Centralized digital video recording and playback system accessible to multiple reproduction and control units via a home area network
First Claim
1. A method of digital video program reproduction within defined premises, said method comprising the steps of:
- a) receiving a plurality of electronic audio-visual programs;
b) storing said programs in memory;
c) providing a plurality of program reproduction devices adapted to reproduce programs for viewers/users;
d) networking said memory and said program reproduction devices;
e) selecting a program (“
selected program”
); and
f) distributing the ability to control reproduction of said selected program among two or more reproduction devices so that, at the selection of a viewer, said reproduction of said selected program is seamless between said reproduction devices.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A centralized Digital Video Recording (DVR) and reproduction system links several reproduction and control units (such as television receivers, etc.) and a centralized server via a home area network. This allows programming to be distributed throughout the premises, and novelly allows live-pause recording and playback to be effected from more than one reproduction and control unit in a seamless manner. For example, during a live-pause episode, a viewer can pause a program from one control and reproduction unit, and resume viewing the program from the same pause point at another control and reproduction unit on the premises. The present invention also allows a viewer to view multiple programs from the server on the same monitor using a multiple picture-in-picture display.
47 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A method of digital video program reproduction within defined premises, said method comprising the steps of:
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a) receiving a plurality of electronic audio-visual programs;
b) storing said programs in memory;
c) providing a plurality of program reproduction devices adapted to reproduce programs for viewers/users;
d) networking said memory and said program reproduction devices;
e) selecting a program (“
selected program”
); and
f) distributing the ability to control reproduction of said selected program among two or more reproduction devices so that, at the selection of a viewer, said reproduction of said selected program is seamless between said reproduction devices. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A system for digital video program reproduction within defined premises, said system comprising:
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a) a program receiver adapted to receive a plurality of electronic audio-visual programs;
b) memory adapted to store said programs;
c) a plurality of program reproduction devices adapted to reproduce programs for viewers/users; and
d) a network adapted to network said memory and said program reproduction devices;
wherein the ability to control reproduction of a selected program among two or more reproduction devices is distributed so that, at the selection of a viewer, said reproduction of said selected program is seamless between said reproduction devices. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method of digital video program reproduction within defined premises, said method comprising the steps of:
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a) receiving a plurality of electronic audio-visual programs;
b) storing said programs in memory;
c) providing a plurality of program reproduction devices adapted to reproduce programs for viewers/users;
d) networking said memory and said program reproduction devices; and
e) contemporaneously displaying a plurality of said programs on at least one reproduction device.
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17. A system for digital video program reproduction within defined premises, said system comprising:
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a) a program receiver adapted to receive a plurality of electronic audio-visual programs;
b) memory adapted to store said programs;
c) a plurality of program reproduction devices adapted to reproduce programs for viewers/users; and
d) a network adapted to network said memory and said program reproduction devices;
wherein said reproduction devices are adapted to contemporaneously display a plurality of said programs on at least one reproduction device.
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Specification