FR2979176A1 - Method for recording TV programs, involves selecting recording parts in recorders such that sum of parts is recorded by recorders corresponding to totality of parts of TV program executed by recorders - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves connecting digital TV recorders (EA1-EA5) to a recording server (SE) via a bidirectional telecommunication network. Information (IEP, IEA1-IEA5) are sent to the recording server by the recorders to execute the recording. The recorders executing the recordings of parts of the TV program are searched by the recording server when one of the recorders executes the recording of the parts. The recording parts in the recorders are selected such that the sum of the parts is recorded by the recorders corresponding to the totality of parts of the program executed by the recorders. An independent claim is also included for a system for recording TV programs.

Description

METHOD FOR EXECUTING TELEVISION EMISSION RECORDINGS USING RECORDERS AND SYSTEM FOR IMPLEMENTING SAID METHOD Description Technical Field of the Invention The subject of the invention is a method for performing television program recordings by means of digital television recorders connected to a television broadcasting network as well as a system for carrying out this method. The invention relates to the technical field of digital television recorders and more particularly to recorders connected to a telecommunication network. State of the art Recorders configured to perform the recording of television programs on a storage memory are known. Television programs are broadcast on several different frequency bands of a television broadcasting network. To perform the recording of a television program, the recorders are provided with a tuner configure to select the frequency band on which the broadcast is broadcast. However, these recorders can only perform simultaneous recording of a limited number of television programs depending on the capabilities of the tuners that equip them. Indeed, a tuner is only able to select a single frequency band at a time. Therefore, when a recording is made for a first television program broadcast on a first frequency band, the tuner selects that first frequency band and none of the other programs broadcast on the other frequency bands can be recorded or viewed. To overcome this problem, one solution consists in equipping a recorder with as many tuners as there are frequency bands available on a broadcasting network. Nevertheless, it is not uncommon for a television broadcasting network to have 6 or more frequency bands. The increase in the manufacturing cost, the size, and the power consumption of a recorder generated by the multiplication of tuners equipping it is then very important. In view of this state of affairs, the main purpose of the invention is to provide a method enabling the user of a recorder to program the simultaneous execution of the recording of numerous broadcasts broadcast on different frequency bands of a network. regardless of the number of tuners on the recorder and regardless of the number of frequency bands available on the television broadcasting network. The invention also aims to provide a recorder of simple design, reduced size and inexpensive.

Disclosure of the invention. The solution proposed by the invention is a method for performing television program recordings by means of digital television recorders connected to a television broadcasting network and comprising at least two tuners and a storage memory for storing recordings, in which: - the recorders are connected to a recording server via a two-way telecommunication network, - the recorders send information to the recording server about their ability to perform a recording, - when a record of a television program broadcast on the broadcasting network is manually programmed on a first recorder, the recording server determines whether said first recorder is able to perform the recording of said broadcast, - when said first recorder is unfit to execute the registration of one or more parts ies of the transmission, said recording server: o search among the auxiliary recorders which one or more are able to execute the recording of one or more of said parts of the emission, o selects one or more auxiliary recorders adapted to perform the recording of one or more of said parts of the program, so that all the selected auxiliary recorders are able to perform the recording of at least all the parts of the program for which the first recorder is unable to perform the recording, o programs the recording of parts of the program on the selected auxiliary recorders so that the sum of the said parts recorded by the said auxiliary recorders corresponds to at least all the parts of the record for which the first recorder is unable to perform the recording. Thus, when the recorder is unable to execute itself a recording, the latter is subcontracted to one or more other recorders connected to the recording server as a result of which it is possible to simultaneously record many programs broadcast on different frequency bands regardless of the number of tuners on the recorder.

