JP2007208927A - Recording/reproducing device and method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a recording/reproducing device and method by which a user can easily comprehend overall video recording reservation information only by viewing an EPG (Electronic Program Guide) on one recording/reproducing device and system resources can efficiently be utilized by acquiring the video recording reservation information and EPG data from another recording/reproducing device in a state where a plurality of recording/reproducing devices are connected. <P>SOLUTION: The recording/reproducing device 20<SB>i</SB>comprises: a CPU 21<SB>i</SB>; a RAM 22<SB>i</SB>; a ROM 23<SB>i</SB>; a network connection means 24<SB>i</SB>; another machine identification information storage means 25<SB>i</SB>; a video recording reservation information storage means 26<SB>i</SB>; an EPG data storage means 27<SB>i</SB>; a video recording file storage means 28<SB>i</SB>; and an interface means 30<SB>i</SB>. The CPU 21<SB>i</SB>functions at least as another machine connection determination means, a reservation information transmitting means, an EPG data transmitting means, a reservation information receiving means, an EPG data receiving means and an EPG picture creating means by a video recording reservation information sharing program stored in the ROM 23<SB>i</SB>. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a recording / reproducing apparatus and a recording / reproducing method using an electronic program guide.

  Recently, an electronic program guide (electronic program guide) called an EPG (Electronic Program Guide) has been put into practical use. The EPG (Electronic Program Guide) contains information about programs such as program start date and time, program date, program content, genre name, performers, etc., and is distributed by terrestrial data broadcasting or the Internet.

  Among recording / playback devices that record and play back video and audio data, such as HDD / DVD recorders and personal computers equipped with TV tuners, those that have the function of using EPG are distributed via terrestrial data broadcasting or the Internet. The received EPG data can be received, and the EPG can be displayed on a screen such as a CRT connected to the recording / reproducing apparatus.

  When making a recording reservation for a program in this type of recording / reproducing apparatus, since the recording reservation can be set on the EPG screen displayed by the recording / reproducing apparatus, the recording reservation can be easily set. In addition, when the recording reservation setting is performed, the EPG data of the recording / playback apparatus can be used for color-coding or recording for the program reserved for recording so that it can be identified which program of which channel is reserved. Symbols can be added. For this reason, the user can easily confirm the recording reservation information simply by looking at the EPG screen displayed by the recording / reproducing apparatus.

  However, when the user has a plurality of recording / reproducing apparatuses, recording reservation setting is performed on the EPG screen displayed by each recording / reproducing apparatus for each recording / reproducing apparatus. For this reason, it may be difficult to understand which program is recorded (recorded) on which recording / reproducing apparatus. In order to grasp which program is recorded on which recording / reproducing apparatus, a troublesome work of confirming the EPG of each recording / reproducing apparatus is required.

  For example, if the recording reservation information of all the other recording / playback devices owned by the user can be integrated into the EPG data of one recording / playback device, it can be expected that the convenience of the user can be improved.

  Conventionally, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-92711 discloses a technique for aggregating recording reservation information of all other recording / playback apparatuses in an EPG of one recording / playback apparatus when a plurality of recording / playback apparatuses are connected. There is one described in (Patent Document 1).

An electronic program information screen generation apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-92711 (Patent Document 1) includes all tuners in a state where one or more tuner devices and one or more recording devices are connected to a network. It has electronic program guide information retrieving means for retrieving EPG data from the device, and reservation information retrieving means for retrieving reservation information of the tuner device or recording device, and which recording device records the program reserved on the EPG screen. You can list them.
JP 2003-92711 A

  In the conventional technology for consolidating the recording reservation information of all other recording / reproducing devices into the EPG of one recording / reproducing device when a plurality of recording / reproducing devices are connected, the EPG data is obtained from all other tuner devices. All the EPG data is acquired and integrated into one device and displayed. However, in this technique, not only the recording reservation information but also EPG data of all tuner devices is acquired, so that the EPG display becomes enormous. For this reason, it is not efficient in terms of user convenience and system resources.

  If it is possible to acquire the recording reservation information and only the EPG data necessary for displaying the recording reservation information, it is sufficient to grasp the recording reservation information of other recording / playback apparatuses, and the EPG display is easier. It is easy to see and has good visibility, and can make efficient use of system resources.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances. When a plurality of recording / playback apparatuses are connected, the present invention is necessary for displaying the recording reservation information and the recording reservation information from other recording / playback apparatuses. By acquiring EPG data, the user can easily grasp the recording reservation information of a plurality of recording / reproducing devices by simply looking at the electronic program guide of one recording / reproducing device, and efficiently use system resources. It is an object of the present invention to provide a recording / reproducing apparatus and a recording / reproducing method that can perform recording.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention includes a plurality of recording / reproducing apparatuses connected to a network as described in claim 1, and an arbitrary recording / reproducing apparatus among the plurality of recording / reproducing apparatuses. The apparatus includes: reservation information transmitting means for transmitting information related to recording reservation to a plurality of other recording / playback apparatuses connected to the network; and recording reservations of the other recording / playback apparatuses from the plurality of other recording / playback apparatuses. Reservation information receiving means for receiving information on EPG data storage means for storing EPG data separated from a television broadcast signal or distributed over the Internet, the EPG data, information on the recording reservation, and the other plural Based on the recording reservation information of the recording / reproducing apparatus, and information specific to the recording reservation and the plurality of other recording / reproducing apparatuses It is characterized in that a EPG screen creation means for creating a separate information and EPG screen by adding information about the recording reservation of the other plurality of recording and reproducing apparatus associated.

  Further, in order to solve the above-described problem, the recording / reproducing method according to the present invention transmits information relating to recording reservation to a plurality of other recording / reproducing apparatuses connected to the network. Receiving information related to recording reservations of the plurality of other recording / reproducing devices from the plurality of other recording / reproducing devices, EPG data separated from a television broadcast signal or distributed over the Internet, and the recording reservations Information related to the recording reservation and identification information unique to the plurality of other recording / reproducing devices based on the information relating to the recording reservations of the other recording / reproducing devices received from the plurality of other recording / reproducing devices. Creating an EPG screen to which information related to recording reservations of the other recording / playback apparatuses associated with the EPG is added. It is a method which is characterized.

  Moreover, in order to solve the above-described problem, the recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention provides an advertisement that receives advertisement information from an advertisement server database that stores advertisement information installed on a network. Based on the information receiving means, the EPG data storage means for storing the EPG data separated from the TV broadcast signal or distributed over the Internet, the advertisement contained in the advertisement information is displayed based on the EPG data and the advertisement information. An EPG screen creating means for creating an EPG screen so that a column is provided and an advertisement is displayed in this column is provided.

