Client-server based interactive television program guide system with remote server recording
View Patent ↗An interactive television program guide system is provided. An interactive television program guide provides users with an opportunity to select programs for recording on a remote media server. Programs may also be recorded on a local media server. The program guide provides users with VCR-like control over programs that are played back from the media servers and over real-time cached copies of the programs. The program guide also provides users with an opportunity to designate gift recipients for whom programs may be recorded.
1. A method for storing a program on a remote media server, comprising:
receiving a request from user equipment to store a program on the remote media server;
in response to receiving the request, storing the program on the remote media server; and
charging a fee to utilize the remote media server to store the program and playback the program.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the charging a fee further comprises charging to playback the program.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the charging a fee further comprises charging to store the program.
4. The method of claim 1 further comprising:
playing back the program; and
pausing the program, wherein the charging a fee further comprises charging a fee to pause the program.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the fee is a subscription fee.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the fee is based on the length of the program.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the fee is based on the amount of storage consumed.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the storing the program on a remote media server further comprises:
prompting the user for a purchase code; and
in response to receiving a correct purchase code, storing the program on a remote media server.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the receiving a request from user equipment further comprises receiving the request using an Internet service system.
10. The method of claim 1 , further comprising providing information about the program to a billing system.
11. A method for using user equipment for accessing a program stored on a remote media server, comprising:
generating a record request with the user equipment, wherein the record request causes a program to be stored on the remote media server;
providing the record request to the remote media server;
generating a request to view the program with the user equipment; and
authorizing a payment of a fee to utilize the remote media server to store the program and playback the program.
12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the authorizing further comprises authorizing the payment to view the program.
13. The method of claim 11 , wherein the authorizing further comprises authorizing the payment to store the program.
14. The method of claim 11 , wherein the authorizing further comprises authorizing the payment to pause the program.
15. The method of claim 11 , wherein the fee is a subscription fee.
16. The method of claim 11 , wherein the fee is based on the length of the program.
17. The method of claim 11 , wherein the fee is based on the amount of storage consumed.
18. The method of claim 11 , wherein the authorizing the payment of a fee further comprises:
prompting the user for a purchase code; and
in response to receiving user input, providing the purchase code to the remote media server.
19. The method of claim 11 , wherein the providing a record request to a remote media server further comprises sending the request using an Internet service system.
20. The method of claim 11 , further comprising receiving a bill containing information about the recorded program.