According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention making it possible to determine whether a recorder is able or not to execute the recording of a television program, the information relating to the ability of a recorder to perform a recording comprises: - information on the record or recordings manually programmed on the recorder, - information on the capacity of the recorder to receive a television program, - information on the state of use of each of the tuners equipping the recorder, - a information on the available space in the storage memory of the recorder. According to another advantageous characteristic of the invention making it possible to ensure that a user acts first on his recorder, when the recording of a first television program is programmed by the recording server on an auxiliary recorder, and that subsequently the recording of a second television program, is manually programmed on said auxiliary recorder, or respectively the viewing of a second television program is manually required on said auxiliary recorder, and that it is unable to perform simultaneously recording of the first broadcast and recording, or viewing respectively, of the second broadcast: the auxiliary recorder executes the recording, or the viewing, of the second broadcast, the recording server, informed in real time, using the information sent by the auxiliary recorder and relating to the ability of said auxiliary recorder to perform a recording, the inability of said auxiliary recorder to simultaneously perform the recording of the first broadcast and the recording, or respectively viewing, of the second emission: o search among the other recorders which are capable of performing the recording of one or more parts of the first broadcast, o selects one or more of the other auxiliary recorders capable of performing the recording of one or more of said parts of the first broadcast, so as to the set of said other auxiliary recorders selected is capable of performing the recording of at least the whole of the first transmission, o programs the recording of parts of the first transmission on the other auxiliary recorders selected so that the sum of the said parts recorded by the said recorders auxilia ires corresponds to at least the totality of the first emission. According to yet another advantageous feature of the invention allowing the user to dispose, in the storage memory of his recorder, of the recording subcontracted by an auxiliary recorder, after execution of the recording of one or more parts of a television program programmed by the recording server on an auxiliary recorder, the latter records said recording to the first recorder, via the two-way telecommunication network, and if said recording was not manually programmed on said auxiliary recorder , the latter erases the said recording from its storage memory. According to yet another advantageous characteristic of the invention making it possible to adapt the quality of service to each of the users, the loading speed of a recording of an auxiliary recorder towards the first recorder increases with: the storage space of the storage memory that the first recorder shares with the auxiliary recorders connected to the recording server, and / or the number of tuners equipping the first recorder, and / or the duration from which the first recorder is connected to the record server. recording, and / or the number of recordings programmed by the recording server that the first recorder has already executed. According to yet another advantageous characteristic of the invention making it possible to limit the number of recordings executed among the recorders connected to the recording server, of the same transmission, before searching among the auxiliary recorders which are capable of executing the recording one or more parts of a television program, the recording server: - searches whether the recording of one or more of said parts of the broadcast is already programmed on auxiliary recorders, 25 - selects one or more several of the auxiliary recorders having already programmed the recording of one or more of said parts of the broadcast, so that the set of auxiliary recorders selected is capable of performing the recording of a maximum of parts of the transmission, sends a load request to the selected auxiliary recorders so that a copy of e recording of said one or more parts of the transmission by said selected auxiliary recorders is sent to the first recorder. According to yet another advantageous characteristic of the invention enabling the recorders to easily exchange the recording files, when the recording server (SE) programs the recording of parts of a program on an auxiliary recorder (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5), or respectively sends a load request to an auxiliary recorder (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5), said recording server sends, to said auxiliary recorder, an identifier recorder associated with the first recorder (PE) for which said recording is programmed, the auxiliary recorder (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) locating the first recorder (PE) on the bidirectional telecommunication network by means of said recorder identifier, such as to load said record to said first recorder, or respectively to send a copy of said record to said first recorder. Another aspect of the invention relates to a television program recording system comprising digital television recorders having at least two tuners connected to a broadcast network and a storage memory in which recordings are to be stored. This recording system is remarkable in that the recorders furthermore comprise: a means of connection to a recording server via a two-way telecommunication network; means for sending to the recording server information relating to their ability to execute a recording, and in that the recording server comprises: - a verification means configured to determine whether said first recorder is capable of performing a recording of a television program broadcast on the broadcasting network, when the recording of said emission is manually programmed on a first recorder, - search means among the auxiliary recorders which are capable of performing the recording of one or more of said parts of the emission, when said first recorder is unfit to perform the recording of one or more parts of the broadcast, - a medium selecting one or more of the auxiliary recorders capable of performing the recording of one or more of said parts of the transmission, so that the set of auxiliary recorders selected is capable of performing the recording of at least all the parts of the broadcast for which the first recorder is unable to perform the recording; means for programming the recording of parts of the program on the auxiliary recorders selected so that the sum of said parts recorded by said auxiliary recorders corresponds at least to all parts of the broadcast for which the first recorder is unfit to perform the recording. Description of the figures. Other advantages and features of the invention will appear better on reading the description of a preferred embodiment which will follow, with reference to the appended drawings, carried out as indicative and non-limiting examples and in which: FIG. 1 schematically represents an exemplary embodiment of the television program recording system which is the subject of the invention. FIG. 2 diagrammatically represents an exemplary embodiment of a recorder of the system which is the subject of the invention; FIG. 3 schematically represents an exemplary embodiment of the recording server of the system which is the subject of the invention; FIG. and 5 schematically show two examples of selection of auxiliary recorders by the recording server of the system object of the invention.