  Further, in order to solve the above-described problem, the recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention receives advertisement information from an advertisement server database storing advertisement information installed on a network, as described in claim 12. A step of providing a column for displaying an advertisement included in the advertisement information based on the EPG data separated from the television broadcast signal or distributed over the Internet and the advertisement information, and displaying the advertisement in this column. And a step of creating an EPG screen.

  According to the recording / reproducing apparatus and the recording / reproducing method of the present invention, when a plurality of recording / reproducing apparatuses are connected, the recording reservation information and the EPG necessary for displaying the recording reservation information from other recording / reproducing apparatuses. By acquiring the data, the user can easily grasp the recording reservation information of a plurality of recording / playback devices by simply looking at the electronic program guide of one recording / playback device, and can efficiently use system resources. it can.

  Embodiments of a recording / reproducing apparatus and a recording / reproducing method according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic overall configuration diagram showing a first embodiment of a recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention.

The recording / reproducing system 10 includes a concentrator 11 and n recording / reproducing devices 20 ₁ , 20 ₂ ,..., 20 _n that are electrically connected to each other via the concentrator 11.

The recording / reproducing devices 20 ₁ , 20 ₂ ,..., 20 _n are connected to a network. This network connection may be configured so that one recording / reproducing apparatus can transmit / receive data to / from all other recording / reproducing apparatuses. Therefore, the recording / reproducing apparatuses may be connected to each other through the concentrator 11 as shown in FIG. 1, for example, or directly connected to each other with a cable (daisy chain connection or the like) without using the concentrator 11. Alternatively, it may be configured to be able to transmit and receive data wirelessly.

Next, an example of the configuration of the recording / reproducing devices 20 ₁ , 20 ₂ ,..., 20 _n will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of one recording / reproducing apparatus 20 _i (i represents an arbitrary natural number equal to or less than _n ) among the recording / reproducing apparatuses 20 ₁ , 20 ₂ ,..., 20 _n. It is a block diagram.

Reproducing apparatus 20 _{i is, CPU21 i, RAM22 i, ROM23} i, network connecting section 24 _i, the other machine identification information storage unit 25 _i, recording reservation information storage means ₂₆ i, EPG data storage unit 27 _i, recording file storage means 28 _i and interface means 30 _i . The recording and reproducing apparatus 20 _i a plurality of other recording and reproducing apparatus except for the _{20 1, 20 2, ···,} 20 n also have the same configuration as the recording and reproducing apparatus 20 _i. The recording / reproducing apparatus 20 _i can be configured by a recording / reproducing apparatus that records and reproduces data including video and audio, such as an HDD / DVD recorder or a personal computer equipped with a TV tuner.

CPU 21 _i in accordance with a program stored in the ROM 23 _i, and controls the processing operation of the recording and reproducing apparatus 20 _i. The CPU 21 _i loads the recording reservation information sharing program stored in the ROM 23 _i and data necessary for execution of the program into the RAM 22 _i, and another recording / playback apparatus connected to the network according to the recording reservation information sharing program 20 ₁ , 20 ₂ ,..., 20 _n (except 20 _i ) (hereinafter referred to as “other devices”) obtain recording reservation information and EPG data necessary for displaying the recording reservation information, and record all A process of collecting the recording reservation information of the reproducing devices 20 ₁ , 20 ₂ ,..., 20 _{n on} the EPG screen output from one recording / reproducing device is executed.

The RAM 22 _i provides a work area for temporarily storing programs and data executed by the CPU 21 _i .

The ROM 23 _i stores an activation program for the recording / reproducing apparatus 20 _i , a recording reservation information sharing program, and various data necessary for executing these programs.

The ROM 23 _i has a configuration including a storage medium that can be read by the CPU 21 _i , such as a magnetic or optical storage medium or a semiconductor memory, and some or all of the programs and data in the ROM 23 _i are stored on a network. You may comprise so that it may be downloaded via.

The network connection means 24 _i implements various information communication protocols according to the network form. The network connection means 24 _i connects the recording / reproducing apparatus 20 _i and other devices according to these various protocols, and connects the recording / reproducing apparatus 20 _i and the EPG server database 40.

  In general, when recording / reproducing apparatuses are connected, the connection is recognized by transmitting / receiving identification information unique to each recording / reproducing apparatus owned by each recording / reproducing apparatus.

The other device identification information storage means 25 _i stores the identification information of the other device received from the other device via the network connection means 24 _i when the other device is connected to the recording / reproducing apparatus 20 _i . When the user gives a name to the other device, the name given by the user (hereinafter referred to as another device simple name) is stored in association with the identification information of the other device. In this embodiment, at least the identification information of the recording / reproducing devices 20 ₁ , 20 ₂ ,..., 20 _n (excluding 20 _i ) is stored in the other device identification information storage means 25 _i .

The recording reservation information storage means 26 _i stores information related to the recording reservation of the program (including at least recording start date / time, recording time (or recording end date / time) and recording channel name, as well as information such as program name and image quality). .

Further, the recording reservation information storage means 26 _i is information related to the program recording reservation of the other apparatus received from the other apparatus via the network connection means 24 _i (at least the recording start date and time, the recording time (or the recording end date and time), and the recording channel name. , Including information such as the program name and image quality), if there is other device identification information and / or another device simple name stored in the other device identification information storage means 25 _i , Referred to as “other machine ID”).

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the EPG screen 50 _i displayed by the recording / reproducing apparatus 20 _i .

The EPG data generally includes information such as the broadcast start date / time and end date / time, program name, program content, genre name, and performer name of the broadcast program. Based on the EPG data, the recording / reproducing device 20 _i displays an EPG (electronic program guide) on the display device 32 _i via the interface means 30 _i . As shown in FIG. 3, the EPG screen 50 _i displayed by the recording / reproducing device 20 _i is realized on the display device 32 _i as a television program table in which information of programs to be broadcast is arranged in time order for each channel.

The EPG data storage means 27 _i stores the EPG data received by the tuner 31 _i via the interface means 30 _i when the broadcast station multiplexes and transmits the EPG data to the television broadcast signal. When the EPG data is distributed over the Internet, the EPG data acquired from the EPG server database 40 via the network connection means 24 _i is stored. Further, the EPG data storage means 27 _i stores EPG data (hereinafter referred to as additional EPG data) necessary for displaying the recording reservation information of the other device received from the other device in order to compensate for the lack of EPG data of the recording / reproducing device 20 _i. Is stored in association with the other device ID stored in the other device identification information storage means 25 _i .

