WO2004054265A1

WO2004054265A1 - Intermediate storage of a/v data at the internet

Info

Publication number: WO2004054265A1
Application number: PCT/IB2003/005660
Authority: WO
Inventors: Adolf Proidl
Original assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
Priority date: 2002-12-12
Filing date: 2003-12-02
Publication date: 2004-06-24
Also published as: AU2003302862A1

Abstract

Method and system for receiving and recording signals (Si), in particular video signals. In order to create a system for receiving and recording signals (Si) with which multiple programs can be recorded simultaneously without a corresponding outlay on hardware, or signals (Si) can be recorded even if the recording device is momentarily unavailable, means (1) for receiving a first signal (S1), and a memory (2) for recording the received first signal (S1), are provided, wherein a device (6) for communicating with a data network (7), in particular the Internet, is provided. Further provided in the data network (7) is a device (8) for receiving at least one further signal (S2), and a buffer (9) for temporarily recording the at least one further signal (S2), and, further, a device (10) for transmitting the at least one further signal (S2) from the buffer (9) to the memory (2) via the data network (7) at a later time.

Description

Intermediate storage of A/N data at the Internet

The invention relates to a method of receiving and recording signals, in particular video signals.

The invention further relates to a system for receiving and recording signals, in particular video signals, with means for receiving a first signal and with a memory for recording the received first signal.

The invention further relates to a device for receiving and recording signals, in particular video signals, with means for receiving a first signal, a memory for recording the received first signal and a device for communicating with a data network, in particular the Internet. The invention further relates to a computing device with means for communicating with a data network, in particular the Internet, with a device for receiving at least one signal, in particular a video signal, and with a buffer for temporarily recording the at least one signal.

Finally, the invention relates to a method for the computer-supported leasing of reception and recording capacity in a data network, in particular the Internet.

With known methods and devices for receiving and recording signals, in particular video signals, only one signal at a time can normally be received and simultaneously recorded. For example, only one program can normally be received and recorded with a video recorder. The same also applies to audio receivers with appropriate magnetic tape for recording audio signals. The user of a radio recorder, video recorder or DND (Digital Versatile Disc) recorder therefore usually has to restrict himself to one program he wishes to record. With conventional appliances, the simultaneous recording of multiple signals is not possible. The acquisition of a second reception and recording appliance or an appliance equipped with the appropriate supplementary functions is necessary in order to create the opportunity of simultaneous recording of multiple signals. In order to avoid an additional investment of this kind, methods of enabling the recording of, for example, television signals, via virtual video recorders on the Internet have been created. The recordings are hereby saved in the memory of this virtual video recorder on the Internet and can be played back on a personal computer by means of live video streaming technology. Owing to the low transmission bandwidths, however, the quality of playbacks of this kind is not very high. Any subsequent re-recording of the programs recorded on the virtual video recorder, e.g. onto the hard disk of a personal computer, is generally not possible, mainly for legal reasons.

A reception and recording device with which multiple programs can be recorded simultaneously is known from US 2001/0033736 Al. The technical complexity of the hardware necessary for this is, however, relatively high, so the costs of an appliance of this kind do not permit it to be widely used.

It is an object of the present invention to create a method for receiving and recording signals, in particular video signals, which enables the recording of simultaneously transmitted signals. The method is further intended to enable the recording of transmitted signals even if the recording device is momentarily unavailable. This may be the case, for instance, if the memory capacity is inadequate for the recording, the memory is momentarily unavailable or the appliance is switched off. The reproduction of the recorded signal is to be of the highest possible quality. Finally, the method is to be capable of implementation in as cost-effective and simple a manner as possible, making its broad application assured. Disadvantages of known methods are to be avoided or at least reduced.

It is a further object of the invention to create a system for receiving and recording signals, in particular video signals, which enables the recording of simultaneously transmitted signals or the recording of signals even in the event of the temporary unavailability of the recording device, e.g. if memory capacity is limited. The system of receiving and recording signals is to be of a structure that is as simple and cost-effective as possible, so its broad application can be assured.

