A recording device includes a tuner, a memory, and a controller. The tuner receives broadcast programs. The memory records the broadcast programs via a plurality of recording paths between the tuner and the memory. The controller uses at least two of the recording paths to record a plurality of consecutive broadcast programs on a predetermined channel in the memory. An output of the tuner is inputted to the at least two of the recording paths.

Systems and methods are described herein for alerting a user that the user will be unable to view a broadcast program based on an estimated time of arrival of the user to a media consumption device, and responsively providing the user with an option to record the broadcast program. These systems and methods are performed at least by identifying a plurality of broadcast programs that are indicated on a profile of a user, receiving an estimated time of arrival of the user to a location of a media consumption device, responsively determining whether the user will be unable to view a broadcast program of the plurality of broadcast programs, responsively providing the user with an option to record the broadcast program, and responsively causing the broadcast program to be recorded.

Methods, systems, and computer readable media can be operable to facilitate integrating and coordinating content requests received by a STB from multiple devices. The methods, systems, and apparatuses described in this disclosure enable the integration and coordination of content requests received from different devices by associating a content request with a key code and generating a synthesized key code. The synthesized key code can be customized according to a status of a corresponding STB.

A system and method of extending a recording time of a recording event within a receiving device is set forth. The receiving device includes a memory and a controller. The controller generates a recording event request for content having a start time and a first end time and begins to store content in a memory of the first receiving unit starting at the start time. The controller reviews a program associated characteristic of the content when the end time is reached and when the program associated characteristic corresponds to the content, changes the first end time to second end time later than the first end time.

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.

Systems and methods presented herein provide for conflict resolution of assets selected for insertion into COD content. In one embodiment, the system includes an interface operable to process a request for asset insertion into the COD content selection. The system also includes an asset conflict resolution module operable to identify asset timeslots within the COD content selection from the request, to evaluate the assets to determine conflicts among the assets, to remove conflicting assets, and to select at least a portion of the remaining assets for insertion in the asset timeslots of the COD content selection. For example, the asset conflict resolution module may determine that conflicts exist between certain assets based on various identifiers associated with the assets and/or content such that the conflicts between the assets may be resolved with the removal of one or more of the assets from potential asset insertion selection.

A multimedia visual progress indication system that provides a cache bar that is overlaid onto the program material or displayed on a dedicated display. A cache bar indicates the length of a recording session or the length of stored program material and expands to the right when material is being recorded. Index and/or bookmark indicators are displayed next to the cache bar. A position indicator moves within the cache bar and tells the user visually where his current position is within the program material. Numeric time or counter mark of the current position is displayed in the vicinity of the cache bar. The trick play bar and its associated components are displayed for a predetermined time period.

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 fulfills 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.

An apparatus information acquisition unit 444 acquires information representative of a limitation relating to viewing or recording of a broadcasting program in regard to each of a plurality of recording apparatus. An operation detection unit 44 accepts a user operation which designates a recording target program. When the user operation is accepted, a recording apparatus selection unit 446 determines a priority of each recording apparatus in response to the limitation relating to viewing or recording of a broadcasting program in each recording apparatus, and selects a recording apparatus which has the highest priority as a recording apparatus which is to record the recording target program.

A method of sharing recording capability on a network, the network having a server supporting at least a recording DVR and a receiving DVR, the recording and receiving DVRs being in different households, the method comprising: (a) determining that the receiving DVR is unable to record the content at a certain time; and (b) identifying that the recording DVR is able to provide the receiving DVR with a recording of the content; (c) recording the content on the recording DVR at the certain time; and (d) transmitting the content from the recording DVR to the receiving DVR after the certain time.