Client-server based interactive television program guide system with remote server recording
AssigneeUnited Video Properties, Inc.
InventorsMichael D. Ellis, William L. Thomas, Thomas R. Lemmons
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An interactive television program guide system is provided. An interactive television program guide provides users with an opportunity to select programs for recording on a remote media server. Programs may also be recorded on a local media server. The program guide provides users with VCR-like control over programs that are played back from the media servers and over real-time cached copies of the programs. The program guide also provides users with an opportunity to designate gift recipients for whom programs may be recorded.
Claims16
A method for using an interactive program guide system, comprising:
- receiving a broadcast program;
- tuning to the broadcast program in response to a first user input;
- recording the broadcast program using a local storage device in response to the first user input;
- allowing the user to watch the broadcast program;
- recording the broadcast program using a remote media server;
- receiving a second user input after the broadcast program is tuned to indicating a desire to watch the broadcast program from a point prior to when the broadcast version was tuned to;
- and
- in response to receiving the second user input, allowing the user to watch a portion of the broadcast program stored at the remote media server.
A system, comprising:
- a remote media server;
- a local storage device;
- user television equipment for implementing an interactive television program guide, wherein the interactive television program guide is configured to:
- receive a broadcast program;
- tune to the broadcast program in response to a first user input;
- record the broadcast program using the local storage device in response to the first user input;
- allow the user to watch the broadcast program;
- record the broadcast program using the remote media server;
- receive a second user input after the broadcast program is tuned to indicating a desire to watch the broadcast program from a point prior to when the broadcast version was tuned to;
- and
- in response to receiving the second user input, allow the user to watch a portion of the broadcast program stored at the remote media server.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.