Media Content Replacement System for DVR Storage Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Digital video recorders (DVRs) typically store media content on non-removable hard disk drives, making recorded programs inaccessible when the device is no longer in service or replaced, as there is no ability to offload content to external storage.
Innovation Solution
A media content replacement system that identifies recorded media content items, searches for and schedules re-recording of these items from content sources, allowing for replacement of lost or inaccessible media content, including different versions, by integrating a media content identifier access module, content search initiator, content searcher, and recording scheduler.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a non-removable hard disk drive is used for program storage in a DVR, then storage capacity and reliability are improved, but the ability to access and transfer recorded programs becomes limited when the device is replaced or fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a content delivery network and server system as intermediaries between the DVR storage and the user. When content is lost or the device is replaced, the system automatically retrieves the content from the content delivery network and delivers it back to the user, thus mediating the gap between non-removable storage and content accessibility needs
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by maintaining a database of recorded content identifiers and metadata before the actual content loss occurs. This allows the system to quickly identify and request replacement content from the content delivery network without delay when the original recording is lost or the device is replaced
2Device complexity
If content is stored locally on the DVR without external storage capability, then device simplicity is maintained, but content recovery becomes impossible when the device is no longer in service
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the DVR or associated system continuously communicates with the content delivery network to verify content availability and integrity. When content is lost or the device is replaced, the feedback loop triggers automatic content retrieval and re-recording, ensuring information recovery without requiring complex user intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the system to serve itself by automatically detecting content loss, identifying the missing content through database lookups, requesting content from the content delivery network, and scheduling re-recording without user intervention. This self-service capability recovers content while maintaining device simplicity
Data Source
AI summary
Example embodiments provide systems and methods for replacing recorded media content. In an example method, at least one media content source is searched for a media content item recorded to storage of a first media content device. Based on the media content item being found at a first media content source of the at least one media content source, a recording of the media content item to storage of a second media content device is scheduled based on the media content item being recordable from the first media content source at the second media content device. Based on the media content item not being recordable from the first media content source at the second media device, the availability of the media content item is indicated to the second media content device.