Patent ID: 7747982
Filing Date: 2010-06-29
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. A method for distributing content sent by a content distributor to a user location, the method comprising: receiving a command from the content distributor to store the content at the user location before a user specifically requests the content, wherein the user location comprises a set top box, wherein the content comprises a subset of a plurality of linearly scheduled programs, each of the plurality of linearly scheduled programs available from the content distributor on a plurality of different distribution channels with staggered start times, wherein the subset is associated with a premium subscription service, and wherein the content comprises at least one of a video program or an audio program, and wherein the content further comprises at least one of a commercial, an infomercial, a show, or a movie; processing the command sent from a remote location with respect to the user location; receiving the content at the user location on at least one of the plurality of distribution channels; storing a segment of the content at the user location in response to at least the processing the command, wherein a length of the segment is based on a time between a start time of the content on a first distribution channel and a start time of the content on a second distribution channel; and detecting a user action related to the content after storage of the content.