A non-transient, computer-readable method, media system, and storage medium for replacing recorded media content.

Abstract

Examples of modalities provide systems and methods for replacing recorded media content. In one example method, at least one media content source is searched for a recorded media content item for storage on a first media content device. Based on the media content item found on the first media content source from at least one media content source, a recording of the media content item for storage on a second media content device is scheduled based on the media content item being recorded from the first media content source on the second media content device. Based on the media content item that cannot be recorded from the first media content source on the second media device, the availability of the media content item is indicated for the second media content device.

Description

"METHOD, MEDIA SYSTEM AND NON-TRANSIENTIAL COMPUTER-READABLE STORAGE MEDIUM FOR REPLACING RECORDED MEDIA CONTENT" PRIORITY REQUEST

[001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 282,499, filed September 30, 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. FIELD

[002] This disclosure refers in general to the presentation of media content and, in a specific illustrative manner, to the replacement of recorded media content. BACKGROUND

[003] Television viewers have long employed digital video recorders (DVRs) (sometimes called personal video recorders (PVRs)) to record and store programs for viewing at a later and more convenient time. Typically, such devices are either integrated within a television set-top box (STB) to receive signals via a cable or satellite television distribution network, or used as a stand-alone unit.

[004] Unlike older video cassette recorders (VCRs), which used a removable video tape cartridge as a recording medium, most DVRs use a non-removable hard disk drive for program storage. Furthermore, most DVRs lack the ability to offload stored programs to an external storage medium. Consequently, when the DVR is no longer in service, such as when the associated DVR or STB fails, or when the DVR or STB is replaced with a different (e.g., newer) model, all recorded programs stored on the DVR typically become inaccessible. Petition 870260031551, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, page 8 / 112 2 / 43 for the viewer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[005] Several of the attached drawings merely illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and cannot be considered as limiting the scope.

[006] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example media content system, including an example media content replacement system and an example media content receiver.

[007] FIG. 2 is an example of the block diagram of the media content replacement system from FIG. 1.

[008] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the media content receiver example from FIG. 1.

[009] FIG. 4 is an example communication diagram of content replacement communications that occurs in the media content system example.

[010] FIG. 5 is a graphical description of an example of a recorded media content identifier database used in the media content replacement system example of FIG. 2.

[011] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of an example method for replacing missing or unusable media content items previously recorded on a media content recorder.

[012] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of an example method for acquiring a different version of a media content item currently recorded on a media content recorder.

[013] FIG. 8 is a simplified block diagram of a machine in an example form of a computing system within which a set of instructions to cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed here can be executed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Petition 870260031551, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, page 9 / 112 3 / 43

[014] In the description that follows, for explanatory purposes, numerous specific details are presented in order to provide an understanding of various exemplary modalities of the present subject. It will be evident, however, to those skilled in the art, that exemplary modalities of the present subject can be practiced without these specific details.

[015] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example of a media content system 100, including an example of a media content replacement system 102 and one or more examples of media content receivers 112 with integrated media content recorders 116. In other exemplary embodiments, the media content recorders 116 may be stand-alone devices or may be integrated within other devices. The media content system 100 may also include one or more sources 108, 110 of media content. In exemplary embodiments, the media content distributed within the media content system 100 may include audio data, video data, or both. Furthermore, the media content may be organized into separate media content items such as television programs, movies, music videos, individual songs, and the like.Media content sources 108, 110 may transmit media content items through a network 106 to one or more media content receivers 112. In exemplary embodiments, the network 106 may be a wide area network (WAN) (e.g., the Internet), a cellular network (e.g., third-generation (3G) or fourth-generation (4G) network), a cable television network, a satellite communication network, or any other communication network or connection suitable for carrying the media content items, or combinations thereof.

[016] Content sources 108, 110 can be any devices or systems that generate and transmit media content items. Petition 870260031551, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, page 10 / 112 4 / 43 through the network 106 to media content receivers 112, or that act as distribution systems for media content items that are generated by other devices, systems, or entities not explicitly shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, a first content source 108 may be an over-the-air television (OTA) content source 108 (e.g., a local television station, a broadcast television network, and so forth), a cable television content source, a satellite television content source (e.g., a direct-to-satellite (DBS) system), or any other content source that can provide one or more channels or streams of media content items to media content receivers 112 through the network 106.Such a content source 108 may also provide an electronic programme guide (EPG) 109 which includes information for viewers regarding specific media content items to be broadcast on specific channels or streams, the timing of those broadcasts and the like.

[017] A second content source 110 may be any device or system that provides media content items over the Internet or other means of broad access without requiring an intervening operator or system, such as a cable or satellite operator or system, for distribution of the media content items. In some exemplary embodiments, the second content source 110 (e.g., a website for streaming audio clips, video programmes and so forth) may provide a content catalogue 111 which includes information for viewers regarding specific media content items available, the terms (e.g., payment, available times, etc.) to access media content items and so on. Other types of media content item sources, in addition to content sources 108, 110 of FIG. 1, are also possible.

[018] Each of the 112 media content receivers can be Petition 870260031551, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, page 11 / 112 5 / 43 any system or device configured to receive one or more media content items via the network 106 and present the media content items for display or presentation to one or more viewers. Examples of media content receivers 112 may include, but are not limited to, televisions, smart televisions, set-top boxes (STBs), streaming devices, gaming devices, desktop computers, laptops, tablet computers, smartphones, and so forth. The media content receiver 112 may process the received media content items and provide the items for presentation to a viewer via a media content presentation device 114, which may be a television, computer monitor, radio receiver with speakers, or other device or system configured to present media content to a viewer.The presentation of media content items can be “live” (e.g., as the media content items are received by the network 106). The processing of media content items may include, for example, frequency conversion, decoding, decryption, error detection / correction, format conversion, and so on. Although media content presentation devices 114 are shown as separate devices from their corresponding media content receivers 112, media content presentation devices 114 may be integrated into the media content receiver 112 in some exemplary embodiments.

[019] As shown in FIG. 1, one or more of the media content receivers 112 may include a media content recorder 116, such as a digital video recorder (DVR), which may be configured to record one or more media content items received at the media content receiver 112 for storage (e.g., one or more magnetic disk drives, disk drives). Petition 870260031551, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, page 12 / 112 6 / 43 optical, flash storage devices, etc.) integrated therein, or communicatively coupled, for subsequent playback (e.g., at some point after the media content item has been received at the media content receiver 112). Although the media content recorders 116 are shown as being integrated within their respective media content receivers 112, one or more of the media content recorders 116 may be separate, but communicatively coupled, to the associated media content receivers 112.

