upgrade a recording priority ranking. Additionally, the system may record television program episodes whose recordings were skipped due to them having a lower recording priority ranking. The system may record such skipped television program episodes during the next time slot in which a skipped episode is rebroadcast and does not conflict with a higher priority broadcast.

Abstract: Media content search results ranked by popularity is described. In embodiment(s), a search request for television media content can be initiated by a viewer, and television media content that is relevant to the search request can be identified. The relevant television media content can then be ranked based on a popularity rating and the relevant television media content can be displayed in an ordered list that is ordered by popularity rankings.

Abstract: A method for censoring a broadcast includes sending a notification that viewing content is being recorded by a broadcaster and available for viewing. They method also includes identifying one or more viewers that have accepted the notification and identifying the one or more viewer's viewers' relationship level to the broadcaster. The method also includes generating a buffer for the viewer. The method also includes determining a sensitive content occurrence frequency of the broadcaster and adjusting the buffer length based on the relationship level for the viewer. The method also includes parsing the broadcast of the broadcaster to identify sensitive viewing content, and, in response to a determination that the sensitive viewing content exceeds the viewer's relationship level, censoring the sensitive viewing content based on the adjusted buffer length of a buffered version of the broadcast transmitted to the viewer.

Abstract: Provided are methods and systems for reducing content storage space and network resources. A device, such as a network storage device, can receive a plurality of requests to record a content item with varying start times and end times. The network device can map the start time and end time of each request to a subscriber, premises, and/or device. The network device can determine the earliest of the start times associated with the content item and the latest of the end times associated with the content item. In an aspect, the network device can make a recording, starting at the earliest start time and ending at the latest end time.

Abstract: A method and system for automated run-time adjustment that includes an ability to start or end a scheduled recording at an earlier or later period of time. The adjustment may allow a program to be recorded in its entirety regardless of whether the program is starting late or running long. The recording period adjustments performed in accordance with the contemplated run-time adjustment may be made with reliance on data transmitted with the program in order to optionally insure the adjustment are made with respect to the actual content and not some pre-determined or arbitrary recording extension inputted by a user.

Abstract: An exemplary method includes a web services provider system detecting an input command provided by a user during a scheduling session and representative of a request for a local digital video recording (“DVR”) system to record a media program during a presentation time period that is subsequent to the scheduling session. During the scheduling session and in response to the input command, the web services provider system identifies a maximum number of media programs other than the media program and that are already scheduled to be concurrently recorded by the local DVR system at any given time during the presentation time period, determines whether the maximum number equals a maximum recording limitation of the local DVR system, and performs, based on the determination whether the maximum number equals the maximum recording limitation of the local DVR system, a predetermined action with respect to the media program.

Abstract: A transport control interface may be provided by an interactive television program guide application to provide information, control or both for live and recorded video programming. The transport control interface may indicate to the user the time duration of live or recorded program and any time segments of the program that have been recorded. The transport control interface may automatically adjust the start and end time shown to accommodate various factors such as continuous viewing on a particular channel, multiple recorded segments, buffer size, etc. Various information associated with the live or recorded video programming may be displayed in the transport control interface.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a first data stream including first media content. The first data stream corresponds to a first channel. The method further includes detecting a channel change request from the first channel to a second channel. The method also includes storing user history data at a media device. The user history data indicates a portion of the first media content that had been received when the channel change request was detected. The method includes providing, to a display device, second media content of a received second data stream corresponding to the second channel. The method further includes, in response to detecting a second channel change request to return to the first channel, providing to a display device, the first media content of the first data stream beginning from a location of the first media content indicated by the user history data.

Abstract: Content segmentation, categorization and identification methods are described. Content tracking approaches are illustrated that are suitable for large scale deployment. Time-aligned applications such as multi-language selection, customized advertisements, second screen services and content monitoring applications can be economically deployed at large scales. A client performs fingerprinting, scene change detection, audio turn detection, and logo detection on incoming video and gathers database search results, logos and text to identify and segment video streams into content, promos, and commercials. A learning engine is configured to learn rules for optimal identification and segmentation at each client for each channel and program. Content sensed at the client site is tracked with reduced computation and applications are executed with timing precision. A user interface for time-aligned publishing of content and subsequent usage and interaction on one or more displays is also described.

