Apple patent filing a DVR dream?

chris

Apple Inc has filed a patent for what looks like a planned digital video recorder.

While never using the term “DVR” or “PVR” (personal video recorder), the patent would seem to be aimed at giving the Apple TV programme and data search functionality.

Amongst much technical jargon, the patent says: “The search engine…performs searches that are system-wide and not limited to recordings, or upcoming programs, or other defined data sets. For example, a search term or string can generate search results related to recordings, programs to be recorded, broadcast schedules, and playlists. For example, the search term ‘Will’ can generate a list of recordings, e.g., recorded episodes of ‘Will and Grace’ and the recorded movie ‘Good Will Hunting,’ a recording schedule for upcoming episodes of ‘Will and Grace’ that are to be recorded, a broadcast schedule for ‘Will and Grace,’ and a playlist that includes results related to the search term ‘Will.’”

The patent filing also includes a remote-control device that would allow the service user to access data that has been downloaded to it when away from the box, for example programme schedules.

But the patent was filed with the US Patent Office in October 2006 – nearly 18 months ago. Since then, Apple has updated the Apple TV product, allowing users to untie their devices from the computer and access it directly from their TVs, as well as a new Movie Rentals service. But there has been no mention of changing the device from an internet-based tool to allowing users to record programmes from broadcast TV channels.

It is ironic that the patent emerged in the same week that TiVo agreed a deal with internet favourite YouTube which will allow TiVo users in the US to access the site through their boxes. TiVo Series 3 boxes which are connected to a broadband network will be able to search, browse and watch the videos on their TV sets, as well as log into users’ YouTube accounts. Apple TV users can already watch YouTube videos on their TVs through that device.