[020] The media content replacement system 102 can be coupled with content sources 108, 110, media content receivers 112, and media content recorders 116 via the network 106. As described in greater detail below, the media content replacement system 102 can receive information from a media content recorder 116 or associated media content receiver 112 that identifies one or more recorded and stored media content items at some point in the media content recorder 116. Based on the information, the media content replacement system 102 can search one or more content sources 108, 110 to identify the presence or availability of one or more media content items and schedule another recording of a version of the media content items by the media content recorder 116 or another media content recorder 116.

[021] As a result, at least some of the media content replacement system modalities 102 and the media content recorders 116 (or the associated media content receivers 112) discussed herein facilitate the replacement of previously recorded media content items. In some exemplary modalities, the previously recorded media content items may no longer be accessible to the viewer due to a failure of the. Petition 870260031551, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, page 13 / 112 7 / 43 media content recorder 116 or media content receiver 112 that causes a loss of recorded items. In other exemplary embodiments, the media content recorder 116 or media content receiver 112 may be replaced due to upgrading the device to a newer model or due to switching cable or satellite service providers. In other exemplary embodiments, a previously recorded media content item may remain accessible, but the viewer may be interested in obtaining a different version of the media content item, such as a higher definition version or a version with different content (e.g., a “director’s cut” of a film). Other aspects of various exemplary embodiments of the media content replacement system 102 and other components of the media content system 100 are discussed in more detail below.

[022] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the media content replacement system 102 of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the media content replacement system 102 may include one or more of a media content identifier access module 202, a recorded media content identifier database 204, a content search initiator 206, a content searcher 208, or a recording scheduler 210. In other exemplary embodiments, one or more of the modules 202-210 of FIG. 2 may be omitted or combined with other modules, and one or more modules not explicitly discussed here may be included in the media content replacement system 102. In some exemplary embodiments, one or more of the modules 202-210 may include wired modules, one or more processors, associated memory that includes instructions executable by one or more processors, or some combination thereof. Petition 870260031551, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, page 14 / 112 8 / 43

[023] The media content identifier access module Module 202 can be configured to access identifiers for one or more media content items recorded and stored on one or more media content recorders 116. In an exemplary embodiment, each identifier might include, for example, an identifier of the media content recorder 116 on which a media content item is stored, an identifier of the specific stored media content item, an identifier of a version (e.g., high definition, high definition, or standard definition), and so on. Additional information may be included in the identifier as well. Other types or formats of identifiers in the media content identifier access module 202 may be used in other embodiments.In some exemplary embodiments, a media content recorder 116 or corresponding media content receiver 112 may push each media content identifier associated with a recorded media content item through the media content identifier access module 202 in response to the recording of that media content item. In other exemplary embodiments, a media content recorder 116 or associated media content receiver 112 may push multiple such media content identifiers to the media content identifier access module 202 in a batch-mode operation periodically, such as once a day.In still other exemplary embodiments, the media content identifier access module 202 may pull stored media content identifiers from each of the corresponding media content recorders 116 or media content receivers 112, such as periodically as needed or according to some other schedule or event-driven scenario. The media content identifier access module 202 may then store... Petition 870260031551, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, page 15 / 112 9 / 43 the media content access identifiers received in the recorded media content identifier database 204. An example of data stored in the recorded media content identifier database 204 is discussed below in connection with FIG. 5.

[024] In some exemplary embodiments, the media content identifier access module 202 may be configured to access or receive information indicating that a previously recorded media content item has been deleted (e.g., by a viewer) from the media content recorder 116. In response to such information, the media content identifier access module 202 may remove an entry (if present) in the recorded media content identifier database 204 corresponding to the deleted media content item. The corresponding media content recorder 116 or media content receiver 112 may push such information to the media content identifier access module 202, or the media content identifier access module 202 may pull the information from the media content recorder 116 or media content receiver 112 in a manner similar to that described above.

[025] The content search initiator 206 can be configured to initiate a search from one or more content sources 108, 110 for a media content item previously recorded in storage on a media content recorder 116. In an exemplary embodiment, the content search initiator 206 can access the recorded media content identifier database 204 to determine, for a specific media content recorder 116, one or more media content items that should be recorded on the specific media content recorder 116. The content search initiator 206 can initiate a search from one or more Petition 870260031551, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, page 16 / 112 10 / 43 content sources 108, 110 for one or more media content items through the content search engine 208.

[026] In some exemplary embodiments, the content search initiator 206 may be configured to initiate a search through the content searcher 208 based on one or more inputs or events. In one exemplary embodiment, the content search initiator 206 may receive a request from a media content recorder 116 or a corresponding media content receiver 112 to rewrite one or more media content items that were previously recorded in the media content recorder 116 but are no longer stored in the media content recorder 116. Such a request may be made if, for example, an error within the media content recorder 116 causes the stored media content items to become inaccessible, such as an inadvertent deletion of the recorded media content items.

[027] In another exemplary embodiment, the media content recorder 116 or the corresponding media content receiver 112 that issues the request may be different from the media content recorder 116 on which the media content items were initially recorded. For example, the requesting media content recorder 116 may be a replacement unit for the media content recorder 116 that initially records the media content items.

[028] In another exemplary embodiment, the content search initiator 206 may receive a request through the network 106 from an associated media content recorder 116 or media content receiver 112 having a specific stored media content item to search for a different version of a specific media content item in the media content recorder 116. In addition, the request may include an identifier of the item. Petition 870260031551, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, page 17 / 112 11 / 43 media content and possibly an indication of the current version of the media content item stored in the media content recorder 116 or an indication of a desired version of the media content item. The content search initiator 206 can then initiate a search for that specific media content item. The request, in some exemplary embodiments, may also provide information indicating a priority or order in which several of these sources 108, 110 should be searched.

[029] In still other exemplary embodiments, the content search initiator 206 may initiate a search for one or more media content items in response to an event other than an explicit request from a media content recorder 116 or associated media content receiver 112. Such events may include, for example, a request from a content source 108, 110 (e.g., a server of a cable or satellite television distribution network), a communication device (e.g., a desktop computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone) of a viewer associated with the media content recorder 116 to which one or more media content items were initially recorded, and so forth.

[030] The content searcher 208 can be configured to search one or more content sources 108, 110 in response to the content search initiator 206 that starts a search for a media content item. In an exemplary embodiment, the content searcher 208, in response to the start of a search, can search multiple content sources 108, 110 in an order specified in a priority list, which can be provided by a media content recorder 116, an associated media content receiver 112, a server, or another entity. In a specific exemplary embodiment, the content searcher 208 can first Petition 870260031551, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, page 18 / 112 12 / 43 search an EPG 109 from a first content source 108, such as a cable or satellite television service provider or network, to display the media content item. This search may include either media content items scheduled to be shown on one or more channels at specific times, as well as those media content items that may be available via video on demand (VOD) during a specific time period. If the specific media content item is not available from the first content source 108, the content searcher 208 may search a content catalog 111 from a second content source 110, such as an over-the-limit source (e.g., a web-based content service) for the media content item.The source above the threshold, in some exemplary embodiments, may provide the media content item of interest as streaming content available at a given time, or as a video-on-demand item available for a given period of time. In at least some exemplary embodiments, third and subsequent content sources 108, 110 may also be searched if the media content item of interest is not found in those previous sources.

