Server-based programming of appliances via an information network

A method of programming, via a communications network, a recording device to record at least one broadcast program, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) requesting, via the communications network, information on broadcast programs;
• (b) receiving a customized page of programming information including identification of the one broadcast program;
• (c) navigating the customized page of programming information and selecting the one broadcast program;
• and
• (d) programming the recording device via the communications network to record the one broadcast program in response to the selecting in step (c).

A system for programming a video recorder comprising:

• a server connected to a network;
• a database accessible by the server including electronic program guide (EPG) information;
• a video recorder coupled via an appliance to the network;
• and
• a communications device accessible to the network;
• wherein the communications device is configured to access the network and to request the server to program the video recorder to record at least one scheduled broadcast program,
• the server, in response to the request, is configured to access the database to determine a time corresponding to the scheduled broadcast of the program, and
• the server is configured to access the network to download to the appliance programming data for the video recorder.