Apparatus And Method For Remote Wireless Control Of Digital Video Recorders And The Like

Abstract

At least one server is queried from a wireless device to obtain program data, and to obtain DVR data from a digital video recorder. The program data is received from the server and the DVR data is received from the digital video recorder. The program data and/or the DVR data are displayed on the wireless device. The at least one digital video recorder is controlled by selecting a user-operable function from the program data and/or the DVR data on the wireless device.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A method for controlling a digital video recorder with a wireless device, the method comprising the steps of:
 determining a location of the digital video recorder;   transmitting program data from a server and DVR data from the digital video recorder to the wireless device;   receiving from the wireless device a command to record a television program the command comprising a start time and an end time, at least one of the start time and the end time being specified as a margin from a nominal time slot of the television program; and   controlling the digital video recorder based on the command.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the program data comprises a program guide. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the program guide is customized for the location of the digital video recorder. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the controlling step comprises controlling the digital video recorder substantially in real time. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the digital video recorder is physically located in a location other than a location of the wireless device. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 2 , further comprising the step of verifying that a user associated with the wireless device has authority to control the digital video recorder. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the DVR data comprises a listing of any recordings stored on the digital video recorder. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the DVR data comprises a list of scheduled future recordings to be stored on the digital video recorder. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the program data comprises at least an electronic program listing, further comprising the steps of:
 periodically obtaining additional program data from an external source; and   caching the additional program data in a wireless digital video recorder interface layer.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the command is received over a wireless network operated by a content service provider. 
     
     
         12 . A system for controlling a digital video recorder with a wireless device, the system comprising:
 means for determining a location of the digital video recorder;   means for transmitting program data from a server and DVR data from the digital video recorder to the wireless device;   means for receiving from the wireless device a command to record a television program, the command comprising a start time and an end time, at least one of the start time and the end time being specified as a margin from a nominal time slot of the television program; and   means for controlling the digital video recorder based on the command.   
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the program data comprises a program guide. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the program guide is customized for the location of the digital video recorder. 
     
     
         15 . A system for controlling a digital video recorder with a wireless device, the system comprising:
 a DVR control module;   a video content network coupled to the DVR control module and the digital video recorder; and   a wireless DVR interface module coupled to the DVR control module and configured to:
 determine a location of the digital video recorder; 
 transmit program data from a server and DVR data from the digital video recorder to the wireless device; 
 receive from the wireless device a command to record a television program, the command comprising a start time and an end time, at least one of the start time and the end time being specified as a margin from a nominal time slot of the television program; and 
 control the digital video recorder based on the command. 
   
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 15 , further comprising an authentication module configured to verify that a user associated with the wireless device has authority to control the digital video recorder. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein verification is based at least in part on billing and authentication data. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the program data comprises a program guide. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein the program guide is customized for the location of the digital video recorder. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the DVR data comprises a listing of any recordings stored on the digital video recorder. 
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the DVR data comprises a list of scheduled future recordings to be stored on the digital video recorder.