Embodiments of the invention The method of the invention makes it possible to execute television program recordings by means of digital television recorders (EP, EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5). "Television program", hereinafter referred to as "program", means all or part of audiovisual content broadcast on a television channel, for example a film, television news, weather reports, game shows, etc. In general, these broadcasts are contained in signals broadcast by television channels over a broadcasting network of the digital terrestrial network, satellite network, cable network, or other type of network. In practice, the television channels, hereinafter referred to as "channels", may be different depending on the broadcasting network. The signals are broadcast over several frequency bands called multiplex for the wireless network, and transponder for the satellite network. For each frequency band several channels broadcast programs. For example, for the French digital terrestrial network, there are six multiplexes: - on the R1 multiplex, the channels broadcasting programs are: France 2 (n ° 2), France 3 (N ° 3), France 5 ( No. 5), LCP and Public Sénat (No. 13), France Ô (No. 19) and local channels varying according to the regions and numbered from 20 to 29, - on the multiplex R2, the channels broadcasting programs are : Direct 8 (No. 8), France 4 (No. 14), BFM TV (No. 15), i> TV (No. 16), Direct Star (No. 17), Gulli (No. 18), - 10- - on multiplex R3, channels broadcasting broadcasts are: Canal + HD (No. 4), TPS Star (No. 30), Canal + Sport (No. 32), Canal + Cinema (No. 33), CFoot (No. ° 34), Planete + (n ° 35), - on multiplex R4, the channels broadcasting emissions are: M6 (n ° 6), W9 (n ° 9), NT1 (n ° 11), Paris Première (n ° 31), Arte HD (No 57), - On the R5 multiplex, the channels broadcasting programs are: TF1 HD (No 51), France 2 HD (No 52), M6 HD (No 56), SelecTV (No 37), - on the Multiplexed R6, the channels broadcasting emissions are: TF1 (No. 1), Arte (No. 7), TMC (No. 10), NRJ12 (No. 12), TF6 (No. 36), LCI (No. 38), Eurosport France (No 39). Of all the channels broadcasting programs on the various frequency bands: - some are local and the programs they broadcast can only be viewed if they are broadcast in the region where the digital television recorder is located (EP , EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5). For example, for the French digital terrestrial network: the local channels n ° 20 to 29, - some are paying and the broadcasts they broadcast can only be viewed if the user subscribes to them. For example, for the French digital terrestrial network: TPS Star (No. 30), Paris Première (No. 31), Canal + Sport (No. 32), Canal + Cinema (No. 33), CFoot (No. 34), Planete + (No. 35), TF6 (No. 36), SelecTV (No. 37), LCI (No. 38), Eurosport France (No. 39). Referring to FIG. 1, the television program recording system making it possible to implement the method that is the subject of the invention comprises digital television digital television recorders (EP, EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5), hereinafter called "recorders". These recorders (EP, EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) are in the form of electronic boxes that can be integrated into a television. They are configured to process and record the broadcast digital signal. This processing is generally of the demodulation, decoding, decryption or other type. As shown diagrammatically in FIG. 2 for the EP recorder but valid for any recorder, each recorder (EP, EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) comprises at least two tuners (1 ', 1 ") (or" tuner ") connected to the broadcast network via a radio antenna type receiving means (10), satellite antenna, etc. The tuner (1 ', 1") is configured to select a band of frequencies among those received by the receiving means. When the tuner (1 ', 1 ") has selected a determined frequency band, the recorder (EP, EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) can process all television channels broadcast on this particular frequency band. For example, for a tuner (1 ', 1 ") connected to the French digital radio network, if said tuner has selected the multiplex R1, the recorder (EP, EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) can process the broadcasts. broadcast on all channels broadcasting on the R1 multiplex, that is to say France 2 (No. 2) France 3 (No. 3), France 5 (No. 5), LCP and Public Sénat (No. 13), France Ô (No. 19), and local channels broadcast in the region where the recorder is located. On the other hand, for this same tuner (1 ', 1 "), the recorder (EP, EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) can not process the broadcasts broadcast by the channels broadcasting on the other frequency bands. processing the digital signal containing the broadcasts, each recorder (EP, EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) also comprises: - a demodulator (2) configured to demodulate the digital signal - a decoder (3) configured to decode the signal, and possibly a decryption means (4) configured to decrypt the signal, Once the digital signal has been processed, the latter can be viewed via a reproduction means (MR). of the LCD screen, plasma type for the video components, and of the amplifier and loudspeaker type for the audio components In practice, the recorder (EP, EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) comprises: - a video bus (6) configured to send to the reproduction means the components vi and scart, HDMI, DVI, VGA, or other type, - an audio bus (7) configured to send to the means of reproduction the audio components and scart, HDMI, digital optical, digital coaxial, or other. Alternatively or simultaneously, once the digital signal has been processed, even partially, the latter can also be recorded. In order to store the recordings, each recorder (EP, EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) has a storage memory (9). The latter may be of the flash, magnetic, optical or other type and for example be in the form of a hard disk, a USB key, a memory card, etc. The storage memory (9) can be integrated in the recorder (EP, EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5), or be transferred to an auxiliary box connected to said recorder by wire connection (USB, Ethernet, etc.) or by wireless connection (WIFI, Bluetooth, etc.), or be integrated into equipment available on a two-way telecommunication network, or others. The term "bidirectional telecommunication network", hereinafter called "telecommunications network", is understood to mean a network of the intranet network, Internet network, telephone network or other type. In practice, to perform the recording, the recorder (EP, EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) comprises a processor (5) configured to execute one or more computer programs stored in a memory (9 ') of the that previously described. The computer program is in the form of short sequences of instructions which, when executed in a precise order by the processor (5), allow storage of the processed digital signal data in the storage memory (9). With reference to FIG. 1, the recorders (EP, EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) are connected to a recording server (SE) via a telecommunications network of the type of the one previously described. To do this, each recorder (EP, EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) comprises a connection means (8) to the recording server (SE) via the telecommunication network, of the network card type (Ethernet, Wifi, Wimax, 3G or other), modem, or others. The connection between each recorder (EP, EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) and the recording server (SE) can be established permanently or only occasionally when information or a file must pass between said recorder and said recording server. The recording server (SE), shown schematically in FIG. 3, is generally in the form of an electronic box comprising a processor (25), one or more memories (29) of the type described above, and a connection means (28) to the telecommunication network of the network card type (Ethernet, Wifi, Wimax, 3G, or other), modem, etc. As schematized by arrows in fine lines in FIG. 1, the recorders (EP, EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) send information to the recording server (SE) about their ability to execute a recording. The term "aptitude" means that the recorder (EP, EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) is fit or unfit, at a given time T, to perform a recording.

