APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING DIGITAL VIDEO RECORDERS

摘要

A DVR controller in network communication with a digital video recorder receives an instruction from a user directing the digital video recorder to perform a function among a set of available functions. The set of available functions comprises a record function operative to cause the digital video recorder to record content and store that content on the digital video recorder, and a playback function operative to cause the digital video recorder to play back content stored on the digital video recorder. Subsequently, at least in part in response to the instructions from the user, the DVR controller issues a command to the digital video recorder to perform the function. The digital video recorder is operative to present content on a presentation device controlled by the user. The DVR controller, in turn, is remotely disposed from the digital video recorder in a facility of a content provider.

主权项

1. A method to be performed by a DVR controller in network communication with a digital video recorder, the method comprising the steps of:
receiving an instruction from a user directing the digital video recorder to perform a function among a set of available functions, the set of available functions comprising a record function operative to cause the digital video recorder to record content and store that content on the digital video recorder, and a playback function operative to cause the digital video recorder to play back content stored on the digital video recorder; determining whether the function is to be performed substantially immediately by the digital video recorder or at a future scheduled time; and issuing, at substantially the future scheduled time, a command to the digital video recorder to perform the function for a function determined to be performed at the future scheduled time; wherein the digital video recorder is disposed in a premises of the user and is operative to play back content on a presentation device controlled by the user in response to a command from the DVR controller, and the DVR controller is remotely disposed from the digital video recorder.