Abstract: Various arrangements are presented for recording broadcast television programming. An electronic programming guide database may be accessed to determine a scheduled start time and a scheduled end time for the broadcast television program. A timer may be defined to record the broadcast television program. The start time for the timer may be a first predefined period of time before the scheduled start time of the broadcast television program and an end time for the timer may be a second predefined period of time after the scheduled end time of the broadcast television program. The broadcast television program may be recorded, the recording beginning at the start time of the timer and ending at the end time of the timer. One or more bookmarks that are based on the scheduled start time and/or scheduled end time of the broadcast television program may be created for the recorded television program.

Abstract: Various arrangements for managing digital video recorder timers are presented. A timer management computer system may receive a timer associated with a user account, wherein the timer specifies a television channel, a date, and a time period for recording. The timer management computer system may determine one or more television receivers associated with the user account. In response to the received timer, the one or more television receivers may be notified of the timer.

Abstract: In one general embodiment, a method includes, or a system has logic for, receiving a request to record a television program on a first output device; determining that recording the television program conflicts with a scheduled recording; and downloading the television program from a server in response to determining that the recording thereof conflicts with another scheduled recording. Additional systems and methods are also presented.

Abstract: Systems and methods allow for automatic scheduling of audio/video recordings made by in a digital video recorder (DVR) or similar device. The various times during which each of the programming events will be available are determined and maintained in a list. Conflicting periods of time during which multiple programming events are simultaneously received are identified, and a schedule by which each of the programming events is to be recorded is created. Conflicts can be resolved by automatically scheduling the recording of one or more programming events to occur during a re-broadcast of the event at a different time that does not conflict with the other events.

Abstract: Arrangements for managing a digital video recorder timer at a plurality of television receivers are presented. A plurality of television receivers may be present. Each television receiver of the plurality of television receivers may be linked with a particular user account. Each television receiver may use separate receiving hardware to receive television programming from a television service provider. A timer management computer system may receive a timer associated with the particular user account. The timer may specify a date, a time, and a television channel to be recorded. Based on the received timer, the timer management computer system may notify each television receiver of the plurality of television receivers of the timer for recording.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a receiving apparatus for sending received contents to a recording apparatus and for getting the recording apparatus to record the contents in accordance with preset recording reservations, the receiving apparatus including: a recording ready time information acquisition section configured to acquire from the recording apparatus information about a recording ready time; a continuous recording determination section configured to determine whether two chronologically successive broadcast contents are reserved for recording based on the preset recording reservations; and an end time setting section configured such that if the two chronologically successive broadcast contents are found reserved for recording, then the end time setting section sets the time at which to end processing for recording the earlier of the two contents based on a broadcast start time of the latter of the two contents and on the acquired information about the recording ready time.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided herein in relation to notifications about alternative viewing opportunities for recording and playback of media programs. In particular, the systems and methods provide users with information related to alternative recorded programming viewing opportunities for programs scheduled for recording by a user.

Abstract: A method includes identifying a scheduled video program recording conflict between video programs. The video programs are scheduled to be recorded at a same time. The method also includes determining whether there is at least one alternative recording opportunity for one of the video programs. The method includes determining a conflict status of a video program slot based on whether there is at least one alternative recording opportunity for the one of the video programs. The conflict status provides information applicable to determining a resolution of digital video recorder (DVR) scheduling for the video programs. The conflict status identifiers are provided to video program slots based on the conflict status of the video program slots. The method includes providing an option to manually resolve the scheduled video program recording conflict based on the conflict status identifiers, and resolving the scheduled video program recording conflict based on manual input.

Abstract: A broadcast program recording overrun and underrun scheduling system provides a system for adjusting the start and end times of a broadcast program's recording schedule that has a start and end broadcast time. The viewer selects a particular broadcast program to record from the program guide using a remote input device. The system schedules the broadcast program to be recorded by inserting the program's information such as program identifier, start and end times, and storage duration into a recording schedule database. The system allows the viewer to adjust the scheduled start and/or end recording times for a broadcast program by specifying the time increment to add or subtract from the start and/or end recording times of a specific program or series of programs.