For example, referring to Figure 2, a recorder (EP) has 2 tuners (1 ', 1 ") connected to the French digital radio network.The first tuner (1') has selected the multiplex R1 because the user wants to watch a program broadcast by France 2. The second tuner (1 ") has selected the multiplex R6, because the user wants to record a broadcast broadcast NRJ12 (No. 12). In such a configuration, the recorder (EP) can process the broadcasts transmitted by all the channels broadcasting on the multiplex R1 and on the multiplex R6. It may therefore perform the recording of the program broadcast by NRJ12 (No. 12), but also, and simultaneously or alternatively, any program broadcast by France 2 5 (No. 2), France 3 ( No. 3), France 5 (No. 5), LCP and Public Sénat (No. 13), France Ô (No. 19), local channels broadcast in the region where the recorder is located, TF1 (No. ), Arte (No. 7), TMC (No. 10), TF6 (No. 36), LCI (No. 38), Eurosport France (No. 39). It is said that the recorder (EP) is "fit" to perform the recording of these broadcasts. On the other hand, the recorder (EP) can not perform the recording of all the broadcasts on a channel of the other multiplexes, that is to say the multiplexes R2 to R5. It can not therefore perform the recording of programs broadcast by the channels Direct 8 (No. 8), France 4 (No. 14), BFM TV 15 (No. 15), i> TV (No. 16), Direct Star (No. 17), Gulli (No. 18), Canal + HD (No. 4), TPS Star (No. 30), Canal + Sport (No. 32), Canal + Cinema (No. 33), CFoot (No. 34), Planete + (# 35), M6 (# 6), W9 (# 9), NT1 (# 11), Paris Première (# 31), Arte HD (# 57), TF1 HD ( No. 51), France 2 HD (No. 52), M6 HD (No. 56), SelecTV (No. 37). It is said that the recorder (EP) is "unfit" to perform the recording of these broadcasts. In practice, each recorder (EP, EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) comprises means for sending, to the recording server, information (IEP, IEA1, IEA2, IEA3, IEA4, IEA5) relating to its ability to perform a recording. This sending means is in the form of a processor (5) configured to execute one or more computer programs stored in a memory (9 ') of the type previously described. The computer program is in the form of short instruction sequences which, when executed in a precise order by the processor (5), allow one or more files to be sent via the connection means (8). destination of the recording server (SE), said files -15- containing the information (IEP, IEA1, IEA2, IEA3, IEA4, IEA5) in the form of data. The information (IEP, IEA1, IEA2, IEA3, IEA4, IEA5) relating to the ability of a recorder (EP, EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) to perform a recording may, first of all, comprise a manually scheduled recording information. The manually scheduled recording information may include the name of the channel playing the program, the date on which the program is broadcast, the time period (s) during which the recording of a part of the program is to be performed. program, the name of the program, the frequency band on which the program is broadcast, or others. For example, for the programming of the recording of a program called "title", broadcast on the R6 multiplex by Arte (n ° 7), the 25/06/2011 from 10:20 to 11:50, the information on the manually scheduled recording may be in the form of a file containing the data: - name of the television channel = "Arte" - multiplex = R6 - name of the show = "Title" - date of broadcast = 25/06 / 2011 - time slots = 10:20 - 11:50. The information (IEP, IEA1, IEA2, IEA3, IEA4, IEA5) relating to the ability of a recorder (EP, EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) to perform a recording may include information about the capability of said recorder to receive a television show. The capacity of a recorder (EP, EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) to receive a television program depends on the type of television broadcasting network to which it is connected (digital terrestrial network or satellite network), its geographical location to receive some local channels, but not others, subscriptions contracted by the user to view or not some or all pay channels. For example, for a recorder (EP, EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) comprising 2 tuners (1 ', 1 ") connected to the French digital radio network, located geographically in Marseille (that is to say that it receives the local channel LCM (No. 20)) and for which the user has a subscription to the channel Paris Première (No. 31), the information on the capacity of the recorder (EP, EA1 , EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) to receive a television program may be in the form of a file containing the data: - broadcast network = French digital radio network - location = Marseille - subscription = Paris Première (No. 31) The information (EPA, EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, AE5) relating to the ability of a recorder (EP, EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) to perform a recording may also include information about the state of use of each of the tuners (1 ', 1 ") fitted to said recorder. The state of use of a tuner (1 ', 1 ") depends on: - its use (either it is used to send a transmission to a reproduction means (MR) so as to display it, or it is used to execute the recording of a transmission) or of its non-use at a given instant T, - of the frequency band which the tuner has selected, when said tuner (1 ', 1 ") is in use.

For example, for a recorder (EP, EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) having 3 tuners connected to the French digital radio network, of which: - the first tuner is used and has selected the multiplex R1, because the recorder (EP , EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) sends a broadcast broadcast by France 2 to a restitution means so that the user can view it, the second tuner is used and has selected the R6 multiplexer because the recorder (EP, EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) executing the recording of a broadcast broadcast by NRJ12 (No. 12), - the third tuner is unused, the information on the status of the use of each of the tuners on the recorder (EP, EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) may be in the form of a file containing the data: - tuner 1 = R1 - tuner 2 = R6 - tuner 3 = unused The information (IEP, IEA1, IEA2, IEA3, IEA4, IEA5) relating to the suitability of an The recorder (EP, EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) may also include information on the available space in the storage memory (9) of the recorder. This information is generally in the form of a file containing data relating to the available storage space, for example: available space = 70 GB. In practice, the storage memory (9) of a recorder (EP, EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) may include a first storage space (91) reserved for manually programmed recordings by the user and a second storage space (92) shared with the users of the other recorders (EP, EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) connected to the recording server (SE). By their nature, the information (IEP, IEA1, IEA2, IEA3, IEA4, IEA5) are often changed over time, for example as soon as the user of a recorder (EP, EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) manually programs a recording, subscribes to a channel, zaps from one channel to another, and so on. Therefore, this information is sent, in real time, to the recording server (SE) so that it can definitively determine, at a time T, the aptitude of each of the recorders (EP). , EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) to execute a recording.

When a recording of a television program broadcast on the broadcasting network is manually programmed on a first recorder (EP), the recording server (SE) determines whether said first recorder is capable of performing the recording of said program. To program a recording manually, the user can: - select, by means of a remote control, a television program via an electronic program guide, - select or enter, by means of a remote control, the channel broadcasting the program and the time slot during which the program is broadcast, - press the "immediate recording" button on the remote control so that the recording of a program being broadcast by a channel, etc., is immediately executed. To determine if the first recorder (EP) is capable of performing the recording of a broadcast, the recording server (SE) checks whether the information (IEP) relating to the ability of the first recorder (EP) to execute a recording are consistent with the execution of the recording of the broadcast. In practice, the recording server (SE) checks: - if the first recorder (EP) receives the television program, - if a tuner of the first recorder (EP) is not used or if a tuner of said first recorder has selected the multiplex on which the broadcast is broadcast, - if sufficient storage space is available in the storage memory (9) of the first recorder (EP). For example, during a given time slot "PH", a first recorder (EP), located in Marseille, has two tuners (1 ', 1 ") connected to the French digital radio network, including: -19- - the first tuner ( 1 ') is used and has selected the multiplex R1, because the first recorder (EP) sends a broadcast broadcast by France 2 to a means of reproduction (MR) so that the user can view it, - the second tuner (1 ") is used and has selected multiplex R6, since the first recorder (EP) performs the recording of a broadcast broadcast by NRJ12 (No. 12). The first recorder (EP) has 130 GB in the storage space (91) reserved for manually programmed recordings. The user has for this first recorder (EP) a subscription to the channel Paris Première (No. 31). The first recorder (EP) sends to the recording server (SE) one or more files containing the data: - broadcast network = French digital radio network - location = Marseille - subscription = Paris Première (n ° 31) - tuner 1 = R1 - tuner 2 = R6 - available space = 130 GB Case No. 1, the user manually programs on the first recorder (EP) a given broadcast broadcast, during the given "PH" time slot, by LCM (No. 20), a local channel broadcasting on the multiplex R1 of the digital terrestrial network in the Marseille region. The recording server (SE) checks, at the moment when said program starts or in advance before said program starts, if the first recorder (PE) is able to execute the recording of this program: - the first recorder (PE) is located in Marseille and has tuners (1 ', 1 ") connected to the digital radio network, said first recorder is therefore capable of receiving the determined emission .- - the first tuner (1') of the first the recorder (PE) has selected the multiplex R1 on which the determined broadcast is broadcast, said first tuner is therefore usable to perform the recording of said determined emission - 130 GB is sufficient to store the recording of the determined emission, the The first recorder (PE) therefore has enough storage space (91) reserved, so that the first recorder (PE) is able to execute the recording of the determined broadcast. .

