Video data recorder with integrated channel guides

A video data recorder comprising:

• a recording medium for recording video signals;
• a video signal input port;
• a channel guide database;
• a criteria database;
• a processor coupled in communication with the channel guide database and the criteria database and coupled to control the recording of video signals received on the video signal input port onto the recording medium based on the channel guide database and the criteria database, wherein the recording of video signals is based on one of either pattern matching or fuzzy logic analysis of the criteria database and the channel guide, and wherein the recording of video signals includes removing from the recording medium any lower priority shows when necessary to accommodate the recording of the video signals.

A method of recording a defined format video program comprising:

• selecting video programming for recording;
• receiving a signal of a defined format video program;
• and
• automatically recording the defined format video program when not recording the selected video programming.

A video data recorder comprising:

• a recording medium for recording video signals;
• a video signal input port for receiving video signals;
• an input port for receiving a channel guide database;
• data storage for storing the channel guide database;
• a processor coupled in communication with the channel guide database to control the recording of video signals received on the video signal input port onto the recording medium based on the channel guide database;
• and
• a selection system for allowing a user to specify criteria for recording of shows received from video input port based on information in the channel guide database, wherein the selection system selects future shows based on one of either pattern matching or fuzzy logic analysis of the user specified criteria and the channel guide, and wherein the selection system selects for removal a previously recorded show having a lower priority than the future shows if insufficient capacity exists on the recording medium for recording the future shows.

A video data recorder comprising:

• a recording medium;
• a video signal input port;
• a criteria database indicating a defined format video program;
• a processor coupled in communication with the criteria database and coupled to control the recording of video signals received on the video signal port onto the recording medium, wherein the processor selects video programming for recording, receives a signal of the defined format video program from the video signal input port, and records the defined format video program on the recording medium when not recording the selected video programming.

A method comprising:

• designating a priority to a future show for recording based on a set of criteria;
• determining if there is sufficient memory to record the future show;
• if insufficient memory exists for recording the future show, removing one or more previously recorded shows designated with lower priorities than the priority of the future show, wherein the priorities of the previously recorded shows are based on the set of criteria;
• and
• recording the future show.

A machine-readable medium having stored thereon data representing sequences of instructions, the sequences of instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to:

• designate a priority to a future show for recording based on a set of criteria;
• determine if there is sufficient memory to record the future show;
• if insufficient memory exists for recording the future show, remove one or more previously recorded shows designated with priorities based on the set of criteria that are lower than the priority of the future show;
• and
• record the future show.