Search engine for a video recorder

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a search engine for a video recorder. One embodiment of the present invention operates in an environment that includes one or more set-top boxes connected to or integrated within one or more output devices. The set-top boxes are used to transfer shows from a broadcast input source to one or more types of storage devices and to play back the shows from the storage devices to the output devices, either in a delayed-live fashion or at a later time of the user's choosing. The set-top box displays a graphical user interface (GUI); which gives the user the ability to watch and/or record timeslot based programming, to order on-demand programming, and to playback previously recorded shows that reside on a local or remote storage device. A search engine is added to the GUI that lets the search for shows and receive results in an enhanced manner.

1 . A method for searching for shows comprising:
 providing a search engine application;   receiving one or more characters in said search engine application;   matching said characters using said search engine application to one or more database entries;   providing one or more results from said database entries;   presenting said results on an output device, including organizing said results into one or more optional categories;   providing for a user to select one of said results; and   providing for said user to perform an action using said one of said results.   
     
     
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