Video recorder having user extended and automatically extended time slots

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a video recorder having user extended and automatically extended time slots. An embodiment of the present invention includes a set-top box having an internal storage device, such as a hard drive where broadcasts are transferred from a broadcast input source to the storage device. The set-top box is connected to an output device such as a television, which displays a graphical user interface (GUI) and an interactive program guide (IPG). The user has the option to extend a chosen time slot, in which a show is scheduled to be transferred to the storage device. A dialog box is used when certain types of shows are selected that commonly require timeslot extensions at the end of the show.

1 . A method for transferring a broadcast signal to a storage device comprising: 
 providing for the receipt of a request to transfer a show in a timeslot to said storage device now or in the future;    determining if said show is of a specific type;    providing a user an opportunity to add a user extended trailing timeslot of a certain length to said request, if said show is of said specific type; and    providing for the transfer of said show in said timeslot along with said user extended trailing timeslot, now or in the future, if said user adds said user extended trailing timeslot to said request.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said specific type is sports.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said certain length is set by said user.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said step of providing a user an opportunity further comprises, providing said user an opportunity to always add said user extended trailing timeslot to shows of said specific type automatically.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said step of determining further comprises: 
 providing a database having a show title field; and    matching all entries in said show title field to said specific type.    
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said step of determining further comprises: 
 providing a database having a show description field; and    matching a keyword in said show description field to said specific type.    
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said specific type is set by said user.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said specific type is a show where it is common for said show to extend beyond said timeslot.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said step of determining further comprises: 
 providing a database having a show title field; and    matching a keyword in said show title field to said specific type.    
     
     
         10 . An apparatus comprising: 
 a request to transfer a show in a timeslot to a storage device, now or in the future;    a database, used to determine if said show is of a specific type;    a dialog box, used to provide a user an opportunity to add a user extended trailing timeslot of a certain length to said request, if said show is of said specific type; and    a storage device for receiving the transfer of said show in said timeslot along with said user extended trailing timeslot, now or in the future, if said user adds said user extended trailing timeslot to said request.    
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein said specific type is sports.  
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein said certain length is set by said user.  
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein said dialog box further provides said user an opportunity to always add said user extended trailing timeslot to shows of said specific type automatically.  
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein said database has a show type field, further comprising matching all entries in said show type field to said specific type.  
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein said database has a show description field, further comprising matching a keyword in said show description field to said specific type.  
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein said specific type is set by said user.  
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein said specific type is a show where it is common for said show to extend beyond said timeslot.  
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein said database has a show title field, further comprising matching a keyword in said show title field to said specific type.