[031] In some exemplary embodiments, the list of content sources 108, 110 to be searched may be prioritized between content sources 108, 110 that are free to the viewer and content sources 108, 110 that require a fee to be paid by the viewer. In one exemplary embodiment, free content sources 108, 110 may be searched before content sources 108, 110 that require a fee to be paid for the media content item. Furthermore, in some exemplary embodiments, content sources 108, 110 for which the viewer associated with the media content recorder 116 already has a current subscription may be searched before other content sources 108, 110 for which Petition 870260031551, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, page 19 / 112 13 / 43 the viewer does not have a current subscription, if such a subscription is required to access the media content items provided by that source 108, 110. Furthermore, in some exemplary embodiments, media content items available within a specific media content source 108, 110 that are free to the viewer may be prioritized over a version of the media content item available to the viewer for a fee within that same content source 108, 110 or another content source 108, 110.In some illustrative embodiments, an assessment of whether a specific media content item is free from a specific content source 108, 110 may depend on additional information, such as whether a viewer associated with the media content recorder 116 associated with the viewer is a current subscriber to the content source 108, 110, whether the subscribing viewer can access the media content item from the content source 108, 110 for free or for an additional fee, and so on.

[032] In an exemplary embodiment, the 208 content search may not terminate a search for a media content item when that item is found, but may instead search one or more 108, 110 content sources for various versions of the media content item and select a specific one from the various versions for the viewer. For example, if the 208 content searcher discovers a standard definition version of a media content item in a first 108, 110 content source, the 208 content searcher may continue to search the current 108, 110 content source or another 108, 110 content source to search for a high-definition or ultra-high-definition version of the same media content item. Whether to continue searching for a second version of a media content item after a first version has been found may depend, for example, on information provided by the viewer. Petition 870260031551, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, page 20 / 112 14 / 43 (for example, via the media content recorder 116 or the associated media content receiver 112, via a separate communication device, and so on) with respect to preferences regarding the versions to be recorded or viewed (for example, high-definition versions versus standard-definition versions, R-rated versions versus PG versions, versions that include advertisements versus commercial-free versions).

[033] Content searcher 208 can be configured to forward the identities of discovered versions of media content items to be recorded on media content recorder 116 to recording scheduler 210. In some exemplary embodiments, content searcher 208 can provide the identities of multiple versions of a specific media content item to recording scheduler 210 that content searcher 208 found.Also, in some exemplary modalities, the content researcher 208 can provide the identities of media content items that can be recorded (e.g., media content items that will be shown via a broadcast channel in the near future) as well as media content items that cannot be recorded but are still available for viewing (e.g., media content items available via video on demand through cable or satellite television distribution network, media content items available for streaming on demand from a content source above the 108, 110, and so on threshold).Furthermore, the content searcher 208, in some exemplary embodiments, may provide information about the specific content source 108, 110 in which the media content item was found; a channel, URL, or other indication of where the media content item can be found in the content source 108, 110; and a day and time when the media content item is available. Petition 870260031551, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, page 21 / 112 15 / 43 for recording or access on the media content recorder 116 or associated media content receiver 112.

[034] In the case of a media content item being available for viewing but not being able to be recorded on the media content recorder 116, the content searcher 208 may provide the content source 108, 110 on which the media content item is available; a channel, URL, or other identifier for the media content item on the content source 108, 110; and one or more instances where the media content item is available on the content source 108, 110 via the media content recorder 116 or the corresponding media content receiver thereof 112. For example, the media content recorder 116 may be available via a cable television network, satellite television network, website, or other content source 108, 110 on a video-on-demand or streaming basis that is not in a recordable format.As discussed below, recording scheduler 210 can then forward this information to media content recorder 116 or associated media content receiver 112 to facilitate viewing of the media content item by a viewer without recording the media content item.

[035] In some exemplary embodiments, the content researcher 208 can save the search results (for example, an identifier of a media content item, the content source 108, 110 where the media content item was found, and so on) for searches involving other media; the content recorders 116 or associated media content receivers 112 can employ the saved search results instead of performing a new search. Furthermore, in some exemplary embodiments, the saved search results can expire after a specific period of time. Still in other exemplary embodiments, the content researcher 208 can periodically perform Petition 870260031551, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, page 22 / 112 16 / 43 searches of some content sources 108, 110 and save the results without always being prompted by the content search initiator 206 to perform a search. In such exemplary modalities, the response to a request or other event that causes the replacement of a media content item may occur more quickly due to a reduction or elimination of searches in response to the request or other event.

[036] Recording schedule 210 can be configured to schedule recordings on media content recorder 116 for one or more of the media content items identified by content searcher 208 that are recordable on media content recorder 116. In an exemplary embodiment, recording schedule 210 can generate and transmit a recording command to be executed by media content recorder 116. In an exemplary embodiment, the recording command can include a channel, URL, or other access identifier to be used to receive the media content item; and possibly a day and time (or a time period) when the media content item can be recorded. Recording schedule 210 can transmit such a command over the network 106 to media content recorder 116 or to media content receiver 112, in at least some exemplary embodiments.

[037] In some exemplary embodiments, the recording schedule 210 may be configured to transmit an indication to the media content recorder 116 or the corresponding media content receiver 112 of a media content item that was previously recorded and is currently available, but can no longer be recorded by the media content recorder 116, as discussed above. The indication may include, for example, the content source 108, 110 on which the media content item is available; a channel, URL, or other identifier for the media content item. Petition 870260031551, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, page 23 / 112 17 / 43 in content source 108, 110; and one or more times where the media content item is available in content source 108, 110.

[038] In some embodiments, recording scheduling 210, when transmitting a command to schedule a recording of a media content item in the media content recorder 116, or when transmitting an indication of a media content item that is available for viewing but cannot be recorded in the media content recorder 116, may update the recorded media identifier database 204 to indicate such transmission.

[039] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of one of the examples of media content receivers 112 of FIG. 1. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the media content receiver 112 may include one or more of the media content recorder 116, a remote recording command module 302, a content item availability indicator module 304, and recording preference data storage 306. In other exemplary embodiments, one or more of the media content recorder 116 or the modules 302306 of FIG. 3 may be omitted or combined with other modules, and one or more modules not explicitly discussed here may be included in the media content replacement system 102. In other exemplary embodiments, one or more of the modules 302-306 may be incorporated within the media content recorder 116. Furthermore, while the media content recorder 116 is shown in FIG.3. As being included in the media content receiver 112, the media content recorder 116 may be incorporated into a separate device from the media content receiver 112 in some examples. In some exemplary embodiments, one or more of the media content recorder 116 or modules 302306 may include wired modules, one or more processors, associated memory that includes instructions executable by one or more. Petition 870260031551, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, page 24 / 112 18 / 43 processors, or some combination thereof.