The additional EPG data is required when the recording channel name included in the recording reservation information is not in the EPG data of the EPG data storage means 27 _i . Since the additional EPG data is used to display the recording reservation, only the EPG data of the recording reservation program included in the recording reservation information is sufficient, and EPG data relating to programs other than the recording reservation program is included in the additional EPG data. Shall not.

The recorded file storage means 28 _i stores the video data of the broadcasted program received by the tuner 31 _i input via the interface means 30 _i as a recorded file as necessary.

Interface means 30 _i includes a tuner 31 _i to provide such a recording and reproducing apparatus 20 _i receives the video data and EPG data of a program to be broadcast, from the received video data and EPG data, recording and reproducing apparatus 20 _i tuner 31 _i It is connected to a display device 32 _i such as a CRT or LCD that displays video data and EPG data to be output, and an input device 33 _i such as a remote controller having a function of transmitting the user's intention to the recording / reproducing device 20 _i .

  The EPG server database 40 stores EPG data distributed by the EPG server over the Internet.

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the CPU 21 _i .

The CPU 21 _i uses at least the recording reservation information sharing program stored in the ROM 23 _i , and at least the other-device connection determination means 21 _i a, the reservation information transmission means 21 _i b, the EPG data transmission means 21 _i c, and the reservation information reception means 21 _i d. functions as EPG data receiver 21 _i e and EPG screen generating means 21 _i f. Each means uses a required work area of the RAM 12 as a temporary storage location for data.

The other device connection determination means 21 _i a has a function of searching the other device identification information storage means 25 _i and determining the presence / absence of a recording / reproduction device (another device) connected to the recording / reproduction device 20 _i .

The reservation information transmitting unit 21 _i b has a function of searching for the recording reservation information storage unit 26 _i and determining the presence / absence of the recording reservation information of the recording / reproducing apparatus 20 _i .

Further, when there is recording reservation information of the recording / reproducing device 20 _i , the reservation information transmitting means 21 _i b stores the recording reservation information of the recording / reproducing device 20 _{i in} the other device identification information storage means 25 _i. A recording / reproducing apparatus (another apparatus).

EPG data transmitting means 21 i _c has a function in response to a request from the EPG data receiving means of another machine to send additional EPG data related to recording reservation information of the recording and reproducing apparatus 20 _i to the other machine.

Reservation information receiving unit 21 i _d has a function of determining whether the recording reservation information transmitted from the reservation information transmitting unit of another machine.

The reservation information receiving unit 21 _id receives the recording reservation information of the other device via the network connection unit 24 _i when the recording reservation information is transmitted from the other device, and the other device identification information storage unit. 25 _i has a function of storing in the recording reservation information storage means 26 _i in association with the other device ID stored in _i .

In the EPG data receiving means 21 _i e, a channel name that does not exist in the EPG data of the recording / reproducing apparatus 20 _i stored in the EPG data storage means 27 _i is included in the recording reservation information received by the reservation information receiving means 21 _i d. In other words, if the EPG data necessary for displaying the received recording reservation information does not exist in the recording / reproducing apparatus 20 _i , the recording reservation is made so that the necessary EPG data (additional EPG data) is transmitted. A request is made to the EPG data transmitting means of the recording / reproducing apparatus that has transmitted the information, and this additional EPG data is received from the reservation information transmitting means of this recording / reproducing apparatus via the network connecting means 24 _i , and the other device identification information storage Means 25 _i has a function of storing in the EPG data storage means 27 _i in association with the other device ID stored in the _i .

For example, when there is recording reservation information in the recording / reproducing device 20 _j (j represents an arbitrary natural number equal to or less than n different from i), the reservation information receiving unit 21 _i c is a reservation information transmitting unit of the recording / reproducing device 20 _j. The recording reservation information of the recording / reproducing device 20 _j is received from 21 _j b. When a channel name that does not exist in the EPG data of the recording / reproducing device 20 _i is included in the recording reservation information of the recording / reproducing device 20 _j , the EPG data receiving unit 21 _i e sends the EPG data transmitting unit 21 _j c to the EPG data transmitting unit 21 _j c. The additional EPG data related to the recording reservation information is requested, and the additional EPG data is received from the EPG data transmitting means 21 _j c.

EPG screen generating means 21 _i f, based on the EPG data of the recording and reproducing apparatus 20 _i which is stored in the EPG data storage unit 27 _i, to create the EPG screen 50 _i as shown in FIG. 3, the display device 32 _i It has a function to present to a user via.

Further, EPG screen generating means 21 _i f, if there is a video recording reservation information in the recording reservation information storage means 26 _i has a function of adding the reservation information on the EPG screen 50 _i. Further, EPG screen generating means 21 i _f, if there is a recording reservation information of the other apparatus has a function of adding other devices recording reservation information associated with another machine ID to EPG screen 50 _i. Further, EPG screen generating means 21 _i f, when the EPG data needed to display the other machine recording reservation information is not present in the EPG data of the recording and reproducing apparatus 20 _i is stored in the EPG data storage unit 27 _i The added EPG data is added to the EPG screen 50 _{i in} association with the other device ID, and the other device recording reservation information is added to the EPG screen 50 _i .

Next, the operation of the recording / reproducing apparatus 20 _{i according to} the present invention will be described.

FIG. 5 shows a case where three recording / playback apparatuses 20 ₁ , 20 _2, and 20 ₃ are connected to the network, and are necessary for displaying the recording reservation information and the recording reservation information from other devices connected to the network. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure for acquiring EPG data and collecting recording reservation information of all recording / reproducing apparatuses (recording / reproducing apparatuses 20 ₁ , 20 ₂ and 20 ₃ ) on an EPG screen output from one recording / reproducing apparatus. is there.

FIG 5, among the three recording and reproducing apparatus, as an example, the recording and reproducing apparatus 20 ₁ shows a procedure for aggregating recording reservation information. Reproducing apparatus 20 ₂ and 20 _3, will not be described same configuration and operation as the recording and reproducing apparatus 20 _1. In FIG. 5, reference numerals with numbers added to S indicate steps in the flowchart.

This procedure, the recording and reproducing apparatus 20 ₁ acquires the EPG data, the start at the time of storing the EPG data of the recording and reproducing apparatus 20 ₁ in the EPG data storage unit 27 _1.

Previously, other machine identification information storage unit 25 _1, the other machine ID of the recording and reproducing apparatus 20 ₂ and 20 ₃ (where the other machine refers to a recording and reproducing apparatus 20 ₂ and 20 ₃₎ is stored.