Case No. 2, the user manually programs on the first recorder (PE) a given broadcast broadcast, during the time slot "PH" given by Paris Première (No. 31), broadcasting on the multiplex R4 of the digital terrestrial network. The recording server (SE) checks whether the first recorder (PE) is able to perform the recording of this broadcast: - the user has for this first recorder (PE) a subscription to the channel Paris Première (n ° 31), said first recorder is therefore able to receive the determined emission. - 130 GB is sufficient to store the recording of the determined issue, the first recorder (PE) therefore has sufficient storage space (91) reserved. - However, all the tuners (1 ', 1 ") of the first recorder (PE) are used and all have selected a multiplex different from the R4 multiplex, none of said tuners can be used to perform the recording of said determined emission. As a result, the first recorder (PE) is unable to perform the recording of the determined program.

In practice, the recording server (SE) includes a verification means configured to determine whether said first recorder (PE) is capable of performing a recording of a television program broadcast on the television broadcasting network. This verification means is in the form of a processor (25) configured to execute one or more computer programs stored in a memory (29) of the type previously described. The computer program is in the form of short sequences of instructions which, when executed in a precise order by the processor (25), make it possible to check in the data files sent by the first recorder (PE): if the first recorder (PE) receives the television program, - if a tuner (1 ', 1 ") of the first recorder (PE) is not used or if a tuner (1', 1") of said first recorder has selected the multiplex on which the broadcast is broadcast, - if sufficient storage space is available in the storage memory (9) of the first recorder (PE).

When said first recorder (PE) is unable to perform the recording of one or more parts of the broadcast, the recording server (SE) searches among the auxiliary recorders (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) which or which are capable of performing the recording of one or more of said parts of the broadcast. To perform this search, the recording server (SE) determines for each auxiliary recorder (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) whether it is able to perform the recording of one or more of said parts of the broadcast. , in the same way that it determines whether the first recorder (PE) is able to perform the recording of said broadcast. One or more auxiliary recorders (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) may be capable of performing the recording of the program throughout its duration, ie the recording of all parts of the program. On the other hand, the set of auxiliary recorders (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) may be incapable of performing the recording of the broadcast during its entire duration, and the recording server (SE) then searches for the recorders (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) capable of performing the recording of one or more parts of the program. For example, referring to FIG. 4, for a broadcast broadcast during the time slot 10h00 -12h00: - a first auxiliary recorder (EA1) may be able to perform the recording of part of the broadcast, during the time slot 10:30 - 11:00, - a second auxiliary recorder (EA2) may be able to perform the recording of two parts of the program, during the time slots 10:00 - 10:30 and 11:00 - 12:50, - a third auxiliary recorder (EA3) may be able to perform the recording of a part of the emission, during the time slot 12:50 - 12:00, - a fourth auxiliary recorder (EA4) may be able to execute the recording of a part of the emission, during the time period 10:30 - 11:30. In practice, the recording server (SE) comprises search means among the auxiliary recorders (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) which are capable of performing the recording of one or more of said parts of the recorder. 'program. This search means is in the form of a processor (25) configured to execute one or more computer programs stored in a memory (29) of the type previously described. The computer program is in the form of short instruction sequences which, when executed in a precise order by the processor (25), allow for each auxiliary recorder (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) to check in the data files sent by the auxiliary recorder: - if the auxiliary recorder (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) receives the television program, -23- - if a tuner (1 ', 1 ") of the auxiliary recorder (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) is not used or if a tuner (1 ', 1 ") of said auxiliary recorder has selected the multiplex on which the broadcast is broadcast, - if there is enough room for storage is available in the storage memory (9) of the auxiliary recorder (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5). Once the auxiliary recorders (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) compatible found, the recording server then selects one or more of these auxiliary recorders (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) able to perform the recording of one or more of said parts of the transmission so that the set of auxiliary recorders (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) selected is capable of performing the recording of at least all of the parts of the broadcast for which the first recorder (PE) is unable to perform the recording. In practice, if an auxiliary recorder (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) is able to execute the recording of the broadcast during all its duration, the recording server (SE) selects this recorder (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) to execute the recording of the program. In the case where the auxiliary recorders (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) are only able to perform the recording of one or more parts of the broadcast, but not all parts of the broadcast, the The recording (SE) selects several recorders to each perform the recording of one or more parts of the broadcast so that the sum of said parts of the broadcast corresponds to the emission.

