“A series of Apple patent filings published this week reveal a version of the Apple TV media device capable of browsing and recording live television programming in addition to serving up pre-aired content from the company’s iTunes Store,” AppleInsider reports.
“Originally filed back in October of 2006, the filings clearly show considerable work on the part of the electronics maker to create an alternative to products like the TiVo digital video recorder (DVR), complete with a searchable on-screen guide and configurable touch-based remote control device that would serve as a portable program guide.
The remote, similar in appearance to second-generation iPod nano, would include an LCD display, storage component, and touch-based navigation pad that would allow users to download several weeks of programming information from the Apple TV media device onto the remote interface for later interaction,” AppleInsider reports.
“‘For example, program data for upcoming programs, e.g., for the next month, can be downloaded and stored on the remote control device,’ Apple said. ‘Thereafter, a user of the remote control device can search programs that are to be broadcast and determine which programs to record. The recording settings can be programmed onto the remote control device, and then be provided to the video device when a data communication is established between the remote control device and the video device,'” AppleInsider reports. “(Note: it would seem logical that this functionality could also be integrated directly into the iPhone or iPod touch.)”
AppleInsider reports, “In real world instances, this would allow users to pre-load the remote with the following month’s scheduled television programming, pack the remote with their belongings, and then while on “a commute on a train,” for instance, use the remote to determine what programs to record.”
Much more, including many illustrations from Apple’s patent application, here.
[Thanks to MacDailyNews Reader “Michael” for the heads up.]
MacDailyNews Take: If you wanted an advanced Apple TV (and Mac) remote, wouldn’t your iPhone/iPod touch/future Apple multi-touch devices would be perfect for just such a purpose?
a combo of remote buddy for ipod touch / iphone and eyetv does a similar thing – now
Lots of people are talking about tuner cards and the like – I don’t see it – all they need to do is upgrade the software so that you can plug in an Elgato device to the USB port and write an elegant front end. BINGO,
@Rob: “What’s LOST?”
You must have been marooned on a South Pacific island for a few years. Did your plane crash there, maybe? Do 60’s pop songs keep running in the background?
I’m still hoping for an iTurntable as we all know how much better vinyl sounds than 128Khz .mp3s. Maybe they could integrate in a VCR, too.
If the Tv networks won’t sell movies or shows on iTunes then Apple might as well add DVR to the i system.
Can’t buy NBC shows? Then record and load onto iPod.
Still would like to see Apple TV play streaming shows from the major networks, good bye cable.
Mark, tuner cards contain the chips that will perform the conversions necessary without taxing the primary processor. Yes, it is probably quite possible to do it using software, but cards are more reliable, and leave the processor for other tasks, like recording.
WOW. Great concepts being developed. I hope it’s true!
@Rich Apple person
I hope that was sarcasm, if not……two words: Walkman – iPod
I would buy one in Canada. So far there is no real incentive too given the lack of movie rentals and limited crappy tv shows.
This could be HUGE!!!
I already have this product. It’s called the Mac Mini with a Miglia TV Micro (you can choose from any number of other cable/HD converters too) using EyeTV. It’s missing some of the nice season pass features of a TiVo but it does everything I need – including exporting shows to my iPod. If Apple TV could simplify the entire thing and give me seamless integration with FrontRow, I’d get one in a heart beat.
Wow,not news.
iPhone the ultimate remote….
I offered this suggestion last January.
http://www.powerpage.org/2007/01/iphone_the_ultimate_itv_remote.html
Interesting. I can remotely program my HD PVR, the EyeTV500, from my laptop.
I can look at TitanTV account, online, (it’s like TV Guide). If I’m away from home and realize I’ve forgotten to program my EyeTV to record the Champions League soccer match, then I can just hit the record button on the TitanTV website. My EyeTV at home, will call in once an hour to check for updates, and will get the new command to record the soccer game, and voila. No missed programs.
This would be a cool feature for an AppleTV version 3, if I could remotely program it from my iPhone.
If this actually comes to pass, all I can say is “Thank you for listening, Steve.”
MDN magic word = progress
As in ‘Now we’re making some …’
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@Switcher X & @Anonymous©
Do you record any HD channels?
Most importantly, cable/satalite channels not local HD?
If so, what can you do with the recorded HD shows?
Everything I have found must be a box from the cable/satalite company and the recorded HD content stays on the box because of the encryption.
I am not talking about OTA channels, those work.
@Jocko Flocko
“I wonder how Apple will deal with offering the DVR capability while trying to sell the same content through iTunes.”
I think they will deal fine with that. The important thing for them is to get Apple into the home. And think, if someone is gone for a few weeks & forgets to program their AppleTV to record their favorite show, they can easily download it from iTunes and watch it in sequence.
Could you please explain me the meaning of ‘DVD’
Sorry for a dumb question, but I really can’t get, what TUAW is?…