Methods and apparatus for advanced recording options on a personal versatile recorder

摘要

Advanced recording options are provided on a personal versatile recorder (PVR) or similar recording device. Television signals and associated electronic programming guide (EPG) data are received at a receiver ( 30 ). Recorded program material is stored in a storage device ( 60 ). A processor ( 75 ) provides for automatic suspending of recording, based on predetermined criteria, for at least a portion of time during which the one or more television programs would otherwise be recorded. Recording may be suspended when non-programming specific content (e.g., a commercial or emergency broadcast) is received at the PVR ( 20 ). Non-program specific content can be identified through the use of EPG data or Advanced Television Enhancement Forum (ATVEF) triggers. End of program notifiers may be provided which enable the PVR ( 20 ) to record the entire program, regardless of whether the program runs beyond its scheduled time. Recording may be optionally suspended where the program is a rerun.