A method and apparatus for secure transfer and playback of multimedia content enables the secure transfer of multimedia content from a digital video recorder (DVR) to a personal computer (PC) and further to a handheld device. A DVR determines which devices on a Local Area Network (LAN) are authorized to share and/or retrieve content from the DVR. The DVR receives a connection request from a PC on the LAN, authorizes the connection request and establishes a secure connection between the DVR and the PC. Once the secure connection is established, the DVR receives a request for multimedia content from the PC, prepares the multimedia content for transfer and transfers the multimedia content to the PC.

A portable media content device for providing media content to remote devices external to a home network, the portable media content device may include a processor in communication with a memory configured to maintain media content, and a transceiver. The processor may be configured to recognize a home network provided at a first location, instruct the transceiver to transmit a media request to an in-home media recorder connected to the home network and at the first location, receive, in response to the media request, media content from the media recorder and to store the media content in the memory.

Methods and apparatuses for presenting menus to DVR users and users of other media playback devices are described. After a DVR (or other media device) has finished playing a recorded television program (or other content), or in response to other specified events, the DVR presents a screen which comprises a menu. In addition to or in alternative to save and delete options, the menu comprises one or more options. Each of these other options may correspond to a separate item. For example, a user's selection of such an option may cause the DVR to display or play certain content on the user's television set. Additionally, or alternatively, these other options, when selected by a user, may cause the DVR to display a user interface through which the user can actually interact with content, such as an item that was featured or referenced in the television program that the user was just watching.

A method and apparatus for secure transfer of previously broadcasted content enables the secure transfer of previously broadcasted content between DVRs on a computer network.

A method and apparatus for a digital video recorder (DVR) video editing system provides a user interface and video editing environment for content stored on a DVR's storage device. A visual progress indicator is displayed over the program content that the user has selected to edit. The user moves a position indicator within a cache bar in the visual progress indicator that indicates how much of the program content has been stored on the storage device. The user can delete sections of the program content. The user can also add other recorded program content into the program content. The deleted sections and added content are highlighted in the cache bar by colors that are different from the normal color used for the cache bar.

An interactive television program guide system is provided in which a user may use the program guide to watch one program while simultaneously recording another program without interrupting the recording or viewing process. This interactive television program guide system also allows a user the to utilize all or some of the program guide features while in the watch and record mode depending on the embodiment that is being implemented. Further, this watch and record system may be implemented using a multiple tuner set-top box or a single tuner set-top box with a RF bypass or digital switch. In addition to a set-top box, the system may be implemented using a satellite receiver, an advanced television with a processor and memory, or a computer. The various implementations provide a very versatile watch and record environment for the user.

A method and apparatus for secure transfer and playback of multimedia content enables the secure transfer of multimedia content from a digital video recorder (DVR) to a personal computer (PC) and further to a handheld device. A DVR determines which devices on a Local Area Network (LAN) are authorized to share and/or retrieve content from the DVR. The DVR receives a connection request from a PC on the LAN, authorizes the connection request and establishes a secure connection between the DVR and the PC. Once the secure connection is established, the DVR receives a request for multimedia content from the PC, prepares the multimedia content for transfer and transfers the multimedia content to the PC.

An interactive television program guide system is provided in which a user may use the program guide to watch one program while simultaneously recording another program without interrupting the recording or viewing process. This interactive television program guide system also allows a user the to utilize all or some of the program guide features while in the watch and record mode depending on the embodiment that is being implemented. Further, this watch and record system may be implemented using a multiple tuner set-top box or a single tuner set-top box with a RF bypass or digital switch. In addition to a set-top box, the system may be implemented using a satellite receiver, an advanced television with a processor and memory, or a computer. The various implementations provide a very versatile watch and record environment for the user.

Image-adaptive technologies supportive of better vision. Working with ordinary image display devices and, optionally, specialized ones, a number of embodiments are disclosed that provide displayed images better able to be perceived by those with, for example, macular degeneration, poor night-vision and cataracts. In both ordinary and worn display embodiments, an image, potentially of the viewer's instant surroundings, is displayed whose fundamental light components and/or managed processes result in better visual perception.

Image-adaptive technologies supportive of better vision. Working with ordinary image display devices and, optionally, specialized ones, a number of embodiments are disclosed that provide displayed images better able to be perceived by those with, for example, macular degeneration, poor night-vision and cataracts. In both ordinary and worn display embodiments, an image, potentially of the viewer's instant surroundings, is displayed whose fundamental light components and/or managed processes result in better visual perception.