Further objects relate to the creation of a device for receiving and recording signals, the creation of a computing device with means for communicating with a data network, in particular the Internet, and the creation of a method for the computer-supported leasing of receiving and recording capacity, in particular the Internet, by means of which the recording of simultaneously transmitted signals, in particular video signals, is possible, or the recording of transmitted signals is possible even if the recording device is momentarily unavailable. The first object of the invention is achieved by a method of receiving and recording signals, in particular video signals, wherein at least one signal is recorded in a buffer provided in a data network, in particular the Internet, and wherein this at least one further signal is transmitted from the buffer to a memory via the data network at a later time. In addition to the reception and recording of a first signal, the method in accordance with the invention enables at least one further signal to be recorded externally, i.e. in a buffer provided in a data network, and the buffered signal to be transmitted into the internal memory at a later time. The reception and recording of at least one further signal is thereby relocated at least for the time of the reception and recording of the first signal, in order to transmit it from the temporary buffer into the final memory at a later time at which the first signal is no longer being received and recorded. By virtue of the method in accordance with the invention, the user pays for the reception and recording of a further signal only if he takes advantage of it. By contrast with this, if he were to purchase an appliance designed to receive two or more signals, the user would, right at the purchasing stage, be liable for the extra costs of the reception and recording of a further signal irrespective of whether and to what extent this additional function is used. The method can be expanded for a virtually arbitrary number of simultaneously transmitted signals. It is also possible to use the method to receive and record signals if a device for receiving and recording a signal, in particular a video signal, is temporarily unavailable. This may be the case, for instance, if the capacity of the memory is inadequate, if no memory is present or if the appliance is temporarily switched off. In a case of this kind, the recording of the signal may be temporarily relocated to the buffer in the data network, whereupon the signal recorded in the data network is transmitted into the memory at a later time. For example, in the case of inadequate memory capacity, the remainder of the signal, e.g. the video program, may be saved in the buffer of the data network and transmitted to a corresponding memory via the data network at a later time. One further application example of the method in accordance with the invention is the temporary relocation of the recording of a signal for as long as the reception and recording appliance, e.g. the DVD recorder, is as yet unready to record. Thus, for example, those times during which a recording appliance is being switched from standby mode to ready mode can be bridged. Likewise, the recording of signals could be enabled even if the user does not intend to record until a time after the start of the signal. For example, music clips could be buffered in the data network as standard, so the user can adopt the entire music clip into the memory of his appliance even if he does not invoke this until the transmission of the music clip is underway. The present method can be used, in particular, in appliances for the recording of television signals such as DND (Digital Versatile Disc) recorders. Application is also possible, however, in the case of other reception signals such as audio signals. The method can be used on any recording media, such as optical memories, hard-disk memories and also magnetic tape.

When a first signal is received and recorded in the memory, and the first received signal to be recorded and the at least one further signal to be recorded are transmitted at least partially simultaneously, then, despite the at least partial overlapping of the signals, a complete recording of these can take place by virtue of the method in accordance with the invention.

The first signal and the at least one further signal may form parts of a program, wherein the at least one further buffered signal represents the part of the program that exceeds the available capacity of the memory. In this manner, it can be achieved that even signals that last longer than the recording length available in the memory are recorded. That part in the form of the further signal is thereby buffered externally, and transmitted via the data network at a later time from the buffer to the memory. The transmission of the at least one further buffered signal from the buffer to the memory is preferably started automatically subsequent to the completion of storing the first signal. The transmission of the at least one further signal from the buffer to the memory may hereby be started even when the recording of the signal in the buffer is still underway.

In accordance with a further feature of the invention, the transmission of the at least one further buffered signal from the buffer to the memory is started automatically if a memory with a capacity that is adequate at least for recording this at least one further signal is present. This means that, once a data medium with sufficient free memory space, e.g. a writable optical disk, has been inserted, the externally buffered signals are automatically transmitted into the internal memory. Provision may additionally be made that, during the recording of the at least one further signal, cost information is determined, which is preferably stored together with an identification of the user of the method. In this manner, the external buffering of the signals may be billed accordingly. The cost information may be determined in different ways. For instance, a lump sum for the buffering or a time-dependent sum, possibly as a function of the nature of the recorded signal, may be charged.

