SYNCHRONISED PROGRAMMING GUIDE APPARATUS AND METHOD

摘要

The invention relates to methods and devices for providing a synchronised EPG electronic programme guide. According to the invention, EPG data are supplied continuously from a media server (300) to associated Home Media Centers (334) in order to synchronise said data (EPG) with the most recent programming changes implemented by programme content providers. According to the invention, a single EPG database (361) can be used in order to describe the contents provided by a series of programme sources. Each of the aforementioned Home Media Centers (334) determines which content is relevant for a determined user based on the user's data and information. In addition, the Home Media Centers (334) can also recognise the content to which the user is not subscribed and thus filter said part of the EPG data accordingly. Moreover, synchronised EPG enables automatic adjustment of recording times for digital videos recorded in the Home Media Center (334), based on last-minute programming changes received via instantaneous updates, even when the programme has started. Furthermore, a recorded programme can be annotated in real time, thereby enabling the user to move effectively to the relevant parts of the programme. The invention is further characterised in that specific programmes can be identified based on a set of search and provision factors. For example, a user can select the contents to be viewed or recorded based on a specific provision, such as entertainment, education, inspiration or fiction. Said programme-selection characteristics can be implemented at server or client side in order to achieve an improved level of security.