Patent ID: 7917111

Claim:
A system for monitoring broadcast programs from the beginning of the programs, comprising: a tuner configured to receive broadcast signals, decode the broadcast signals to provide programming including programs, and provide the programming as an output; a buffer coupled to said tuner, said buffer being configured to receive programming from said tuner, store the programming in said buffer, and provide as an output buffered programming that is delayed in time from the original programming provided as an output by said tuner; and processing circuitry coupled to said tuner and said buffer, wherein said processing circuitry is configured to determine if said tuner is selected as a source for programming, and wherein said processing circuitry is further configured to determine if a program of the programming provided by said tuner is in progress when said tuner is selected as a source for programming, and wherein said processing circuitry is still further configured to provide the programming provided by said tuner as an output of the system if a program is not in progress, and wherein said processing circuitry is further configured to provide the buffered programming provided by said buffer as an output of the system if a program is in progress.