First, in step S1, the other component connection determination unit 21 1 _a determines whether or not there is a recording and reproducing apparatus which is connected to the search for other machine identification information storage unit 25 _1, the recording and reproducing apparatus 20 _1. If there is a connected recording / reproducing device, the process proceeds to step S2. On the other hand, if no unit is connected, the presence / absence of the recording / reproducing apparatus continuously connected is determined.

Next, in step S2, reservation information transmitting unit 21 ₁ b searches the recording reservation information storing unit 26 ₁ judges whether the recording reservation information of the recording and reproducing apparatus 20 _1. If there recording reservation information of the recording and reproducing apparatus 20 ₁ moves to step S3. On the other hand, if there is no recording reservation information of the recording and reproducing apparatus 20 ₁ proceeds step S6.

Next, in step S3, reservation information transmitting unit 21 ₁ b, the recording and reproducing apparatus 20 of the _first recording reservation information, a recording and reproducing apparatus 20 ₂ of the reservation information receiving unit 21 ₂ d and the recording and reproducing apparatus 20 ₃ of the reservation information reception Transmit to means 21 ₃ d.

Next, in step S4, the EPG data transmitting unit 21 ₁ c from the recording and reproducing apparatus 20 ₂ EPG data receiving means 21 ₂ e or reproducing apparatus 20 ₃ of the EPG data receiver 21 ₃ e, the recording and reproducing apparatus 20 ₁ It is determined whether additional EPG data related to the recording reservation information is requested. If so, the process proceeds to step S5. If there is no request, the process proceeds to step S6.

Next, in step S5, the EPG data transmitting unit 21 ₁ c, the recording and reproducing apparatus 20 requesting recording and reproducing apparatus 20 ₂ EPG data receiving means 21 ₂ e or recording additional EPG data relating to the _first recording reservation information against EPG data of the device 20 ₃ receiving means 21 ₃ e, and transmits the additional EPG data.

Next, in step S6, reservation information receiving unit 21 ₁ d is the recording reservation information is transmitted from the recording and reproducing apparatus 20 ₂ of the reservation information transmitting unit 21 ₂ b or reproducing apparatus 20 ₃ of the reservation information transmitting unit 21 ₃ b Judge whether or not. If the recording reservation information has been transmitted, the process proceeds to step S7. If not, the process proceeds to step S11.

Next, in step S7, the reservation information receiving unit 21 ₁ d receives the recording reservation information from the recording and reproducing apparatus 20 ₂ of the reservation information transmitting unit 21 ₂ b or reproducing apparatus 20 ₃ of the reservation information transmitting unit 21 ₃ b in association with another device ID of the recording and reproducing apparatus that has transmitted the recording reservation information is stored in the recording reservation information storage section 26 _1.

Next, in step S8, the EPG data receiving means 21 ₁ e are recording reservation information storage section 26 ₁ searches the recording channel name of the recording reservation information stored in this recording channel names and EPG data storage unit 27 ₁ by comparing the channel name of the recording and reproducing apparatus 20 _first EPG data stored in, the received recording reservation information of the recording and reproducing apparatus 20 _first EPG data channel name does not exist in the reservation information receiving unit 21 1 _d Determine if it is included. If the channel name does not exist in the recording and reproducing apparatus 20 _first EPG data is included in the recording reservation information of the received other devices of the reservation information receiving unit 21 1 _d, the process proceeds to step S9. If not included, the process proceeds to step S11.

Next, in step S9, EPG receiving unit 21 ₁ e, the recording and reproducing apparatus 20 additional EPG data related to recording reservation information received from the ₂ or 20 _3, the recording and reproducing apparatus 20 ₂ EPG data transmitting unit 21 ₂ c or recording It requests the reproduction apparatus 20 ₃ of the EPG data transmitting means 21 ₃ c.

Next, in step S10, EPG receiving unit 21 ₁ e receives additional EPG data from the recording and reproducing apparatus 20 ₂ EPG data transmitting unit 21 ₂ c or the recording and reproducing apparatus 20 ₃ of the EPG data transmitting means 21 ₃ c, stored in the EPG data storage unit 27 ₁ in association with another device ID of the recording and reproducing apparatus which has transmitted the additional EPG data.

Next, in step S11, additional EPG EPG screen generating means 21 ₁ f is received from the EPG data and the EPG data in the storage unit 27 the recording and reproducing apparatus 20 ₁ which is stored in _1, the recording and reproducing apparatus 20 ₂ and 20 ₃ The EPG screen 50 ₁ is created based on the data and the recording reservation information of the recording / reproducing devices 20 ₁ , 20 _2, and 20 ₃ stored in the recording reservation information storage means 26 _i , and the user via the display device 32 ₁ To present.

The following describes the procedure for presenting to the user created the EPG screen 50 _1.

FIG. 6 is a subroutine flowchart showing a procedure for EPG screen creation and display executed by the EPG screen creation means 21 ₁ f in step S11 of FIG. Reproducing apparatus 20 ₂ and 20 _3, will not be described same configuration and operation as the recording and reproducing apparatus 20 _1. In FIG. 6, reference numerals with numbers added to S indicate steps in the flowchart.

Figure 7 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the EPG screen 50 ₁ created the EPG data of the recording and reproducing apparatus 20 ₁ which is stored in the EPG data storage unit 27 ₁ based on.

In the present embodiment, the recording and reproducing apparatus 20 _1, as shown in FIG. 7, MHK, MHK-E, TSB, assumed to own the EPG data relating to a total of five channels of BS-1000 and EESP.

First, in step S 111, the EPG screen creating means 21 ₁ f reads the EPG data of the recording and reproducing apparatus 20 ₁ which is stored in the EPG data storage section 27 _1, to create an EPG screen 50 ₁ based on the EPG data, and it stores the required work area of the RAM 22 _1. EPG screen 50 ₁ shown in FIG. 7 is created based only on the EPG data of the recording and reproducing apparatus 20 _1.

Next, in step S112, EPG screen generating means 21 ₁ f searches the recording reservation information storing unit 26 ₁ judges whether the recording reservation information of the recording and reproducing apparatus 20 _1. If there recording reservation information of the recording and reproducing apparatus 20 _1, the process proceeds to step S113. If there is no reservation information of the recording and reproducing apparatus 20 _1, the process proceeds to step S114.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the EPG screen 50 ₁ to which all the recording reservation information of the recording / reproducing apparatuses 20 ₁ , 20 ₂ and 20 ₃ is added.