[040] The media content recorder 116 can be configured to record and facilitate the playback of media content items for subsequent viewing by a viewer. In an exemplary embodiment, the media content recorder 116 may include a non-volatile storage medium, such as a hard disk drive, optical disc drive, flash memory, or similar, to store the recorded media content items. Viewer input, such as via a remote control device to the media content receiver 112, for example, can control the recording and playback of a media content item (e.g., recording a media content item, initiating playback of a media content item, manually fast-forwarding through portions of the media content item, rewinding to review a portion of the media content item that was previously played, and so forth).

[041] The remote recording command module 302 can be configured to receive recording commands originating externally to the media content recorder 116 or the media content receiver 112, such as from the network media content replacement system 102 106. As described above, a recording command can specify a particular media content item to be recorded and can include a content source 108, 110 where the media content item is available; a channel, URL, or other identifier that identifies the media content item at the source 108, 110; and a day and / or time when the media content item will be displayed for recording on the media content recorder 116.In some illustrative examples, the information from the received recording command can be included in the same recording schedule of the media content recorder 116 with recordings defined by the viewer, such as via a remote control device. Petition 870260031551, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, page 25 / 112 19 / 43 media content receiver 112 or media content recorder 116.

[042] The content availability indicator module 304 can be configured to receive an indication from the media content replacement system 102 referencing a media content item that is not available for recording on the media content recorder 116, but is available for viewing (e.g., “live”) via the media content receiver 112 or the media content recorder 116. Similar to a recording command, the indication can identify the content source 108, 110 where the media content item of interest is available; the channel, URL, or other location on the content source 108, 110 where the media content item can be received or accessed; and a time period during which the media content item can be viewed.In some exemplary embodiments, the content availability indicator module 304 may present to the viewer, via a media content presentation device 114, the information provided in the received indication to inform the viewer that the media content item of interest cannot be recorded, but can be accessed or received and viewed, as provided in the indication. In another exemplary embodiment, the content item availability indicator module 304 may program a reminder module (not explicitly referenced in FIG. 3) of the media content receiver 112 that provides a visual or audible reminder to the viewer via the media content presentation device 114 during a time during which the media content item is available, or that automatically adjusts or configures the media content receiver 112 to present the media content item to the viewer.

[043] Preferred recording data storage 306 Petition 870260031551, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, page 26 / 112 20 / 43 can be configured to store viewer preferences regarding the replacement of recordings in the media content recorder 116. In an exemplary embodiment, a viewer can provide the preferred information via the remote control device in response to questions shown through the media content presentation devices 114, via a phone or smartphone, or through other means. In an exemplary embodiment, the recording preference data storage 306 can be configured to store information regarding viewer preferences regarding the content sources 108, 110 to be searched, the order in which these content sources 108, 110 will be searched, quality level (e.g., ultra high definition, high definition, etc.).The level at which a media content item should be recorded, the classification level (e.g., R as a function of PG-13) at which a media content item should be recorded, whether indications should be provided regarding media content items that are available for display but not available for recording, and so forth. Other types of preference information may be supported in other embodiments. In some exemplary embodiments, at least some of the preference information in the recording preference data store 306 may be transmitted over the network 106 to the media content replacement system 102 for use by one or more of the modules 202-210 in performing the operations assigned to it, as discussed above, such as searching for media content items, transmitting recording commands to the media content receiver 112 or the media content recorder 116, and so forth.In some exemplary embodiments, the media content receiver 112, the media content recorder 116, and other modules of FIG. 3 can use the preference information to filter and process recording commands. Petition 870260031551, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, page 27 / 112 21 / 43 and indications of media content items received from the media content replacement system 102.

[044] FIG. 4 is an example communication diagram 400 of communications for content replacement that occurs in the example media content system 100. In this exemplary embodiment, a media content receiver 112 transmits multiple media content item identifiers 402 over time to the media content replacement system 102. In an exemplary embodiment, the media content recorder 116, in response to a recorded media content item, transmits a corresponding media content item identifier 402 to the media content identifier access module 202 via the network 106. As discussed earlier, the media content receiver 112 may push a media content item identifier 402 immediately after recording the media content item, or it may push multiple media content identifiers together in a batch mode.In other exemplary embodiments, the media content identifier access module 202 may periodically pull such information from the media content receiver 112 or the media content recorder 116. The media content identifier access module 202 stores the media content item identifiers 402 in the recorded media content identifier database 204, as described above.

[045] After the transmission of the 402 media content item identifiers, the 112 media content receiver or the 116 media content recorder can then transmit a 404 replacement request to the 102 media content replacement system. In an exemplary embodiment, the 404 replacement request indicates that the recordings listed in the recorded 204 media content identifier database are to be replaced by the 102 media content recorder. Petition 870260031551, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, page 28 / 112 22 / 43 116 or associated media content receiver 112 must be replaced (e.g., rewritten) in media content recorder 116.

[046] In response to the request, the content search initiator 206 may initiate a search of one or more media content sources 108, 110 for the media content items listed in the database 204 for the media content recorder 116. In other exemplary embodiments, the content search initiator 206 may initiate this search without receiving an explicit replacement request 404, such as receiving an indication that a new media content receiver 112 or media content recorder 116 has been put into service that replaces the original media content recorder 116 on which the media content items were stored.

[047] In an exemplary embodiment, the content search initiator 206 can cause the content searcher 208 to search one or more media content sources 108, 110 so that the media content items are discovered. As shown in FIG. 4, the content searcher 208 can issue a 406 search request for one or more media content items to a content source 108, which can in turn issue a 408 search response. In an exemplary embodiment, each 406 search request can be a request for availability and other access information regarding a specific media content item, and the 408 search response can be a response indicating whether the media content item is available at the content source 108, as well as access information (e.g., channel, URL, time period, and so on) if the media content item is available.In another illustrative example, a 406 research request might be a request for a program guide. Petition 870260031551, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, page 29 / 112 23 / 43 electronic 109, a content catalog 111 or other dataset that provides content availability and access information for various media content items and the 408 search response may be electronic program guide 109, content catalog 111 or other requested information.

[048] In each exemplary scenario, content researcher 208 may not issue a request for each media content item or multiple media content items, as content researcher 208 may have recently received access and availability information for each of the media content items for which a search was initiated.

