Patent ID: 8984554
Filing Date: 2015-03-17
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. One or more computer-readable memory comprising computer-executable instructions for controlling a hybrid tuner comprising a first tuner and a second tuner, the computer-executable instructions directed to steps comprising: periodically and automatically providing, to a first tuner and a second tuner, both part of a hybrid tuner system, one or more tokens comprising cryptographic information directed to tuning in one or more protected channels of broadcast content, the one or more protected channels of broadcast content being transmitted in a protected form such that they can only be tuned in by tuners possessing valid tokens, wherein one of the first tuner and the second tuner can properly tune in at least one channel of the broadcast content that another of the first tuner and the second tuner cannot properly tune in; periodically and automatically causing the first tuner and the second tuner to attempt to tune in the one or more protected channels of broadcast content utilizing the provided one or more tokens; storing, in a guide database, on a per-channel basis, a capability of the first tuner and the second tuner to tune in the one or more protected channels of broadcast content, as determined by a most recent periodic check; receiving an indication of a desired program of broadcast content; identifying, with reference to the tuning capability stored in the guide database, at least one of the first tuner and the second tuner that is capable of tuning in a channel of broadcast content on which the desired program of broadcast content is being broadcast; determining that the identified tuner is currently being utilized to tune in a different program from the desired program; determining whether a tuner different from the identified tuner is capable of tuning in a channel on which the different program is being broadcast; and in response to the determining that the tuner different from the identified tuner is capable, continuing to receive the different program while simultaneously receiving the desired program by instructing the tuner different from the identified tuner to tune in the different program and instructing the identified tuner to tune in the desired program; wherein the providing and the causing are performed at predetermined intervals of time and are triggered independently of user utilization of the first and second tuners.