Next, in step S113, the EPG screen creating means 21 ₁ f is recorded based on the reproducing apparatus 20 _first recording reservation information, modifies the EPG screen 50 ₁ stored in the predetermined work area of RAM 22 _1. The EPG screen 50 ₁ modifications, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, or by adding a reserved mark 50 1 _a column of the recording reservation program, etc. or color-coded this field and other fields, the EPG screen 50 ₁ The recording reservation information is displayed in an easy-to-understand manner. In EPG screen 50 ₁ shown in FIG. 8, it can be seen that 2 hour program from 20 o'clock of the channel MHK is already recording reservation by the recording and reproducing apparatus 20 _1.

Next, in step S114, EPG screen generating means 21 ₁ f searches the recording reservation information storing unit 26 ₁ judges whether the recording reservation information of the other machine. If there is recording reservation information of another device, the process proceeds to step S115. If there is no recording reservation information of another device, the process proceeds to step S118.

Next, in step S115, the EPG screen creation means 21 ₁ f searches the EPG data storage means 27 ₁ and determines whether there is additional EPG data related to the recording reservation information of the other device. If there is additional EPG data, the process proceeds to step S116. If there is no additional EPG data, the process proceeds to step S117.

Next, in step S116, EPG screen generating means 21 ₁ f reads additional EPG data stored in the EPG data storage section 27 _1, based on the additional EPG data, stored in the desired work area of the RAM 22 ₁ and to modify the EPG screen _{50. 1.}

For example, the recording and reproducing apparatus 20 ₂ is referred channel WOOPS, if the channel of the program is not in the recording and reproducing apparatus 20 _first EPG data are reserved for recording, as shown in FIG. 8, the channel EPG screen 50 ₁ A new line is added, and the program table 50 ₁ b based on the added EPG data is displayed in this line. The additional EPG data includes only EPG data (EPG data of the scheduled recording program) necessary for displaying the scheduled recording information. Therefore, other than the information about the recording reservation program 50 1 _c of the other machine (recording and reproducing apparatus 20 _2), for example, 18 o'clock and 21 o'clock of the program name is not displayed, to grasp the recording reservation information of the other machine Is enough.

Then, EPG at step S117, EPG screen generating means 21 ₁ f is the basis of the other machine recording reservation information stored in the recording reservation information storage section 26 _1, are stored in a required work area of the RAM 22 ₁ to correct the screen 50 _1. The EPG screen 50 ₁ modifications, as well as the procedures of steps S113, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, color or adding a reserved mark 50 1 _a column of the recording reservation program, this field and other fields such as or, do so as to be displayed an easy-to-understand recording reservation information of other devices on the EPG screen 50 _1.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8, and symbols 50 ₁ d indicating the information of other devices, the other devices ID50 ₁ e (FIG. 8, the simple name 202 of the recording and reproducing apparatus 20 _2, the recording and reproducing apparatus 20 including simple names of ₃ to view the shown) when the 203, modifies the EPG screen 50 ₁ as is clear that a recording reservation of the other machine. Further, when displaying the additional EPG data, a column (additional EPG display column) 50 ₁ f for displaying to indicate that the channel exists only in the EPG data of the other device is provided. additional EPG display column 50 ₁ f, and symbols 50 ₁ d indicating the information of other devices, the other devices ID50 ₁ e (FIG. 8, if the simple names of the recording and reproducing apparatus 20 ₂ was 20 ₂ etc. to display the show), it modifies the EPG screen 50 _1.

For example, the EPG screen 50 ₁ shown in FIG. 8, it can be seen that the channel BS-1000 is 4 hours at 18, it has been reserved for recording by the recording and reproducing device 20 _3. Further, not in the recording and reproducing apparatus 20 _first EPG data channel WOOPS is 2 hours at 19, it can be seen that the recording reservation in the recording and reproducing apparatus 20 _2.

Next, in step S118, the EPG screen creation means 21 ₁ f presents the EPG screen 50 ₁ stored in the required work area of the RAM 22 ₁ to the user via the display device 32 ₁ , and the recording / playback system. The series of procedures for creating and displaying an EPG screen according to 10 is completed.

  By the above procedure, when a plurality of recording / playback apparatuses are connected to the network, by acquiring the recording reservation information and the EPG data necessary for displaying the recording reservation information from other recording / playback apparatuses, The recording reservation information of the recording / reproducing apparatus can be collected on the EPG screen output from one recording / reproducing apparatus.

Recording / reproducing devices 20 ₁ , 20 ₂ ,..., 20 _n constituting the recording / reproducing system 10 shown in FIG. 1 are necessary for displaying recording reservation information and recording reservation information from other recording / reproducing devices. EPG data can be acquired. Therefore, according to the recording / reproducing system 10, the information displayed on the created EPG screen is used to display the recording reservation information of the other device, as compared with the case where all the EPG data of other recording / reproducing devices are acquired. It can be limited to what is needed.

  Therefore, the user can easily grasp the recording reservation information of all the recording / reproducing devices by simply looking at the EPG screen of one recording / reproducing device without suffering from redundant display. Can be improved.

  In addition, according to the recording / reproducing system 10, for example, even when a channel (for example, CS broadcast) that can be viewed only by another device is not provided in the own device and is reserved for recording by another device, the other device By viewing the EPG screen of the own device without displaying the EPG screen, the recording reservation status of the other device can be grasped.

  In recent years, information such as the number of channels and program names included in EPG data has been steadily expanding, and acquiring all EPG data may face a limitation of system resources. The recording / reproducing system 10 limits EPG data received from other devices to those relating to recording reservation information. Therefore, if the recording reservation information is aggregated by the recording / reproducing system 10, the system resources of each recording / reproducing apparatus can be used more efficiently than the conventional aggregation method.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic overall configuration diagram showing a second embodiment of the recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention.

The recording / reproducing system 10A includes recording / reproducing apparatuses 20A ₁ , 20A ₂ ,..., 20A _n connected to a network.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of one recording / reproducing device 20A _i (i represents an arbitrary natural number equal to or less than _n ) among the recording / reproducing devices 20A ₁ , 20A ₂ ,..., 20A _n. It is a block diagram.

The recording / reproducing apparatus 20A _i shown in FIG. 10 is different from the recording / reproducing apparatus 20 _i shown in FIG. 2 in that it receives data from the advertisement server database 41 and the function of the CPU 21 _i . Since other configurations and operations are not substantially different from the recording / reproducing apparatus 20 _i shown in FIG. 2, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

Reproducing apparatus 20A _{i is, CPU21 i, RAM22 i, ROM23} i, network connecting section 24 _i, the other machine identification information storage unit 25 _i, recording reservation information storage means ₂₆ i, EPG data storage unit 27 _i, recording file storage means 28 _i , advertisement information storage means 29 _i and interface means 30 _i . The recording / reproducing apparatus 20A _i can be configured by a recording / reproducing apparatus that records and reproduces data including video and audio, such as an HDD / DVD recorder or a personal computer equipped with a TV tuner.