[049] Content searcher 208, after receiving availability and access information associated with a media content item, can cause recording scheduler 210 to generate and transmit a recording command 410 to media content recorder 116 or associated media content receiver 112 to record the media content item, assuming that the media content item is recordable on media content recorder 116 from the specific content source 108, 110.If, instead, the media content item is available for viewing from the media content receiver 112 or the media content recorder 116, but is not recordable, the content searcher 208 or recording scheduler 210 may transmit a message or other communication indicating the identifier for the media content item involved, the specific content source 108, 110 where the media content item is available, and access information (e.g., channel, URL, day and time, possible cost or fee, etc.) for the media content item. Furthermore, if the media content item is not available from any of the searched content sources 108, 110, the content searcher 208 or recording scheduler 210 may... Petition 870260031551, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, page 30 / 112 24 / 43 transmit a message or other communication that indicates this fact to the media content receiver 112.

[050] FIG. 5 is a graphical description of an example of a recorded media content identifier database 204 employed in the media content replacement system example 102 of FIG. 2. The recorded media content identifier database 204 can be implemented by a database management system (DBMS), although other types of databases, as well as more generalized data structures not strictly implemented as databases, may be used in other modalities.

[051] In the example embodiment of FIG. 5, the recorded media content identifier database 204 may include multiple entries, with each entry representing a specific media content item, previously recorded by a specific media content recorder 116. In addition, each entry may include one or more of a device identifier 502, a recorded media content item identifier 504, a version code 506, an override status 508, or an override source 510. Other exemplary embodiments may include larger or smaller numbers of fields for each entry.

[052] Device identifier 502 may be a unique identifier (e.g., model number and serial number) of the specific media content recorder 116 or associated media content receiver 112 on which the specific media content item was previously recorded. Recorded media content item identifier 504 may be a unique identifier (e.g., alphanumeric name of the media content item) for the specific media content item. Version code 506 may indicate a specific version (e.g., ultra-high definition in function, high definition in function). Petition 870260031551, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, page 31 / 112 25 / 43 standard definition, format factor, PG-13 rating based on R rating based on director's cut, etc.) of the media content item that was previously recorded or is to be recorded on the specific media content recorder 116. The override status 508 may indicate a specific status of the media content item in relation to the specific media content recorder 116 (e.g., not recorded on media content recorder 116 and unknown availability; not recorded on media content recorder 116 and not currently available; not recorded on media content recorder 116 but available and recordable; not recorded on media content recorder 116 but available but not recordable; currently recorded on media content recorder 116, etc.).The replacement source 510 may indicate, if the media content item is available, the specific content source 108, 110, as well as access information (channel, URL, day and time, etc.) to access the media content item. In some exemplary embodiments, any one or more of the media content identifier access module 202, the content search initiator 206, the content searcher 208, or the recording scheduler 210 may access the entries in the recorded media content identifier database 204 to generate the entries, as well as retrieve or update the status of each of the entries.

[053] FIGS. 6 and 7 provide methods of operation for various devices or systems of the media content system 100 of FIG. 1. However, other devices or systems not specifically disclosed here may also perform these methods and variations thereof. Furthermore, while the operations of the methods in FIGS. 6 and 7 are presented in a specific order, other execution orders are also possible, including the simultaneous, concurrent, or overlapping execution of two or more operations. Petition 870260031551, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, page 32 / 112 26 / 43

[054] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of an example method. 600 to replace missing or unusable media content items previously recorded on a media content device (e.g., a media content recorder 116). In method 600, the media content replacement system 102 (e.g., via the media content identifier access module 202) can receive identifiers for media content items recorded on a media content device (operation 602) and store the identifiers in a database or data store (e.g., the recorded media content identifier database 204) (operation 604). The media content replacement system 102 (e.g., via the content search initiator 206) can receive a request to replace currently missing media content items (operation 606).In one exemplary embodiment, the request may be received from the first media content device, which may have been repaired, or its media content storage may have been replaced or reformatted. In another exemplary embodiment, the request may be received from a second media content device that serves as a replacement for the first media content device.

[055] The media content replacement system 102 (e.g., via the content search initiator 206 and the content searcher 208) can search one or more content sources 108, 110 for currently missing media content items (operation 608). In an exemplary embodiment, several content sources 108, 110 can be searched in a specific order of priority, and this order can be determined in the media content replacement system 102, the media content receiver 112, the media content recorder 116, or another device or system. Such order may be influenced by one or more factors, such as Petition 870260031551, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, page 33 / 112 27 / 43 a pre-existing relationship between the media content replacement system 102 and the content source 108, 110; the existence of a subscription or membership for the viewer or media content device with the content source 108, 110; whether the viewer must pay for media content at the content source 108, 110; and so on.

[056] If a media content item is unavailable from one of the sources (operation 610), the media content replacement system 102 may indicate this fact to the media content device (operation 612). In some exemplary embodiments, the media content replacement system 102 may search the content sources 108, 110 again after some delay time (e.g., a day, a week, and so on) for the unavailable media content item. If, instead, the media content item is available from one or more of the sources (operation 610) but cannot be recorded (operation 614), the media content replacement system 102 may indicate such availability to the media content device (operation 618).Otherwise, if the media content item is available (operation 610) and recordable (operation 614), the media content replacement system 102 can generate and transmit a record command (operation 616) to the media content device to record the media content item described above. Optionally, the media content replacement system 102 can provide some other indication of the media content item and its access information to the media content device to facilitate the media content device generating its own command to record the media content item.

[057] If all pending media content items for the specific media content device have been addressed (operation 620), the media content replacement system 102 Petition 870260031551, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, page 34 / 112 28 / 43 may end the process (operation 622), at least for now. If, instead, pending media content items remain for the specific media content device, content sources 108, 110 may be searched for the next media content item (operation 608).

[058] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of an example method. 700 to acquire a different version of a media content item currently recorded on a media content recorder 116. In method 700, the media content replacement system 102 (e.g., via the media content identifier access module 202) can receive an identifier for a media content item recorded on a media content device (operation 702). The media content replacement system 102 (e.g., via the content search initiator 206) can receive the identifier for the media content item in the form of a request to replace the media content item currently stored on the media content device with a different version.In an exemplary embodiment, the request may include an indication of the version (e.g., original ultra-high-definition theatrical release) of the media content item to be recorded on the media content device or may provide a threshold version (e.g., high definition or better) of the media content item to be recorded. The media content replacement system 102 (e.g., via content search initiator 206 and content searcher 208) may search one or more content sources 108, 110 for version of the request for currently recorded media content items (operation 708). The remaining operations 710-718 and 722 of method 700 are substantially similar to operations 610-618 and 622 of method 600 of FIG. 6.

[059] In an exemplary modality, a method Petition 870260031551, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, page 35 / 112 29 / 43 comprises the operation of searching, using one or more hardware processors, for at least one media content source over a communication network for a media content item recorded in the storage of a first media content device.Based on the media content item found in a first media content source from at least one media content source, a recording of the media content item for storage on a second media content device from the first media content source is scheduled based on the media content item recorded from the first media content source on the second media content device, and the availability of the media content item on the first media content source is indicated to the second media content device based on the media content item that cannot be recorded from the first media content source on the second media content device.