Referring to the example of FIG. 4, the recording server (SE) can select the first, second and third auxiliary recorders (EA1, EA2, EA3) which make it possible to execute the recording of the transmission parts during the time slots 10h - 10h30, 10h30 - 11h, 11h - 12h50 and 12h50 - 12h. The sum of these transmission parts therefore corresponds to the entire broadcast broadcast during the time slot 10h - 12h. As a safety measure, the recording of part of the program can be executed simultaneously by several auxiliary recorders (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5). Indeed, various problems can occur on the recorders (EP, EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) of the power failure type, degradation of a component of said recorder, etc. It is therefore advantageous to have several copies of the recording on several recorders (EP, EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) in case a problem occurs on one of said recorders.

In practice, the recording server (SE) comprises means for selecting one or more auxiliary recorders (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) capable of performing the recording of one or more of said parts of the 'program. The selection means is in the form of a processor (25) configured to execute one or more computer programs stored in a memory (29) of the type previously described. The computer program is in the form of short sequences of instructions which, when executed in a precise order by the processor (25), determine which or which auxiliary recorders (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5 ) allow the recording of all parts of the program to be performed. Once the auxiliary recorders have been selected, and as represented by arrows in thick lines in FIG. 1, the recording server (SE) programs the recording of parts of the transmission on said auxiliary recorders (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) selected so that the sum of said parts recorded by said auxiliary recorders corresponds to at least all the parts of the broadcast for which the first recorder is unable to perform the recording. In order to do this, the recording server (SE) sends to the selected one or more auxiliary recorders (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) a recording request containing recording information that each of them records. said auxiliary recorders must execute. Such information may include, the name of the channel broadcasting the program, the date on which the program is broadcast, the time period or times during which the recording of part of the program is to be performed, the name of the program the broadcast, the frequency band on which the broadcast is broadcast, or others. When the recording server (SE) programs the recording of parts of a program on an auxiliary recorder (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5), said recording server can send, to said auxiliary recorder, a recorder identifier associated with the first recorder (PE) for which said record is programmed. In practice, this logging identifier is contained in the registration request. In practice, the recording server (SE) comprises means for programming the recording of parts of the transmission on the auxiliary recorders (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) selected. This programming means is in the form of a processor (25) configured to execute one or more computer programs stored in a memory (29) of the type previously described. The computer program is in the form of short sequences of instructions which, when executed in a precise order by the processor (25), allow sending, via the connection means (28), to each of the recorders Auxiliary (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) selected recording information that each of said auxiliary recorders (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) is to perform. For example, for programming the recording of two parts of a program called "title", broadcast on the R6 multiplex by Arte (No. 7), on 25/06/2011, respectively from 10h to 10h30 and 11h at 11:50, the information relating to the manually programmed recording may be in the form of a file containing the data: -26- - name of the television channel = "Arte" - multiplex = R6 - name of the broadcast = "Title" - date of issue = 25/06/2011 - time slots = 10:00 - 10:30 & 11:00 - 11:50 - recorder ID = EP. Consider that the recording of a first television program is programmed by the recording server (SE) on an auxiliary recorder (EA1), for example of a broadcast broadcast on the multiplex R1 by France 2 (No. 2) . Subsequently, the recording of a second television program, is manually programmed on the same auxiliary recorder (EA1), or respectively the viewing of a television program is manually required on said auxiliary recorder, for example of a broadcast broadcast on the R2 multiplex by France 4 (n ° 14). In this case, the auxiliary recorder (EA1) is unable to simultaneously perform the recording of the first broadcast and the recording, or the viewing respectively, of the second broadcast. The auxiliary recorder (EA1) then executes the recording, or the viewing, of the second program, in our example of the broadcast broadcast on the multiplex R2 by France 4 (No. 14). This record is executed identically to the execution of a record as described above. The recording server is informed in real time, by means of information (IEA1), sent by said auxiliary recorder, and relating to the ability of the auxiliary recorder (EA1) to perform a recording, of the unsuitability of said recorder auxiliary to simultaneously perform the recording of the first broadcast and the recording, or viewing respectively, of the second broadcast. Therefore, the recording server (SE): - searches, in a manner identical to the previously described search, among the other auxiliary recorders (EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) which are capable of performing the recording of one or several parts of the first transmission, -27- in our example of the broadcast broadcast on the R1 multiplex by France 2 (No. 2), - selects, identically to the selection described above, one or more of the other auxiliary recorders (EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) capable of performing the recording of one or more of said parts of the first transmission, so that all of said other auxiliary recorders (EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) selected are capable of performing the recording of at least the whole of the first program, - program, in a manner identical to the programming of a recording as described above, the recording of parts of the first program on the the auxiliary recorders (EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) selected so that the sum of said parts recorded by said auxiliary recorders corresponds to at least the totality of the first transmission.