Abstract: A receiver receives a request for content associated with a channel, determines that all channel selectors are in use, selects a set of options, and transmits the set to a presentation device. The receiver may then fulfill the request utilizing a selected option. All available channel selectors may be in use because they are tuned to frequency bands of a broadcast signal to record content and data associated the channel is included in a different frequency band. The set of options may include options to stop the current recording in favor of the requested content and options to present content included in a same frequency band to which a tuner is already tuned. In one or more implementations, the receiver may determine that content currently being recorded will be rebroadcast at a later time and may include notifications indicating such and/or options to record the content at the later time.

Abstract: Even if times of accumulation of a plurality of contents overlap, each of the contents can be accumulated, and accumulation of the contents can be completed in time for the time and date when the contents are made public. A non-volatile storage portion (23) stores information regarding times of publication of a plurality of contents. When candidate times for the times of accumulation of the plurality of contents overlap, an accumulation time setting portion (24b) determines the order of the times of publication among the plurality of contents on the basis of the information regarding the times of publication stored in the non-volatile storage portion (23), and sets the time of accumulation for each content on the basis of the assessment result. A content accumulation portion (24c) accumulates the contents on the basis of the times of accumulation set by the accumulation time setting portion (24b).

Abstract: A recording and reproducing device reproduces content management information from a recording medium and inputs the content management information to a control unit via a recording and reproducing processing unit. An image generation unit generates a menu screen using content information in the management information extracted by the control unit, and outputs the menu screen via a display processing unit. When content is to be dubbed by a user, the content dubbing destination and the preset time to dub the content are entered to the control unit via an operation unit, and these entries are held in a schedule management unit.

Abstract: First media segments for a first media program are recorded. The first media program is scheduled to start at a first start time and end at a first end time, whereas a second media program is scheduled to start at a second start time and end at a second end time, the first end time being after the second start time. It is determined whether the first media program and the second media program are on a same channel. If so, one or more shared media segments, one of which is before all other shared media segments in the shared media segments and begins no later than the first time, are recorded. A first media program object is generated to represent a first recording of the first media program, and includes references to the first media segments and the shared media segments.

Abstract: A method includes receiving an indication of a DVR conflict that includes at least two conflicting video programs. The method also includes identifying attributes of the conflicting video programs, and identifying a local pattern of DVR conflict resolution associated with a user based on the conflicting video programs. The method includes identifying, if the conflicting video programs do not match the local pattern, a global pattern of DVR conflict resolution associated with multiple customers of a service provider based on the conflicting video programs, identifying, if the conflicting video programs do not match the global pattern, a default pattern of DVR conflict resolution, and scheduling at least one of the conflicting video programs to be recorded based on the identified local, global, or default pattern of DVR conflict resolution.

Abstract: Described herein are techniques for displaying conflicts between two or more recording timers. Recording conflicts are displayed graphically for the user to resolve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a PVR server for storing and playing back TV programs, in particular to an improved method for operating a network PVR and to an improved PVR server (102). The inventive method consists in determining the number of users storing in the personal archives thereof a determined TV program, which is stored in the memory (108) of the PVR server (102). When the user number is less than a predefined limit value, an erasing signal occurs to them and the program is cleared during a configurable period of time if no user selects said program as to be preserved.

Abstract: A receiver receives a request for content associated with a channel, determines that all channel selectors are in use, selects a set of options, and transmits the set to a presentation device. The receiver may then fulfill the request utilizing a selected option. All available channel selectors may be in use because they are tuned to frequency bands of a broadcast signal to record content and data associated the channel is included in a different frequency band. The set of options may include options to stop the current recording in favor of the requested content and options to present content included in a same frequency band to which a tuner is already tuned. In one or more implementations, the receiver may determine that content currently being recorded will be rebroadcast at a later time and may include notifications indicating such and/or options to record the content at the later time.

Abstract: A method and a system for replacement of programs on a video recorder based on preferences and size constraints of a video recorder. The video recorder compares recorded programs in the computer readable storage media and a schedule of programs to be recorded to a plurality of global preferences and program specific preferences specifying preferred recording quality. For each recorded program whose quality does not match a global preference or program specific preference, a listing of future programs is examined for alternate versions of the program which do match a global preference or program specific preference.