[060] In another exemplary embodiment, possibly including all the previous exemplary embodiments, the method further comprises receiving a request through the communication network to replace the recorded media content item for storage on the first media content device, the search for at least one media content source occurring in response to the request.

[061] In another exemplary embodiment, possibly including all the previous exemplary embodiments, the request is received in response to the second media content device that becomes available to record the media content item, the second media content device configured to replace the first media content device.

[062] In another exemplary embodiment, possibly including all the previous exemplary embodiments, the request Petition 870260031551, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, page 36 / 112 30 / 43 is received from the second media content device.

[063] In another exemplary embodiment, possibly including all the previous exemplary embodiments, the method further comprises accessing, from the first media content device via the communication network, before receiving the request, an identifier for the media content item recorded in the storage of the first media content device; and, storing the identifier for the media content item in a media content identifier data store comprising identifiers for a plurality of media content items recorded in the storage of the first media content device.

[064] In another exemplary embodiment, possibly including all the preceding exemplary embodiments, the request to replace the media content item comprises a request to replace the plurality of media content items.

[065] In another exemplary embodiment, possibly including all the previous exemplary embodiments, the second media content device comprises the first media content device.

[066] In another exemplary embodiment, possibly including all the previous exemplary embodiments, the method further comprises delaying before searching again at least one media content source for the media content item based on the media content item that is not found in at least one media content source.

[067] In another exemplary embodiment, possibly including all the preceding exemplary embodiments, at least one media content source comprises a content source of Petition 870260031551, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, page 37 / 112 31 / 43 media above the limit.

[068] In another exemplary modality, possibly including all the previous exemplary modalities, the search for at least one source of media content occurs in a specific order.

[069] In another exemplary embodiment, possibly including all the previous exemplary embodiments, the method further comprises accessing configuration data corresponding to the first media content device, the configuration data specifying the specific order.

[070] In another exemplary embodiment, possibly including all the preceding exemplary embodiments, the media content item that cannot be recorded from the first media content source on the second media content device is due to a viewer corresponding to the second media content device not being a subscriber to the first media content source.

[071] In another exemplary embodiment, possibly including all the preceding exemplary embodiments, the search for at least one media content source comprises accessing an electronic program guide from at least one over-the-air television network, a cable television network, or a satellite television network.

[072] In another exemplary embodiment, possibly including all the preceding exemplary embodiments, the search for at least one media content source comprises accessing a content catalog from a content source above the threshold.

[073] In another exemplary embodiment, possibly including all the preceding exemplary embodiments, searching for at least one media content source comprises searching for at least one media content source for a version of the media content item with a video resolution greater than a Petition 870260031551, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, page 38 / 112 32 / 43 video resolution of a version of the media content item recorded on the first media content device.

[074] In another exemplary embodiment, possibly including all the preceding exemplary embodiments, searching for at least one media content source comprises searching at least one media content source for a version of the media content item with a content rating different from a content rating of a version of the media content item recorded on the first media content device.

[075] In another exemplary embodiment, possibly including all the previous exemplary embodiments, scheduling the recording of the media content item comprises transmitting a command to the second media content device to record the media content item, the command comprising at least one of a channel identifier, a recording day, or a recording time for the recording.

[076] In another exemplary embodiment, possibly including all the preceding exemplary embodiments, scheduling the recording of the media content item comprises transmitting a command to the second media content device to record the media content item, the command comprising a uniform resource locator for the media content item.

[077] In an exemplary embodiment, a media system comprises one or more hardware processors and memory storage instructions that, when executed by at least one of the hardware processors, cause the media system to perform operations comprising at least one media content source through a communication network to a media content item recorded in the storage of a first media content device. Based on the media content item found Petition 870260031551, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, page 39 / 112 33 / 43 in a first media content source of at least one media content source, a recording of the media content item for storage on a second media content device from the first media content source is scheduled based on the media content item recorded from the first media content source on the second media content device, and the availability of the media content item on the first media content source is indicated to the second media content device based on the media content item that cannot be recorded from the first media content source on the second media content device.

[078] In another exemplary embodiment, possibly including all the previous exemplary embodiments, the operations further comprise receiving a request through the communication network to replace the media content item recorded on the first media content device and initiating the search for the media content item in response to the request.

[079] In another exemplary embodiment, possibly including all the previous exemplary embodiments, the operations further comprise access, from the first media content device to the communication network, to an identifier for the media content item and the storage of the identifier for the media content in a media content identifier data storage.

[080] In an exemplary embodiment, a non-transient computer-readable storage medium stored instructions on it which, when executed by one or more hardware processors of a machine, cause the machine to perform operations comprising searching at least one media content source over a communication network for a content item. Petition 870260031551, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, page 40 / 112 34 / 43 of media recorded in the storage of a first media content device. Based on the media content item found in a first media content source from at least one media content source, a recording of the media content item to the storage of a second media content device from the first media content source is scheduled based on the media content item recorded from the first media content source on the second media content device, and the availability of the media content item on the first media content source is indicated to the second media content device based on the media content item that cannot be recorded from the first media content source on the second media content device.

[081] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating components of an 800 machine, according to some exemplary embodiments, capable of reading 824 instructions from a machine-readable medium 822 (e.g., a non-transient readable medium, a machine-readable storage medium, or a computer-readable storage medium) and performing one or more of the methodologies discussed herein, in whole or in part. Specifically, FIG. 8 represents the 800 machine in the example form of a computer device (e.g., a computer) within which the 824 instructions (e.g., software, firmware, a program, an application, an applet, an application, or other executable code) cause the 800 machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein, in whole or in part.

[082] For example, instructions 824 can cause machine 800 to execute the flow diagrams of FIGS. 6 and 7. Instructions 824 can transform the general unprogrammed machine 800 into a specific machine (e.g., specially configured machine). Petition 870260031551, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, page 41 / 112 35 / 43 programmed to perform the functions described and illustrated in the manner described. Also in exemplary embodiments, the machine 800 may operate as one or more of the media content receiver 112 of FIGS. 1 and 3, the media content recorder 116 of FIGS. 1 and 3, the media content replacement system 102 of FIGS. 1 and 2, or any other computing system or device described herein.

[083] In exemplary embodiments, the 800 machine operates as a stand-alone device or may be connected (e.g., networked) to other machines. The 800 machine may be a server computer, a client computer, a personal computer (PC), a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a netbook, a set-top box (e.g., STB), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile phone, a smartphone, a web device, a network router, a network switch, a network bridge, a power adapter, or any 800 machine capable of executing 824 instructions, sequentially or otherwise, that specify actions to be taken by that 800 machine. Furthermore, while only a single 800 machine is illustrated, the term “machine” should also include a set of machines that, individually or collectively, execute 824 instructions to accomplish any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein.