The CPU 21 _i controls the processing operation of the recording / reproducing device 20A _{i in} accordance with the program stored in the ROM 23 _i . The CPU 21 _i loads the advertisement information program stored in the ROM 23 _i , the recording reservation information sharing program, and data necessary for executing the program into the RAM 22 _i, and receives the advertisement information from the advertisement server database 41 according to the advertisement information program. The process of acquiring and displaying on the EPG screen is executed.

The advertisement information storage means 29 _i is related to advertisement information received from the advertisement server database 41 via the network connection means 24 _i (at least the contents of the advertisement, the url of the site designated by the advertisement sender (hereinafter referred to as the advertisement site), and the advertisement. Stores the broadcast start date / time, broadcast time (or broadcast end date / time) and broadcast channel name of the program, as well as information such as the program name and image quality).

  The advertisement server database 41 includes advertisement information (at least advertisement contents, advertisement site url, broadcast start date and time, broadcast time (or broadcast end date and time) and broadcast channel name of advertisement-related programs distributed by the advertisement server over the Internet, (Including information such as program name and image quality).

FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the CPU 21 _i .

CPU 21 _i is the stored advertisement information program ROM 23 _i, at least EPG screen generating means ₂₁ i f, advertisement information receiving unit ₂₁ i s, serves as an advertising access determining means 21 _i t and advertising access means 21 _i u. In addition, as shown in the first embodiment, the CPU 21 _i uses at least the recording reservation information sharing program to connect at least other device connection determination means 21 _i a, reservation information transmission means 21 _i b, EPG data transmission means 21 _i c, reservation information. receiving means ₂₁ i d, functions as EPG data receiver 21 _i e and EPG screen generating means 21 _i f. Here, EPG screen generating means 21 i _f shall combines functions provided by both programs. Each means uses a required work area of the RAM 12 as a temporary storage location for data.

EPG screen generating means 21 _i f, based on the EPG data of the recording and reproducing apparatus 20 _i which is stored in the EPG data storage unit 27 _i, to create the EPG screen 50 _i as shown in FIG. 3, the display device 32 _i It has a function to present to a user via.

Further, EPG screen generating means 21 _i f, based on the advertisement information stored in advertisement information storage means 29 _i, a function of adding the advertisement in place of the EPG screen 50 _i.

The advertisement information receiving means 21 _i s has a function of connecting to the advertisement server via the network connection means 24 _i and determining whether there is advertisement information to be received. The advertisement information storage means 29 _i, if there is advertisement information to be received, receives the advertisement information from the advertisement server database 41 has a function of storing the advertisement information storage means 29 _i.

Ad access determining means 21 i _t is to advertisements displayed on the EPG screen 50 _i, the user accesses through the input device 33 _i (want more detailed information of the advertisement, requests a connection to the advertisement site) It has a function to determine whether or not it has shown intention. This intention display is performed, for example, by clicking an advertisement on the EPG screen 50 _i .

When the user indicates the intention to access the advertisement displayed on the EPG screen 50 _i via the input device 33 _i , the advertisement access means 21 _i u includes the advertisement site included in the advertisement information of the advertisement. It has a function of accessing the advertisement site via the network connection means 24 _i based on url and presenting the screen of the advertisement site to the user via the display means 32 _i .

Next, the operation of the recording and reproducing apparatus 20A _i according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 shows a case where three recording / reproducing apparatuses 20A ₁ , 20A ₂ and 20A ₃ are connected to the network, and are necessary for displaying the recording reservation information and the recording reservation information from other devices connected to the network. EPG data is acquired, recording reservation information of all recording / reproducing devices (recording / reproducing devices 20A ₁ , 20A ₂ and 20A ₃ ) is integrated into an EPG screen output from one recording / reproducing device, and further, the recording / reproducing device 20A ₁ is a flowchart showing the procedure for acquiring advertisement information from the advertisement server database 41, displaying it on the EPG screen, and accepting a connection request to the advertisement site by the user, with a number S in the figure A code | symbol shows each step of a flowchart. Moreover, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the step equivalent to FIG. 5, and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.

In step S6, reservation information receiving unit 21 ₁ d is whether the recording reservation information from the reservation information transmitting unit 21 ₃ b of the reservation information transmitting unit 21 ₂ b or reproducing apparatus 20A ₃ of the recording and reproducing apparatus 20A ₂ is transmitted judge. If the recording reservation information has been transmitted, the process proceeds to step S7. If not, the process proceeds to step S21.

In step S8, the EPG data receiving means 21 1 _e searches the recording channel name of the recording reservation information stored in the recording reservation information storage section 26 _1, stored in the recording channel names and EPG data storage unit 27 ₁ the recording and reproducing apparatus channel name EPG data 20A ₁ and compares that, included in the received recording reservation information recording and reproducing apparatus 20A channel name does not exist in the _first EPG data reservation information receiving unit 21 1 _d Determine whether or not. If the channel name does not exist in the EPG data of the recording and reproducing apparatus 20A ₁ is included in the recording reservation information of the received other devices of the reservation information receiving unit 21 1 _d, the process proceeds to step S9. If not included, the process proceeds to step S21.

In step S21, the advertisement information receiving means 21 ₁ s connects to the advertisement server via the network connection means 24 ₁ and determines whether there is advertisement information to be received. If there is advertisement information to be received, the process proceeds to step S22. If there is no advertisement information, the process proceeds to step S11.

Next, in step S22, the advertisement information receiving unit 21 ₁ s receives the advertisement information from the advertisement server database 41 and stores it in the advertisement information storage unit 29 ₁ .

Next, a procedure for performing an advertisement presented efficiently user to the user created a EPG screen 50 ₁ obtained by adding the advertising information.

FIG. 13 is a subroutine flowchart showing a procedure for EPG screen creation and display executed by the EPG screen creation means 21 ₁ f in step S11 of FIG. In FIG. 13, reference numerals with numbers added to S indicate steps of the flowchart. Moreover, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the step equivalent to FIG. 6, and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the EPG screen 50 ₁ in which advertisement information is added to all the recording reservation information of the recording / reproducing devices 20A ₁ , 20A ₂ and 20A ₃ .