Abstract: A recording apparatus records data to a plurality of recording media including a first recording medium and a second recording medium. The recording apparatus includes an input unit configured to receive data, a recording/reproducing unit configured to record/reproduce data to/from the plurality of recording media, and a control unit configured to select, during a dubbing process of reading first data recorded on the first recording medium and recording the first data onto the second recording medium, in response to an instruction to record second data received by the input unit, a recording medium other than the second recording medium from among the plurality of recording media and to control the recording/reproducing unit to record the second data onto the selected recording medium.

Abstract: Systems, methods, devices, and computer products to manage recording resources for programming events of interest are disclosed. A first indication of a first selection of a first programming event to record may be processed, and a recording may be scheduled in a recording schedule. A second indication of a second selection of a second programming event to record may be processed, and available resources to record may be ascertained. A resource conflict may be identified based on event scheduling information for the first and/or second programming event. First and/or second programming metadata may be processed. Availability of alternative viewing options for the first and/or second programming event may be ascertained. The ascertaining may be based on the first and/or second programming metadata. Based on the availability of alternative viewing options, it may be determined whether to maintain or modify the recording schedule, and the recording schedule may be managed accordingly.

Abstract: A conflict analysis (CA) information handling system (IHS) receives conflict information from a population of digital video recorder (DVR) IHSs. The conflict information indicates that a conflictee show is in conflict with a conflictor show in a DVR IHS. The conflict information may include a conflictee show identifier and open timeslots for each DVR IHS that transmits conflict information to the CA IHS. Using the conflictee show identifier and available timeslots received from the population of DVR IHSs, the CA IHS makes a recommendation to rebroadcast the conflictee show at a particular time when more than an predetermined threshold number of DVR IHSs are available to record a rebroadcast of the conflictee show.

Abstract: Storage management technology, in which a system determines a first amount of storage space on a downloader device of a user that is available for download of new content made available on channels subscribed to by the user. The system also determines a second amount of storage space needed to download new content that has been made available on channels subscribed to by the user. The system further compares the second amount of storage space to the first amount of storage space and determines whether the second amount of storage space exceeds the first amount of storage space. Based on a determination that the second amount of storage space exceeds the first amount of storage space, the system controls downloading of the new content to the downloader device and deletion of previously-stored content on the downloader device based on a content allocation policy.

Abstract: A conflict analysis (CA) information handling system (IHS) receives conflict information from a population of digital video recorder (DVR) IHSs. The conflict information indicates that a conflictee show is in conflict with a conflictor show in a DVR IHS. The conflict information may include a conflictee show identifier and open timeslots for each DVR IHS that transmits conflict information to the CA IHS. Using the conflictee show identifier and available timeslots received from the population of DVR IHSs, the CA IHS makes a recommendation to rebroadcast the conflictee show at a particular time when more than an predetermined threshold number of DVR IHSs are available to record a rebroadcast of the conflictee show.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for reproducing programs, comprising storage means for storing a plurality of stored programs, for example, a television receiver comprising or controlling a video recorder. The apparatus comprises scheduling means for composing a personal reproduction schedule of a subset of said plurality of stored programs, in accordance with a user profile. If the apparatus is also capable of receiving broadcast programs, the scheduling means are adapted to include said broadcast programs in the reproduction schedule. A user-selectable virtual channel may be provided for easy inspection and execution of the reproduction schedule.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for changing the recording of digital content are provided. The method (300) includes receiving (310) a data stream, recording (320) the stream, receiving (330) a notification identifying a change in at least a portion of the data stream, and outputting (370) a subset of the recorded data stream based on the notification. The apparatus (200) includes a receiver (202) that receives a data stream, a storage device (212) that records the stream, a controller (214) that creates a subset of the recorded stream based on a notification received by the signal receiver and identifying a change in at least a portion of the data stream, the notification received separate from the data stream, and a display interface (218) that outputs the subset of the recorded stream.

Abstract: A television receiver includes control circuitry and a DVR. The control circuitry is configured to receive a request to record first and second media programs to the DVR. The control circuitry determines if there is a scheduling conflict between the first and second media programs. If there is a scheduling conflict the control circuitry counts the number of times that each of the first and second media programs will air in a given time period and assigns a higher recording priority to the media program that will air fewer times.

