APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR REMOTE CONTROL OF DIGITAL VIDEO RECORDERS AND THE LIKE

摘要

A system stores a first permission parameter associated with a first user of a set of digital video recorders (DVRs) and at least a second permission parameter associated with a second user of the set. The second permission parameter defines a different level of permission for controlling the set than the first permission parameter. At least one server receives a first request to control the set from the first user and a second request to control the set from the second user. The set is controlled in accordance with: (i) the first request, based on the first permission parameter, and (ii) the second request, based on the second permission parameter. The controlling includes at least communicating with the set over a network. Techniques are also provided for directly obtaining information on a DVR in real time over a content network.

主权项

1. A method for controlling a set of one or more digital video recorders located at one or more user premises, said method comprising the steps of:
storing at least a first permission parameter associated with a first user of said set and at least a second permission parameter associated with a second user of said set, said second permission parameter defining a different level of permission for controlling said set than said first permission parameter; receiving, at at least one server remote to said set and remote to said one or more user premises, a first request to control said set from said first user and a second request to control said set from said second user; and controlling said set in accordance with: (i) said first request, based on said first permission parameter, and (ii) said second request, based on said second permission parameter said controlling comprising at least communicating with said set over a network.