In step S23, the EPG screen creating means 21 ₁ f is the advertisement information based on the storage unit 29 ₁ advertisement information stored in, modifies the EPG screen 50 ₁ stored in the predetermined work area of RAM 22 _1. This correction is performed so that the advertisement content is displayed near the program related to the advertisement. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, when the program related to the advertisement is a program from 18 o'clock on March 24th of the channel EESP, a line for displaying the advertisement content near this program (such as immediately below) is displayed. Newly added, and the content of the advertisement included in the advertisement information is displayed in this line. Further, when the advertisement content 50 ₁ t is displayed, a column 50 ₁ s for displaying an advertisement is newly provided in the channel column, and the information 50 ₁ t displayed on this line is displayed. Specify that is an advertisement.

According to the procedure shown in FIG. 13, when a plurality of recording / playback apparatuses are connected to a network, by acquiring recording reservation information and EPG data necessary for displaying the recording reservation information from other recording / playback apparatuses, Recording reservation information of a plurality of recording / reproducing devices is collected on an EPG screen output from one recording / reproducing device, and further, advertisement information is acquired from the advertisement server database 41 by the recording / reproducing device 20A ₁ and displayed on the EPG screen. can do.

In step S24 shown in FIG. 12, the advertisement access determination means 21 ₁ t accesses the advertisement displayed on the EPG screen 50 _i via the input device 33 ₁ (for more detailed information on the advertisement, Determine whether you have indicated your willingness to request a connection to the advertising site. The intention is, an advertisement column EPG screen 50 on _1, is through the input device 33 ₁ done such as by selecting and clicking the user. When the user requests connection to the advertisement site, the process proceeds to step S25. On the other hand, if there is no connection request, the presence / absence of selection by the user is determined.

In step S25, the advertisement access means 21 ₁ u connects to the advertisement site via the network connection means 24 _i based on the url of the advertisement site included in the advertisement information of the advertisement requested by the user via the input device 33 _1. Then, the screen of the advertisement site is presented to the user via the display means 32 _i .

By the above procedure, can be presented to create the user an EPG screen 50 ₁ obtained by adding the advertisement information, it is possible to accept a connection request to the advertisement site by the user, thus efficiently user can perform ad.

The recording / reproducing apparatuses 20A ₁ , 20A ₂ ,..., 20A _n constituting the recording / reproducing system 10A shown in FIG. 9 can display advertisements at arbitrary positions on the EPG screen. For this reason, the advertisement distributor simply uploads the advertisement information including the display position information to the advertisement server database, so that an appropriate advertisement can be easily placed near a viewer's time zone, a broadcasting station, or a specific program. It can be displayed, and for example, it is easy to carry out advertising activities aimed at a user group who views a specific program. Therefore, according to the recording / reproducing system 10A, the advertising activity efficiency of the advertisement distributor is expected to be remarkably improved, and its industrial value is great.

In addition, the recording / reproducing devices 20A ₁ , 20A ₂ ,..., 20A _n constituting the recording / reproducing system 10A may place the advertisement in a location close to the related program when displaying the advertisement on the EPG screen. it can. For this reason, users will have more opportunities to see advertisements related to their preferred fields. Furthermore, by making a connection request for this advertisement, the user can easily communicate with the advertisement site, for example, purchase a product. Therefore, according to the recording / reproducing system 10A, the user can efficiently use an advertisement related to his / her favorite field.

Note that the recording / reproducing apparatus 20A _i does not require a network connection like the recording / reproducing system 10A shown in FIG. Can be used. In this case, the recording reservation information and EPG data are not shared with other recording / reproducing apparatuses.

When using the advertisement information only recording reproducing apparatus one, recording and reproducing apparatus 20A _{i is, CPU21 i, RAM22 i, ROM23} i, network connecting section ₂₄ i, EPG data storage section 27 _i, the advertisement information storage unit 29 _i and It has at least interface means 30 _i . The recording and reproducing apparatus 20A _i is, for example, a HDD / DVD recorder, such as a personal computer having a television tuner, recording data composed of video and audio can be configured by a recording and reproducing apparatus for reproducing.

In this case, CPU 21 _i is the stored advertisement information program ROM 23 _i, at least EPG screen generating means ₂₁ i f, advertisement information receiving unit ₂₁ i s, advertising access determining means 21 _i t and advertising access means ₂₁ i u Function as. Each means uses a required work area of the RAM 12 as a temporary storage location for data.

  In the procedure of using advertisement information with only one recording / reproducing apparatus, S1 to S10 are omitted in the flowchart shown in FIG. 12, and S114 to S117 are omitted in the flowchart shown in FIG.

Even with the recording / reproducing apparatus 20A _i having the above-described configuration, the same effects as those of the recording / reproducing system 10A described above can be obtained with regard to the use of advertisement information.

1 is a schematic overall configuration diagram showing a first embodiment of a recording / reproducing apparatus and a recording / reproducing method according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing a configuration example of the recording / reproducing apparatus shown in FIG. 1. The figure which shows the structural example of the EPG screen which the recording / reproducing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 displays. FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a CPU illustrated in FIG. 2. The flowchart which shows the procedure at the time of consolidating the recording reservation information of the some recording / reproducing apparatus connected to the network on the EPG screen which one recording / reproducing apparatus outputs by the recording / reproducing apparatus which concerns on this invention. 6 is a subroutine flowchart showing a procedure for EPG screen creation and display, which is executed by the EPG screen creation means in step S11 of FIG. The figure which shows the structural example of an EPG screen. The figure which shows the structural example of the EPG screen which collected the recording reservation information of the some recording / reproducing apparatus connected to the network output by the recording / reproducing apparatus which concerns on this invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic overall configuration diagram showing a second embodiment of a recording / reproducing apparatus and a recording / reproducing method according to the present invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram showing a configuration example of the recording / reproducing apparatus shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a CPU illustrated in FIG. 10. The recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention aggregates recording reservation information of a plurality of recording / reproducing apparatuses connected to a network on an EPG screen output from one recording / reproducing apparatus, and further acquires advertisement information from an advertisement server database. The flowchart which shows the procedure at the time of displaying on an EPG screen and accepting the connection request to an advertising site by a user. FIG. 13 is a subroutine flowchart showing a procedure for EPG screen creation and display executed by the EPG screen creation means in step S11 of FIG. The figure which shows the structural example of the EPG screen which added advertisement information in addition to the recording reservation information of the some recording / reproducing apparatus connected to the network output by the recording / reproducing apparatus which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

