DVR Blackout Management via User Notification and Schedule Update
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current video data distribution systems face challenges in managing video recordings during blackout events, where content providers restrict access to certain geographical areas, leading to unintended recordings of static JPEGs or alternate programming, which can negatively impact customer experience.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that updates a Digital Video Recorder (DVR) schedule based on programming blackouts, notifies subscribers, and prompts them to choose whether to record alternate programming, allowing for default recording behavior if no input is received, and verifies the execution of blackout events through retune data analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the system automatically records video content during blackout events, then recording continuity is maintained, but unintended recordings of static JPEGs or alternate programming occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by notifying the user in advance of an upcoming blackout event before the recording would commence. This advance notification allows the user to make an informed decision about whether to proceed with recording alternate programming, preventing unintended recordings while maintaining recording continuity if desired.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by presenting blackout event information to the user and receiving their response. This feedback loop enables the recording system to adapt its behavior based on user preferences, ensuring recording accuracy by only recording alternate programming when the user explicitly wants to do so.
2Reliability
If the system restricts content access in geographical areas without broadcast rights, then contractual obligations are met, but customer experience deteriorates due to limited content availability
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses an intermediary approach by introducing a user choice mechanism between the content provider's blackout restriction and the customer's desire for content access. Instead of directly blocking content, the system notifies users of the blackout event and allows them to voluntarily choose to record alternate programming, thus maintaining compliance while preserving customer experience.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing customers to make their own decisions about content recording during blackout events. Users can independently choose whether to record the primary content or alternate programming based on their preferences, giving them control over their content access experience while the system maintains contractual compliance.
3Productivity
If the system records alternate programming during blackouts without user input, then recording functionality is maintained, but user control and experience are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies dynamics by making the recording behavior adaptable rather than fixed. Instead of automatically recording or blocking content during blackouts, the system dynamically adjusts its behavior based on real-time user input. This allows the recording functionality to remain active while simultaneously preserving user control, as the system responds to user preferences rather than following a rigid predetermined path.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is disclosed for managing digital video recording of alternative event data during a blackout of primary event data at a client device, the method including but not limited to receiving notification data indicating that a blackout has been cancelled for a primary event; proceeding with recording the scheduled digital video recording for the primary event; and graphically presenting the notification data of the cancelled blackout for the primary event at the client device. A system is disclosed for performing the method.