[084] The 800 machine includes an 802 processor (for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC), or any suitable combination thereof), a main memory 804 and a static memory 806, which are configured to communicate with each other via a bus 808. The 802 processor may contain microcircuits that are configurable, Petition 870260031551, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, page 42 / 112 36 / 43 temporarily or permanently, by some or all of the 824 instructions, so that the 802 processor is configurable to execute any one or more of the methodologies described herein, in whole or in part. For example, a set of one or more 802 processor microcircuits may be configurable to execute one or more modules (e.g., software modules) described herein.

[085] The machine 800 may also include a graphic display 810 (for example, a plasma display panel (PDP), a light-emitting diode (LED) display, a liquid crystal display (LCD) monitor, a projector, a cathode ray tube (CRT), or any other monitor capable of displaying graphics or video). The machine 800 may also include an alphanumeric input device 812 (for example, a keyboard or keypad), a cursor control device 814 (for example, a mouse, a touchpad, a trackball, a joystick, a motion sensor, an eye-tracking device, or other pointing instrument), a storage unit 816, a signal generation device 818 (for example, a sound card, an amplifier, a loudspeaker, a headphone jack, or any suitable combination), and a network interface device 820.

[086] The storage unit 816 includes the machine-readable medium 822 (e.g., a tangible machine-readable medium) in which the instructions 824 incorporating any one or more of the methodologies or functions described herein are stored. The instructions 824 may also reside, wholly or at least partially, within the main memory 804, within the processor 802 (e.g., within a processor cache memory 802), or both, before or during their execution by the machine 800. Thus, the main memory 804 and the processor 802 may be considered machine-readable media 822 (e.g., tangible and non-transient machine-readable media). Petition 870260031551, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, page 43 / 112 37 / 43

[087] In some exemplary embodiments, the 800 machine may be a portable or mobile computing device and have one or more additional input components (e.g., sensors or meters). Examples of such input components include an image input component (e.g., one or more cameras), an audio input component (e.g., a microphone), a direction input component (e.g., a compass), a local input component (GPS receiver), a guidance component (e.g., a gyroscope), a motion detection component (e.g., one or more accelerometers), an altitude detection component (e.g., an altimeter), and a gas detection component (e.g., a gas sensor). The inputs collected by any one or more of these input components may be accessible and available for use by any of the modules described herein.

[088] As used herein, the term “memory” refers to a machine-readable medium capable of storing temporary or permanent data and may be considered as including, but not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), buffer memory, flash memory, and cache memory. While the machine-readable medium is shown in an exemplary embodiment as being a single medium, the term “machine-readable medium” should be considered as including a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database or associated caches and servers) capable of storing instructions. The term “machine-readable medium” should also include any medium, or combination of multiple media, capable of storing instructions for execution by a machine (e.g., machine 800), such that the instructions, when executed by one or more processors of the machine 800 (e.g., processor Petition 870260031551, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, page 44 / 112 38 / 43 802), cause the 800 machine to execute any one or more of the methodologies described herein. Therefore, the term “machine-readable media” should include, but not be limited to, one or more data repositories in the form of solid-state memory, optical media, magnetic media, or any suitable combination thereof.

[089] Furthermore, the machine-readable medium 822 is non-transient because it does not incorporate a propagation or transient signal. However, labeling the machine-readable medium 822 as “non-transient” should not be interpreted as meaning that the medium is incapable of movement; the medium should be considered transportable from one physical location to another in some exemplary embodiments. Additionally, since the machine-readable medium 822 is tangible, the medium can be considered a machine-readable device.

[090] Instructions 824 may also be transmitted or received over a communications network 826 using a transmission medium through the network interface device 820 and using any of several well-known transfer protocols (e.g., HTTP). Examples of communications networks 826 include a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet, mobile telephone networks, old telephone service networks (POTS), and wireless data networks (e.g., Wi-Fi®, LTE® networks, and WiMAX™). The term “transmission medium” should be understood to include any intangible medium capable of storing, encoding, or carrying instructions for execution by the machine 800, and include digital or analog communication signals or other intangible means to facilitate communication of such software.

[091] Throughout this report, plural instances may implement components, operations, or structures described as a single instance. Although individual operations of one or more methods are illustrated and described as separate operations, one or more of the Petition 870260031551, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, page 45 / 112 39 / 43 individual operations can be executed simultaneously, and nothing requires that the operations be executed in the order illustrated. The structures and functionalities presented as separate components in example configurations can be implemented as a combined structure or component. Similarly, structures and functionalities presented as a single component can be implemented as separate components. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are within the scope of the subject matter discussed here.

[092] Certain embodiments are described herein as including logic or a number of components, modules, or mechanisms. Modules may constitute either software modules (e.g., code embedded in a machine-readable 822 medium or in a transmission signal) or hardware modules. A “hardware module” is a tangible unit capable of performing certain operations and may be configured or arranged in a certain physical manner. In several exemplary embodiments, one or more computing systems (e.g., a stand-alone computing system, a client computing system, or a server computing system) or one or more hardware modules of a computing system (e.g., an 802 processor or a group of 802 processors) may be configured by software (e.g., an application or part of an application) as a hardware module that operates to perform certain operations as described herein.

[093] In some embodiments, a hardware module may be implemented mechanically, electronically, or any suitable combination thereof. For example, a hardware module may include dedicated or logic circuitry that is permanently configured to perform certain operations. For example, a hardware module may be a special-purpose processor, such as a Petition 870260031551, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, page 46 / 112 40 / 43 field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an ASIC. A hardware module may also include programmable logic or circuits that are temporarily configured by software to perform certain operations. For example, a hardware module may include software enclosed within a general-purpose processor or other programmable processor. It will be appreciated that the decision to implement a hardware module mechanically, in dedicated and permanently configured circuits, or in temporarily configured circuits (e.g., software-configured) may be driven by cost and time considerations.

[094] Thus, the phrase “hardware module” should be understood as encompassing a tangible entity, whether it is an entity that is physically constructed, permanently configured (e.g., connected) or temporarily configured (e.g., programmed) to operate in a particular manner or perform certain operations described herein. As used herein, “hardware-implemented module” refers to a hardware module. Considering exemplary embodiments in which hardware modules are temporarily configured (e.g., programmed), each of the hardware modules need not be configured or instantiated at any instance in time.For example, when a hardware module comprises a general-purpose processor configured by software to become a special-purpose processor, the general-purpose processor can be configured as different special-purpose processors (e.g., comprising different hardware modules) at different times. The software can, consequently, configure a processor, for example, to constitute a specific hardware module at one time instance and to constitute a different hardware module at a different time instance. Petition 870260031551, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, page 47 / 112 41 / 43

[095] The various operations of the example methods described herein may be performed, at least partially, by one or more processors that are temporarily configured (e.g., by software) or permanently configured to perform the relevant operations. When configured temporarily or permanently, such processors may constitute processor-implemented modules that operate to perform one or more operations or functions described herein. As used herein, processor-implemented module refers to a hardware module implemented using one or more processors.