For each auxiliary recorder (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5), after recording one or more parts of a television program programmed by the recording server (SE) on said auxiliary recorder, this the latter records said record to the first recorder (PE) via the bidirectional telecommunication network, and if said recording was not programmed manually on said auxiliary recorder, the latter records said record from its storage memory (9). The recording is in the form of a file containing the part or parts of the program as data. The auxiliary recorder (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) can send this file via one of the file transfer protocols commonly used in the domain and of the http, peer-to-peer, etc. type. The file can be sent directly to the auxiliary recorder (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) to the first recorder (PE). In this case, the auxiliary recorder (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) locates the first recorder (PE) on the two-way telecommunication network by means of the recorder identifier contained in the load request, and then loads -28 said recording to said first recorder. Alternatively, the file can pass through the recording server (SE), in which case the auxiliary recorder (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) sends the file directly to said recording server, without searching for the first recorder (PE) on the telecommunication network. After receiving the file, the recording server (SE) sends the file to the first recorder (PE). In particular embodiments of the invention, the sending of the files can be done more or less quickly according to certain criteria. For example, the loading speed of a recording of an auxiliary recorder (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) to the first recorder (PE) increases with: - the storage space (92) of the memory of storage (9) that the first recorder (PE) shares with the auxiliary recorders (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) connected to the recording server (SE), and / or the tuner number (1 ', 1 ") equipping the first recorder (PE), - and / or the length of time that the first recorder (PE) is connected to the recording server (SE), - and / or the number of recordings programmed by the recording server. recording (SE) that the first recorder (PE) has already performed, etc. Optionally, before searching among auxiliary recorders (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) which are capable of performing the recording of a or several parts of a broadcast, the recording server (SE) can start by searching whether the recording of one or Several of these parts of the program are already programmed on auxiliary recorders (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5). To perform this search, the recording server (SE) determines among the auxiliary recorders (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) which ones have sent information about their manually programmed recordings corresponding to the information on the programmed recording manually sent by the first recorder (PE). For example, referring to Figure 5, a program is manually programmed on the first recorder (PE). This show is broadcast by France 3 (No. 3) during the time slot from 10:00 to 11:00. Among the secondary recorders (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5): - a first auxiliary recorder (EA1) has a recording programmed on France 3 (n ° 3) during the time slot 10h30 - 11h00, - a second auxiliary recorder ( EA2) has a scheduled recording on France 3 (No. 3), during the time slot 09:00 - 10:00, - a third auxiliary recorder (EA3) has a scheduled recording on France 3 (No. 3), during the time slot 10:00 - 10:30, - a fourth auxiliary recorder (EA4) has a recording programmed on France 2 (no. 2), during the time slot 10:00 - 11:00, - a fifth auxiliary recorder (EA5) has a recording programmed on France 3 (n ° 3 ), during the time slot 10:15 - 10:40. The recording server (SE) therefore determines that the first, third and fifth auxiliary recorders (EA1, EA3, EA5) have already programmed recordings of parts of the program. However, the recording time slot of the second auxiliary recorder (EA2) does not correspond to the desired time slot, said second auxiliary recorder has no already programmed recording of parts of the show. Likewise, since the channel broadcasting for the fourth auxiliary recorder (EA4) does not correspond to the channel broadcasting the broadcast, said fourth auxiliary recorder does not have an already programmed recording of parts of the program. In practice, the recording server (SE) comprises search means among the auxiliary recorders (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) on which the recording of one or more of said parts of the program is already programmed. This search means is in the form of a processor (25) configured to execute one or more computer programs stored in a memory (29) of the type previously described. The computer program is in the form of short instruction sequences which, when executed in a precise order by the processor (25), allow for each auxiliary recorder (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) to check in the data files sent by said auxiliary recorder and sent by the recording server (SE) to said auxiliary recorder: - which recordings have been programmed manually on this auxiliary recorder (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5), - which recordings have been programmed by the recording server (SE) on this auxiliary recorder (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5), - among these recordings, which correspond to one or more of the parts of the program already programmed .

Once the auxiliary recorders (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) have been determined, the recording server (SE) selects, in an identical manner and with the same means as the selection previously described, one or more of the auxiliary recorders ( EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) having already programmed the recording of one or more of said parts of the transmission, so that the set of auxiliary recorders (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) selected to be able to perform the recording of a maximum of parts of the program.

Referring again to the example of FIG. 5, the recording server (SE) selects the first and third auxiliary recorders (EA1, EA3) which together make it possible to execute the recording of all the parts of the broadcast. .

After selection of the auxiliary recorders (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5), the recording server (SE) sends a load request to the destination of the auxiliary recorders (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) selected so that a copy of the recording of said one or more parts of the transmission by said selected auxiliary recorders (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) is sent to the first recorder (PE). For each selected auxiliary recorder (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5), the load request contains record information that said auxiliary recorder is to load to the first recorder (PE). Such information may include, the name of the channel broadcasting the program, the date on which the program is broadcast, the time period or times during which the recording of part of the program is to be performed, the name of the program the broadcast, the frequency band on which the broadcast is broadcast, or others. When the recording server (SE) sends a loading request to an auxiliary recorder (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5), said recording server can send, to said auxiliary recorder, a recording identifier associated with the first recorder (PE) for which said recording is programmed. In practice, this logging identifier is contained in the loading request.

Using the example of FIG. 5, the recording server (SE) sends: a loading request to the first auxiliary recorder (EA1) containing the information "string = France 3 (No. 3)" and " time slot = 10.30 - 11.00 ", - a request for loading to the third auxiliary recorder (EA3) containing the information" string = France 3 (n ° 3) "and" time slot = 10h00 - 10h30 ", In practice, the recording server (SE) comprises means for sending a loading request to the selected auxiliary recorders (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5). This sending means is in the form of a processor (25) configured to execute one or more computer programs stored in a memory (29) of the type previously described. The computer program is in the form of short sequences of instructions which, when executed in a precise order by the processor (25), allow sending, via the connection means (28), to each of the recorders auxiliary (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) selected the information relating to the sending of the transmission part recordings to the first recorder (PE) that each of said auxiliary recorders must execute. To send a copy of said record to the first recorder (PE), each auxiliary recorder (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) can locate said first recorder on the two-way telecommunication network by means of the recorder identifier contained in the loading request, so as to send him directly said copy, or to pass the said copy by the recording server (SE) in the same way as described above.20

Claims (8)

