Set Top Box Unified Recording for DVB and OTT Sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing set top boxes have limited recording capabilities, as they operate in separate modes for DVB and network services, restricting users to recording programs in one mode at a time, which increases complexity and reduces available program sources.
Innovation Solution
A program recording method and device that integrates DVB and OTT services, allowing users to select and record programs based on type, using Local Personal Video Recorder (LPVR) for DVB programs, Network Personal Video Recorder (NPVR) for OTT programs, and NPVR for simultaneous DVB and OTT programs, with storage options on the set top box or network servers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate recording modes are used for DVB and network services, then each mode can be independently optimized, but users can only record programs in one mode at a time and must switch modules to access different program sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges DVB and network recording modes into a unified recording system. The set-top box integrates both recording functionalities, allowing users to access and record programs from both DVB and network sources through a single interface without switching between separate modules, thereby resolving the contradiction between versatility and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The recording module is designed with multi-functionality to handle both DVB and network program sources. By making the recording system universal and capable of processing multiple types of program sources through a unified interface, the system allows users to record from any source without complexity, addressing both the need for versatility and ease of use
2Reliability
If separate recording methods are used for DVB and network programs, then each recording method can be optimized for its specific mode, but recorded programs are stored and managed separately increasing usage complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate storage and management systems for DVB and network recordings into a unified storage and management framework. Recorded programs from both sources are stored in a common storage space and managed through a single interface, eliminating the need for users to separately manage different recording types and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The storage and management system is designed as a universal system that can handle and organize recorded programs from any source type. This multi-functional approach allows the system to maintain reliable recording capabilities for each source type while providing unified access and management, thereby reducing the complexity of storage management
3Ease of operation
If a unified recording interface is provided for both DVB and network programs, then users can select more program sources without switching modules, but the system must integrate and manage multiple recording modes and storage locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the recording system into distinct functional modules (DVB recording module, network recording module, unified interface module, and storage management module) that can operate independently but are coordinated through a standardized interface. This segmentation allows the system to provide a unified simple user interface while managing the complexity of multiple recording modes and storage locations through modular architecture
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are a program recording method and device, and a set top box. The method includes: acquiring, by a set top box, first Electronic Program Guide (EPG) information of a Digital Video Broadcast (DVB) and second EPG information of an Over-The-Top (OTT) service; selecting a program to be recorded from a program list integrated with the first EPG information and the second EPG information, and determining a program type of the program to be recorded; and recording the program to be recorded according to the determined program type.