10, 10A recording / reproducing system 11 Concentrators 20 ₁ , 20 ₂ ,..., 20 _n , 20 _i , 20 _j , 20A ₁ , 20A ₂ ,..., 20A _n , 20A _i recording / reproducing devices 21 ₁ , 21 _i CPU
21 ₁ a, 21 _ia Other device connection determination means 21 ₁ b, 21 ₂ b, 21 ₃ b, 21 _i b, 21 _j b Reservation information transmission means 21 ₁ c, 21 ₂ c, 21 ₃ c, 21 _i c 21 _j c EPG data transmission means 21 ₁ d, 21 ₂ d, 21 ₃ d, 21 _i d Reservation information reception means 21 ₁ e, 21 ₂ e, 21 ₃ e, 21 _i e EPG data reception means 21 ₁ f, 21 _i f EPG screen generating means ₂₁ 1 s, ₂₁ i s advertising information receiving unit ₂₁ 1 t, ₂₁ i t ad access determining means ₂₁ 1 u, ₂₁ i u ad access means _{22 1, 22} i RAM
23 _i ROM
24 ₁ , 24 _i network connection means 25 ₁ , 25 _i other device identification information storage means 26 ₁ , 26 _i recording reservation information storage means 27 ₁ , 27 _i EPG data storage means 28 _i recording file storage means 29 ₁ , 29 _i advertisement Information storage means 30 _i interface means 31 _i tuner 32 ₁ , 32 _i display device 33 ₁ , 33 _i input device 40 EPG server database 41 advertising server database 50 ₁ , 50 _i EPG screen 50 ₁ a recording reserved mark 50 ₁ b added Program guide 50 ₁ c Recorded program 50 ₁ d of other device based on EPG data Symbol 50 ₁ e Other device ID indicating information of other device
50 ₁ f Additional EPG display column 50 ₁ s Column 50 ₁ t indicating that it is an advertisement

Claims (13)

A plurality of recording / reproducing devices are connected to a network, and any one of the plurality of recording / reproducing devices includes:
Reservation information transmitting means for transmitting information relating to recording reservation to other plural recording / playback apparatuses connected to the network;
Reservation information receiving means for receiving information related to recording reservation of the other plurality of recording / reproducing devices from the other plurality of recording / reproducing devices;
EPG data storage means for storing EPG data separated from television broadcast signals or distributed over the Internet;
Based on the EPG data, the information related to the recording reservation, and the information related to the recording reservation of the other plurality of recording / playback apparatuses, the information related to the recording reservation and the identification information unique to the other recording / playback apparatuses EPG screen creation means for creating an EPG screen to which information related to recording reservations of the other plurality of recording / playback apparatuses is added;
A recording / reproducing apparatus comprising: When the channel name included in the information related to the recording reservation of the plurality of other recording / playback apparatuses does not exist in the EPG data stored in the EPG data storage means, the recording / playback apparatus that has transmitted the information related to the recording reservation The recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising EPG data receiving means for receiving EPG data of a scheduled recording program of a channel not existing in the EPG data, and adding the EPG data to the EPG data storage means in association with the identification information. apparatus. 2. The recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising EPG data transmitting means for transmitting EPG data of a scheduled recording program included in the information related to the scheduled recording in response to requests from the other recording / reproducing apparatuses. Based on the EPG data added to the EPG data storage means, the EPG screen creating means creates a field on the EPG screen for displaying a channel that does not exist in the EPG data, and associates the identification information with the identification information in this field. The recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a function of displaying information related to recording reservations of the other plurality of recording / reproducing apparatuses. Transmitting information related to recording reservations to a plurality of other recording / playback apparatuses connected to the network;
Receiving information related to recording reservations of the other plurality of recording / playback devices from the other plurality of recording / playback devices;
Based on the EPG data separated from the TV broadcast signal or distributed over the Internet, the information related to the recording reservation, and the information related to the recording reservation of the other recording / reproducing devices received from the other recording / reproducing devices. Creating an EPG screen to which information relating to recording reservations of the plurality of other recording / reproducing devices associated with information relating to the recording reservations and identification information unique to the plurality of other recording / reproducing devices is added;
A recording / reproducing method comprising: Determining whether or not a channel name included in the information related to the recording reservation of the other plurality of recording / reproducing devices exists in the EPG data;
When the channel name does not exist in the EPG data, requesting the recording / playback apparatus that has transmitted the information related to the recording reservation to transmit the EPG data of the recording reservation program of the channel;
Receiving EPG data of a scheduled recording program of a channel that does not exist in the EPG data from the recording / reproducing apparatus that has transmitted information related to the scheduled recording;
The recording / reproducing method according to claim 5, further comprising: Determining the presence or absence of an EPG data transmission request from the other plurality of recording and reproducing devices;
Transmitting EPG data of a scheduled recording program related to the scheduled recording in response to a request from the other recording and reproducing devices;
The recording / reproducing method according to claim 5, further comprising: For EPG screens to which information related to recording reservations of all recording / playback apparatuses connected to the network is added, channels that do not exist in the EPG data are determined based on EPG data of recording reservation programs of channels that do not exist in the received EPG data. Creating a column to display;
Displaying information relating to recording reservations of the plurality of other recording / reproducing devices in association with the identification information in this field;
The recording / reproducing method according to claim 6, further comprising: Advertisement information receiving means for receiving advertisement information from an advertisement server database storing advertisement information installed on a network;
EPG data storage means for storing EPG data separated from television broadcast signals or distributed over the Internet;
An EPG screen creating means for creating an EPG screen based on the EPG data and the advertisement information so as to provide a field for displaying the advertisement included in the advertisement information and displaying the advertisement in the field;
A recording / reproducing apparatus comprising: The advertisement information includes program information related to the advertisement,
The recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein an installation position of a column for displaying the advertisement is in the vicinity of a program related to the advertisement. The advertisement information includes url of an Internet site designated by the advertisement information creator,
10. The recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising advertisement access means for connecting to an Internet site designated by the advertisement information creator based on the url when a user selects an advertisement on the EPG screen. Receiving advertisement information from an advertisement server database storing advertisement information installed on the network;
Providing a column for displaying an advertisement included in the advertisement information based on the EPG data separated from the TV broadcast signal or distributed on the Internet and the advertisement information;
Creating an EPG screen to display advertisements in this field;
A recording / reproducing method comprising: The advertisement information includes url of an Internet site designated by the advertisement information creator,
Determining whether the user has selected an advertisement on the EPG screen displaying the advertisement; and
If there is a user's selection, connecting to the Internet site designated by the advertisement information creator based on the url;
The recording / reproducing method according to claim 12, further comprising:

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