Abstract: A portable telephone 100 with broadcast receiving function has a portable telephone device and a digital broadcast receiving apparatus. A recording format selection section 116 in the digital broadcast receiving apparatus records, in a recording section 117 such as nonvolatile semiconductor memory, any of a video signal, an audio signal and a data signal which are separated by a transport stream (TS) separating section 105, in accordance with a designated recording format or contents of a broadcast program, from a recording start time to a recording end time. An attempt is made to make the quantity of data signal to be recorded in the recording section 117 appropriate, and diminish power consumed by a battery of the portable telephone 100 with broadcast receiving function.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a set top box having a controller to eliminate a scheduled recording of a targeted media program, where the scheduled recording is a redundant recording of the targeted media program that is determined based upon monitoring of recordings of media programs by a group of set top boxes in communication with each other over a network, where another set top box of the group of set top boxes is designated as a host set top box to record the targeted media program, and where the controller is provided access to the targeted media program by the host set top box. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Compressed codes of as few as 1 to 8 digits, which are decoded by a decoder to convert the compressed code into channel, date, time and length information, identify single TV programs or a category of programs and are stored at a central location accessible over telephone lines through pay-per-use, toll free or regular toll numbers from remote locations. The channel, date, time and length information is used to select channels, start recording, and stop recording at the appropriate time or to control viewing on a TV.

Abstract: Content receivers may be configured to simultaneously record multiple instances of content for multiple programming channels based on content provider instructions. Systems and methods utilize the content receivers to dynamically adjust recording parameters to account for instances of content with a start time and/or end time that falls outside of predefined recording parameters. The dynamically adjusted recording parameters may adjust the number of channels recorded and/or instances of content recorded. The content receiver may compare programming information received at a processing unit with predefined recording parameters and may dynamically adjust the recording parameters based on the comparison. The content receiver may generate on screen display content to include information on the dynamically adjusted recording parameters and may transmit the on screen display content to a content display device for notifying the user of the dynamically adjusted recoding parameters.

Abstract: A first video-recording reservation management apparatus which communicates with a second apparatus and can receive the same channels.

Abstract: Systems and methods for recording media content are provided. A method of recording media content may include receiving a request to schedule recording of media content at a first digital video recording (DVR) device at a customer premises. The method may also include determining availability of the first DVR device to record the media content. The method may further include sending a recording request to a second DVR device at the customer premises to schedule recording of the media content based on the determined availability.

Abstract: A method of displaying a timeline of recorded video comprising the steps of dividing the recorded video into timespans, providing a thumbnail and a timestamp for each timespan that has recorded video, providing a gap and a timestamp between thumbnails for each timespan in which there is no recorded video, displaying a first timeline containing the provided thumbnails and timestamps and the provided gaps and timestamps having an uncompressed format, receiving user input requesting that the first timeline be compressed, removing the gaps and their respective timestamps from the first timeline and moving the thumbnails and their timestamps located on either side of the gaps so that the thumbnails on either side of the gaps are adjacent to provide a compressed timeline, and displaying the compressed timeline.

Abstract: A content can be recorded for certain in a video recording system including a video recording apparatus and a video recording and transmitting apparatus. The video recording apparatus includes: a recording control unit that starts recording the content when a period of time indicated by scheduled recording information starts; and a message transmitting unit that transmits recording-state information to the video recording and transmitting apparatus at regular intervals. The video recording and transmitting apparatus includes: a recording-state monitoring unit that determines whether or not the continued reception of a signal has been suspended during the period of time; and a recording control unit that starts recording the content when the recording-state monitoring unit determines that the continued reception of the signal has been suspended.

Abstract: A system for managing resource-usage conflict among a plurality of viewers associated with a plurality of TVs, including a plurality of resources for shared usage among the viewers, the resources including at least one input device adapted to receive a program broadcast and to transmit the program broadcast onward for display, a resolution arrangement operationally connected to the at least one input device, the resolution arrangement being adapted to identify a usage conflict of at least one of the resources, and send an on-screen display having a resource usage action-choice to at least two of the TVs. Related apparatus and methods are also described.