[096] Similarly, the methods described here can be at least partially implemented in a processor, a processor being an example of hardware. For example, at least some of the operations of a method can be performed by one or more processors or modules implemented by the processor.

[097] Some portions of the subject discussed here may be presented in terms of algorithms or symbolic representations of operations on data stored as bits or binary digital signals within a machine memory (e.g., a computer memory). Such algorithms or symbolic representations are examples of techniques used by those skilled in the art of data processing to convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. As used herein, an “algorithm” is a self-consistent sequence of operations or similar processing that leads to a desired result. In this context, algorithms and operations involve the physical manipulation of physical quantities. Typically, but not necessarily, such quantities may take the form of electrical, magnetic, or optical signals capable of being stored, accessed, transferred, combined, compared, or otherwise manipulated by a machine. It is convenient, at times, especially because Petition 870260031551, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, page 48 / 112 42 / 43 reasons for common usage, referring to these signals using words such as “data”, “content”, “bits”, “values”, “elements”, “symbols”, “characters”. Terms, numbers, numerals or something similar. These words, however, are merely convenient labels and should be associated with appropriate physical quantities.

[098] Unless specifically indicated otherwise, discussions herein using words such as “processing,” “computation,” “calculation,” “determination,” “presentation,” “display,” or the like may refer to actions or processes of a machine (e.g., a computer) that manipulates or transforms data represented as physical quantities (e.g., electronic, magnetic, or optical) in one or more memories (e.g., volatile memory, non-volatile memory, or any suitable combination thereof), recorders, or other machine components that receive, store, transmit, or display information. Furthermore, unless specifically indicated otherwise, the terms “a” or “an” are used herein, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more instances thereof. Finally, as used herein, the conjunction “or” refers to a non-exclusive “or,” unless specifically indicated otherwise.

[099] Although a general description of the inventive matter has been given with reference to specific exemplary embodiments, various modifications and alterations may be made to these exemplary embodiments without departing from the broader scope of embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, various embodiments or features thereof may be mixed and matched or made optional by one skilled in the art. Such embodiments of the inventive matter may be referred to herein, individually or collectively, by the term invention only for convenience and without the intention of willfully limiting the scope of this application to any single inventive concept. Petition 870260031551, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, p. 49 / 112 43 / 43 more than one was, in fact, disclosed.

[0100] The exemplary embodiments illustrated herein are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the teachings disclosed. Other embodiments may be used and derived from these, such that logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. The Detailed Description, therefore, should not be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of various embodiments is defined only by the appended claims together with the full rate of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

[0101] Furthermore, multiple instances may be provided for resources, operations, or structures described herein as a single instance. Additionally, the boundaries between various resources, operations, modules, mechanisms, and data stores are somewhat arbitrary, and specific operations are illustrated in the context of specific illustrative configurations. Other allocations of functionality are envisioned and may fall within the scope of various embodiments of this disclosure. In general, structures and functionalities presented as separate resources in the example configurations may be implemented as a combined structure or resource. Similarly, structures and functionalities presented as a single resource may be implemented as separate resources. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements fall within the scope of embodiments of this disclosure, as represented by the appended claims.The report and drawings should therefore be considered in a more illustrative than restrictive sense.

Claims

1. A method characterized in that it comprises the steps of: receiving a request through a communication network to replace a media content item recorded in the storage of a first media content device; initiating, by a content search initiator (206), using one or more hardware processors of a media content replacement system, a search of media content sources over a communication network (106) for the media content item recorded in the storage of the first media content device (112) based on the received request to replace the media content item recorded in the storage of the first media content device;to identify, by one or more hardware processors, the media content item stored in a first media content source (108, 110) of the media content sources, searching, using a content searcher (208), the media content sources for the media content item using a search order that includes a list of first content sources not associated with a rate that must be searched before second content sources associated with a rate; to determine, by one or more hardware processors, whether the media content item is in a writable format that can be written from the first media content source (108, 110) to a second media content device;wherein, when the determination determines that the media content item is recordable from the first media content source to the second media content device, send, to a recording scheduler by one or more hardware processors, Petition 870260031551, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, p. 51 / 112 2 / 4 a request to record the media content item for storage on the second media content device from the first media content source (108, 110); and wherein, when the determination determines that the media content item cannot be recorded from the first media content source to the second media content device, send, by one or more hardware processors, to the second media content device an indication of the availability of the media content item on the first media content source (108, 110).

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the request is received in response to the second media content device becoming available to record the media content item, the second media content device configured to replace the first media content device (112).

3. Method, according to claim 2, characterized in that the request is received from the second media content device.

4. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: accessing, from the first media content device (112) via the communication network (106), prior to receiving the request, an identifier for the recorded media content item for storage on the first media content device (112); and storing the identifier for the media content item in a media content identifier data store, comprising identifiers for a plurality of recorded media content items for storage on the first media content device (112). Petition 870260031551, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, p. 52 / 112 3 / 4 5. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that the request to replace the media content item comprises a request to replace a plurality of media content items.

6. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one source of media content is a web-based content service.

7. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises delaying before researching at least one media content source for the media content item based on the media content item not being found in at least one media content source.

8. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises accessing configuration data corresponding to the first media content device (112), the configuration data specifying the order.

9. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the media content item is not recordable from the first media content source (108, 110) on the second media content device because a viewer corresponding to the second media content device is not a subscriber to the first media content source (108, 110).

10. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the search of at least one media content source comprises: accessing an electronic program guide of at least one over-the-air television network, a cable television network or a satellite television network; accessing a content catalog of a content source above the limit; Petition 870260031551, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, p. 53 / 112 4 / 4 searching at least one media content source for a version of the media content item recorded on the first media content device (112); or searching at least one media content source for a version of the media content item having a content rating different from a content rating of a version of the media content item recorded on the first media content device (112).

11. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that scheduling the recording of the media content item comprises transmitting a command to the second media content device to record the media content item, the command comprising at least one of a channel identifier, a recording day, a recording time for the recording, or a uniform resource locator for the media content item.

12. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the first sources of content are free and the second sources of content are paid.

13. Media system, characterized in that it comprises: one or more hardware processors; and a memory that stores instructions which, when executed by at least one of one or more hardware processors, causes the media system to perform the method as defined in any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. Non-transient computer-readable storage medium characterized in that it has stored therein instructions which, when executed by one or more hardware processors of a machine, cause the machine to perform the method as defined in any of claims 1 to 11.

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