Personal video recorder for home network providing filtering and format conversion of content

Abstract

Content is received by a personal video recorder (PVR) through a port and is analyzed by a filter based on a set of predetermined criteria to determine if it matches the characteristics of the device, the rendering means associated with the device and/or the preferences of a user. The content characteristics are recognized by analyzing the content itself or from tags attached to, associated with or embedded into the content. Acceptable content is then rendered to the user.

1 . A PVR device comprising: 
 a port receiving a program file from a group of program files of different types;    an output member having characteristics defining what types of program files are presented to a user;    a filter adapted to analyze the program file to determine if the program file is accepted based on said characteristics and said program type; and    a content storage device coupled to said filter and said output member for selectively storing received program files.    
   
   
       2 . The PVR of  claim 1  wherein said filter is adapted to analyze said program file and selectively store the same into said content storage device.  
   
   
       3 . The PVR of  claim 1  wherein said filter is adapted to analyze said program file after said program file has been stored in said content storage device.  
   
   
       4 . The PVR of  claim 1  wherein said filter is adapted to receive said program file, analyze it and, if said program file is accepted, to pass said program file to said output member without storing it in said content storage device.  
   
   
       5 . The PVR of  claim 1  further comprising an input buffer that receives and holds said program file for said filter.  
   
   
       6 . The PVR of  claim 1  further comprising a program selector receiving an input including a set of rules dependent on said characteristics, said program selector controlling said filter in accordance with said set of rules.  
   
   
       7 . The PVR of  claim 6  wherein said selector further receives an input indicating user preferences, said selector controlling the operation of said filter based on said characteristics and said preferences.  
   
   
       8 . The PVR of  claim 1  further comprising a plurality of ports, each port receiving program files through a different pathway from a program source.  
   
   
       9 . The PVR of  claim 1  further comprising a microprocessor controlling the presentation of said program file through said output member.  
   
   
       10 . The PVR of  claim 1  wherein said filter is adapted to accept said program file if said program file is of a type that matches with said characteristics, and rejects said program file otherwise.  
   
   
       11 . A PVR system comprising: 
 a port receiving a program file, said program file being selected from a group of program files of different types;    a rendering member having characteristics defining what types of program files are presented to a user;    a filter that determines what program files is presented by said output member;    a memory holding rules dependent on said characteristics;    a content storage device selectively storing said program file; and    a program selector controlling the operation of said filter based on said rules.    
   
   
       12 . The system of  claim 11  wherein said program selector includes a user interface for receiving user preferences.  
   
   
       13 . The system of  claim 11  wherein said memory holds rules that are dependent on said characteristics and user preferences.  
   
   
       14 . The system of  claim 11  wherein said memory holds rules that are time dependent.  
   
   
       15 . The system of  claim 11  wherein said rendering member includes a screen that displays moving and still images.  
   
   
       16 . The system of  claim 15  wherein said screen displays low-to-enhanced definition images having a resolution of less than or equal to 480 progressive lines.  
   
   
       17 . The system of  claim 15  wherein said screen displays high definition images having a resolution of at least 720 progressive or 1080 interlaced lines.  
   
   
       18 . The system of  claim 15  wherein said screen displays text.  
   
   
       19 . The system of  claim 18  wherein said screen displays text only.  
   
   
       20 . The system of  claim 11  wherein said rendering member includes a speaker adapted to generate low fidelity sounds.  
   
   
       21 . The system of  claim 11  wherein said rendering member includes speakers adapted to generate high fidelity sounds.  
   
   
       22 . The system of  claim 11  wherein said output member includes of speakers adapted to generate multi-channel sound.  
   
   
       23 . The system of  claim 11  wherein said ports are adapted to receive signals broadcast from at least one of the following sources: AM radio, FM radio, XM radio, standard television, satellite transmissions, WiFi networks.  
   
   
       24 . The system of  claim 11  wherein said ports are adapted to receive program files from a distributed computer network.  
   
   
       25 . The system of  claim 24  wherein said ports are adapted to receive program files through pathways including wired connections and wireless connections.  
   
   
       26 . The system of  claim 25  further comprising an output port coupling said program file to said rendering device through a local network.  
   
   
       27 . The system of  claim 11  wherein said program file includes an acceptable component and a non-useable component, further comprising a parsing member that parses said acceptable component from said non-useable component for presentation.  
   
   
       28 . The system of  claim 11  wherein said program file includes a non-useable component that is useable in a different form, further comprising a transform member that transforms said non-useable component into the useable component.  
   
   
       29 . The system of  claim 28  wherein at least one of said useable and useable components is stored in said content storage device.  
   
   
       30 . The system of  claim 28  wherein said transform member transforms a high fidelity or resolution program component into a low fidelity or resolution component.  
   
   
       31 . A system for distributing program files comprising: 
 a plurality of broadcast stations broadcasting program files of different types; and    a plurality of receiver devices receiving said program files over at least one pathway, each receiver device having defining characteristics that control the form in which program files are presented to a user, each receiver including a filter that controls which program files are presented by the respective receiver device in accordance with the respective characteristics;    wherein at least one of said receiver devices includes a PVR having a content storage element for selectively storing program files.    
   
   
       32 . The system of  claim 31  wherein said program files include multimedia programs, mono, stereo and multi-channel audio programs and text.  
   
   
       33 . The system of  claim 31  wherein each receiver includes a memory holding rules defining said characteristics.  
   
   
       34 . The system of  claim 33  further comprising an input for receiving user preferences, each receiver receiving user preferences from respective users.  
   
   
       35 . The system of  claim 34  wherein said rules are determined based on said user preference.