Altering of Expired Commercials in Recorded DVR Content

Altering of Expired Commercials in Recorded DVR Content

Multiple methods are described that provide increased capability to existing "click-to-schedule-recording" of a future broadcast event. The proposed invention builds upon some of the known art described in the prior art section below,

Dynamic Metadata Update

The flow diagram below illustrates the logical flow of the dynamic metadata process. The known processes for click-to-schedule-recording are illustrated in the flow from 100->110->120->200->210. If after the evaluation in step 200, the episode being requested has already be broadcast, a system is described in which the ability of for the DVR to query all already recorded materials on the local DVR to see if the episode is already recorded (220). Note, this could be extended to query other DVRs on the local network. If the show has been recorded the user is informed (220->230->130); otherwise the system will check if there is another broadcast of the episode scheduled (240). If another scheduled broadcast is found in the DVRs programming guide, the normal "click-to-schedule-recording" process is fulfilled (240->250->210). If there is not another scheduled broadcast, the DVR will request options from the provider (260->300). Once the request is received by the provider, the process defines a high level task to build a list of options available to the end-user (310). This task could include, but is not limited to methods like:

Detect if it is an episode available on its pay-per-view or video-on-demand repository, if so include this as an option in the list returned to the user
If the requested media is freely redistributable by the provider the provider can make it available in the list returned to the user
Query the media owner to see if it is available, and provide end user with options available (opportunity for both provider and media owner revenue generation and revenue sharing)

Via a stream to the provider which can then be sent to user

Via a stream directly to user via some other provisioned and agreed to mechanism that the user has registered for (could be for fee or free)

      Via download from broadcaster's web site
Via some other download mechanism
Query other 3rd party media owners
Note: for each of the above, the provider and owners may opt to provide the media either for free or for fee.

Once the list of options to the end user is generated by the above or other means the list is sent back to the DVR and ultimately presented to the end user (320->270->140).

In steps (140->150) the list of options is presented to the end user. Subsequent steps in the process are determined by the user and may include, but are not limited to:

Ignore all offerings

Select a free view/recording option and proceed Select a for fee view/recording option and proceed

1

Select a indirect delivery mechanism that may be sent back to provider and ultimately media owner (e.g. I'll buy it and send it...