Patents detail DVR application for Xbox

Microsoft has filed a patent to include DVR functionality in a games console, allowing users to record TV while playing games.

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Microsoft has been taking steps to make your Xbox 360 a set-top TV box with television channel apps and more on the way. New patents have been discovered, showing the possibility of even more boob-tube functionality, as the company considers adding DVR to the system's list of bells and whistles.

A US Patent (via Kotaku) filed December 27, 2011 shows the plans:

A digital video recorder (DVR) application running alongside a television client component allows users to record media content on the gaming console. The DVR application also integrates itself with the console menu. Once integrated, users can record media content while playing games. Alternatively, users can record content when the gaming console is turned off. The recorded content can include television programming, gaming experience (whether local or online), music, DVDs, and so on. When in the recording state, users can also switch between various other media modes, whether gaming, television, and so on.

The patent identifies it as an application, similar to the apps that have added pre-selected TV content already. However, it seems more likely that this feature would be included in the next iteration of the hardware. The PlayStation 3 already carries similar functionality in Europe, though it never made the trek across the pond.

Keep in mind, patents are issued to secure concepts that sometimes don't materialize. Given Microsoft push to make their console an all-in-one entertainment box, though, it's likely to happen sooner or later.

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From The Chatty
  • reply
    January 4, 2012 7:30 AM

    Steve Watts posted a new article, Patents detail DVR application for Xbox.

    Microsoft has filed a patent to include DVR functionality in a games console, allowing users to record TV while playing games.

    • reply
      January 4, 2012 7:53 AM

      Interesting theory, but man, the Xbox already runs hot as a mother, keeping it on 24/7 is gonna be lols.

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        January 4, 2012 7:55 AM

        my launch box has apparently crapped out on me finally so I bought a new S on new years day. holy shit that thing is like 8000 times more quiet. its fantastic!

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        January 4, 2012 12:18 PM

        The ones that weren't furnaces waiting to explode from the get-go aren't too bad. I'd be more concerned with hammering a proprietary HDD like that than anything.

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      January 4, 2012 11:49 AM

      [deleted]

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        January 4, 2012 11:54 AM

        Might be limited to just recording what is offered over IP, like ESPN3.

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        January 4, 2012 11:58 AM

        They work with Verizon FIOS (which provides cable over ethernet/wireless). They'll be expanding into other vendors soon.

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          January 4, 2012 12:09 PM

          BUT HOW IT WORKS?

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            January 4, 2012 12:40 PM

            It uses your wireless or ethernet feed from the ActionTek MOCA router. It sets itself up as a cable device (in the 100-150 reserved range on the router) and gets fed IPTV streams from the router directly.

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        January 4, 2012 12:01 PM

        Well, probably IPTV which is what they do now for Comcast/FIOS/blah blah, etc etc.

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        January 4, 2012 12:43 PM

        the ps3 one has a tuner you plug into a usb socket, I htink

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