Apple patents point to Apple TV DVR capabilities

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Apple patents point to Apple TV DVR capabilities

Several new Apple patent applications recently published online suggest that the company may be working on adding DVR features to the Apple TV in a current or future model. The filings and associated images, originally submitted in October 2006, describe a system of menus, some contextual to video being shown on-screen, for the navigation and selection of TV shows for both live viewing and future recording. One section in particular describes a method for loading programming data — up to one month’s worth — onto a portable device, such as an iPod, for mobile selection of future recordings. These selections would then be synched back to the recorder when the device is returned to the vicinity of the recorder, or placed in an attached docking station. Several of the illustrations show a Mac OS Dock-like menu system for navigation while a program is on the screen, while others show an expanded vertical menu on one side, while the program (or preview) is displayed in an angled video area, not unlike some current Apple TV menus, and also similar to the multiple video chat implementation from the company’s iChat application. While these patents are in no means an indication that Apple intends to release a device with DVR capabilities in the near future, they do show that the company has done extensive research and design in the area. Continue reading for more images of the interface. [via AppleInsider]

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Comments

1

Yesssssss….....!

(wipes away a small bit of drool)

Posted by mwilgar on March 13, 2008 at 10:35 AM (PDT)

2

Okay, the simpsons on ABC?

Posted by studogvetmed in Loveland, CO on March 13, 2008 at 11:15 AM (PDT)

3

As soon as Apple TV was announced I expected this coming. I also expect that an Apple TV DVR would work as a receiver for AT&T U-Verse TV. So, the AT&T and Apple partnership can expand from iPhone to Apple TV and all devices will work in sync. That’s what I’m guessing anyway.

Fun!

Posted by Wog on March 13, 2008 at 7:07 PM (PDT)

4

Hopefully I can sync my DVR recordings back to my Mac to put on my iPod.

But then, this threatens TV show sales on iTunes…

In which case, what’s the point?

Posted by The Doctor on March 14, 2008 at 2:21 PM (PDT)

5

I think Apple should just buy Tivo and get it over with.

Posted by gbrooks on March 16, 2008 at 3:39 PM (PDT)

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