System and method for digital content retrieval using a threshold indicator associated with the beginning of said recorded content

摘要

Flexibility with respect to access and enjoyment of time shifted content in a content distribution network (100) is provided, especially with regard to content not present on a digital video recorder (150). The digital video recorder (150) accesses a network storage device (120) over a network (140) for particular portions of content not available on the digital video recorder (150) and the network storage device (120) provides those missing portions. The user may then rewind and playback not only already locally stored content but also that content provided by the network storage device (120). Content can be provided through faster-than-real-time transmissions such that the content is made available to the digital video recorder (150) prior to it being needed for rewind functionality or playback.