REVENDICATIONS1. A method for performing television program recordings using digital television recorders (EP, EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) connected to a broadcast network and having at least two tuners (1 ', 1 ") and a storage memory (9) for storing recordings, wherein: - the recorders (EP, EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) are connected to a recording server (SE) via a bidirectional telecommunication network the recorders (EP, EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) send to the recording server (SE) information (IEP, IEA1, IEA2, IEA3, IEA4, IEA5) relating to their ability to execute a recording, when a recording of a television program broadcast on the broadcast network is manually programmed on a first recorder (PE), the recording server (SE) determines whether said first recorder (PE) is capable of execute the recording of said transmission, - when said first recorder is unable to perform the recording of one or more parts of the transmission, said recording server: o search among the auxiliary recorders (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) which or which are capable of performing the recording of one or more of said parts of the emission, o selects one or more of the auxiliary recorders (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) capable of performing the recording of one or more of several of said parts of the program so that the set of auxiliary recorders (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) selected is capable of performing the recording of at least all the parts of the program for which the first recorder (PE) is unable to perform the recording, -34- o programs the recording of parts of the program on the auxiliary recorders (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) selected in such a way that that the sum of the said parts these auxiliary recorders correspond to at least all the parts of the broadcast for which the first recorder (PE) is unfit to perform the recording. The method of claim 1 wherein the information (IEP, IEA1, IEA2, IEA3, IEA4, IEA5) relating to the ability of a recorder (EP, EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) to perform a recording includes: - information on the manually programmed recording (s) on the recorder (EP, EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5), - information on the recorder's capacity (EP, EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) to receive a television program, - information on the state of use of each of the tuners (1 ', 1 ") equipping the recorder (EP, EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5), - Information on the available space in the storage memory (9) of the recorder (EP, EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5). A method according to any one of the preceding claims wherein, when the recording of a first television program is programmed by the recording server (SE) on an auxiliary recorder (EA1), and subsequently the recording of a second television program, is manually programmed on said auxiliary recorder, or respectively the viewing of a second television program is manually required on said auxiliary recorder, and the latter is unable to simultaneously perform the recording of the first transmission and the recording, or respectively the viewing, of the second emission: the auxiliary recorder (EA1) executes the recording, or the viewing, of the second transmission, -35- - the recording server ( SE), informed in real time, by means of the information (IEA1), sent by said auxiliary recorder, and relating to the ability of the recording auxiliary listener (EA1) to execute a recording, of the inability of said auxiliary recorder to simultaneously perform the recording of the first broadcast and the recording, or respectively the viewing, of the second transmission: o search among the other auxiliary recorders ( EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) which are capable of performing the recording of one or more parts of the first transmission, o selects one or more of the other auxiliary recorders (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) capable of executing recording one or more of said parts of the first broadcast, so that all of said other selected auxiliary recorders are able to perform the recording of at least the whole of the first program, where program recording of parts of the first transmission on the other auxiliary recorders (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) selected so that the sum of said recorded by the auxiliary recorders corresponds to at least the whole of the first broadcast. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein, after performing the recording of one or more portions of a television program programmed by the recording server (SE) on an auxiliary recorder (EA1, EA2 , EA3, EA4, EA5), the latter loads said recording to the first recorder (PE), via the bidirectional telecommunication network, and if said recording was not programmed manually on said auxiliary recorder, the latter erases said record from its storage memory (9). 2 9 7 9 1 7 6 -36- 5. The method of claim 4 wherein, the loading speed of a recording, an auxiliary recorder (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) to the first recorder (PE) increases with: - the space of storing (92) the storage memory (9) that the first recorder (PE) shares with the auxiliary recorders (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) connected to the recording server (SE), - and / or the number of tuners (1 ', 1 ") equipping the first recorder (PE), and / or the time since the first recorder (PE) is connected to the recording server (SE), and / or the number of recordings programmed by the recording server (SE) that the first recorder (PE) has already executed. 6. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which, before searching among the auxiliary recorders (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) which are capable of performing the recording of one or more parts of a television program, the recording server (SE): - searches whether the recording of one or more of said parts of the emission is already programmed on auxiliary recorders (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5), - selects one or more of the auxiliary recorders (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) having already programmed the recording of one or more of said parts of the transmission, so that all the auxiliary recorders ( EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) selected is able to execute the recording of a maximum of parts of the emission, - sends a loading request to the auxiliary recorders (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5 ) selected in such a way that a copy the recording of said part or parts of the transmission by said selected auxiliary recorders is sent to the first recorder. 7. Method according to one of claims 3 or 6 wherein, when the recording server (SE) programs the recording of parts of a program on an auxiliary recorder (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5), or respectively sends a load request to an auxiliary recorder (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5), said recording server sends, to said auxiliary recorder, a recorder identifier associated with the first recorder (PE) for wherein said recording is programmed, and wherein the auxiliary recorder (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) locates the first recorder (PE) on the bidirectional telecommunication network by means of said recorder identifier, so as to load said record to said first recorder, or respectively to send a copy of said record to said first recorder. 8. A television program recording system comprising digital television recorders (EP, EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) having at least two tuners (1 ', 1 ") connected to a broadcast television network and a storage memory (9) in which are stored records, characterized in that the recorders (EP, EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) further comprise: - means of connection to a recording server (SE) via a bidirectional telecommunication network, - means for sending to the information recording server (SE) (IEP, IEA1, IEA2, IEA3, IEA4, IEA5) relating to their ability to execute a recording , and in that the recording server (SE) comprises: - a verification means configured to determine whether a first recorder (PE) is able to perform a recording of a television program broadcast on the broadcast network, when the recorded of said transmission is manually programmed on said first recorder, -38- - search means, among the auxiliary recorders (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5), from which are able to perform the recording of a or more of said parts of the transmission, when the first recorder (PE) is incapable of performing the recording of one or more parts of the transmission, - means for selecting one or more of the auxiliary recorders (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) capable of performing the recording of one or more of said parts of the transmission, so that all the auxiliary recorders (EA1, EA2, EA3, EA4, EA5) selected are capable of performing the recording of at least all the parts of the broadcast for which the first recorder (PE) is unable to perform the recording, - a means of programming the recording of parts of the broadcast on auxiliary recorders (EA1, EA2, E A3, EA4, EA5) selected so that the sum of said parts recorded by said auxiliary recorders corresponds to at least all the parts of the broadcast for which the first recorder (PE) is unable to perform the recording.