Provision may additionally be made that, together with the identification of the user, a maximum capacity of the buffer is stored. In this manner, different sizes of buffers may be assigned to specific users, which may also have an influence on the cost information. Further stored with the identification of the user may be the source of the possible signals to be buffered. In this manner, specific transmitters, which emit specific signals, may be isolated for specific users. The user profile, i.e. specific interests of the user, may be taken into account hereby. The sources of the possible signals to be buffered may hereby be derived from entries in a database. This database may contain authorizations for the receipt of different signals or time restrictions, etc.

The second object of the invention is achieved by a system for receiving and recording signals, in particular video signals, with means for receiving a first signal, and with a memory for recording the received first signal, wherein a device for communicating with a data network, in particular the Internet, is provided, and wherein provided in the data network is a device for receiving at least one further signal, and a buffer for temporarily recording the at least one further signal, and, further, a device for transmitting the at least one further signal from the buffer to the memory via the data network at a later time. The system in accordance with the invention therefore comprises essentially a conventional reception and recording appliance, such as a video recorder, which is equipped with a device for connection to a data network, in particular the Internet. An interface for the Internet of this kind is especially cost- effective, for which reason the purchase price of a device of this kind is not significantly higher than for conventional appliances. Additionally provided in the data network is a device for receiving at least one further signal, and a buffer for the temporary recording of the at least one further signal, which buffer virtually supplements the reception and recording appliance. In the event that the reception and recording appliance is occupied with recording a signal, or has inadequate memory capacity, or is switched off, the recording of a signal may be relocated into the data network, in particular the Internet. In theory, this may occur simultaneously for any number of signals. Further provided in the data network is a device for transmitting the at least one further signal from the buffer to the memory via the data network at a later time, so the buffered signals can be loaded into the memory of the user's appliance. If the transmission takes place via a telephone line, the transmission time can be selected such that the lowest possible transmission charges arise.

The device for receiving and the device for transmitting the at least one further signal advantageously take the form of a computing unit with a device for communicating with the data network, in particular the Internet. The computing unit is equipped with a connection to one or more broadcasting stations, which transmit the signals to be buffered. This connection may be cable-related or cable-less. The memory in the reception and recording appliance may take the form of a writable optical medium, in particular a writable DVD, a hard-disk memory or even a magnetic medium, e.g. a magnetic tape. The buffer in the device for the temporary recording of the at least one further signal preferably also takes the form of a hard-disk memory. However, all possible storage media, e.g. including holographic memories, are conceivable both for the memory and for the buffer.

In accordance with a further feature of the invention, means are provided for detecting the available capacity of the memory, which are connected to the device for communicating with the data network. If, for example, it is recognized that a signal to be recorded does not fit into the memory of the appliance, information to this effect may be transmitted to the device for communicating with the data network, whereupon either the entire signal or at least that part that will not fit into the memory is buffered in the data network and transmitted subsequently, e.g. after a new storage medium has been inserted into the appliance. In addition, means for determining cost information may be provided, which means are connected to the device for receiving the at least one further signal. The costs arising for the buffering of the signals can thereby be determined accordingly and subsequently billed to the user of the device.

The means for determining the cost information are hereby preferably connected to a device for accepting and storing the identification of a user, so that an unambiguous assignment to a user can take place.

A database for saving the user identification together with user-specific data may also be provided in the data network. The user-specific data may, for instance, take the form of a catalog of those signals for which external buffering is possible. The further object of the invention is also achieved by means of a device for receiving and recording signals, in particular video signals, with means for receiving a first signal, a memory for recording the received first signal and a device for communicating with a data network, in particular the Internet, wherein the communication device is designed to communicate with a device provided in the data network for receiving and with a buffer for temporarily recording at least one further signal, and is further designed to receive the at least one further signal from the buffer into the memory at a later time. The reception and recording appliance in accordance with the invention thereby enables the requesting of the recording of a relocated signal in the data network and the adoption of this buffered signal into its own memory. With an interface with the data network and appropriate control, an appliance of this kind, e.g. a video recorder, thereby enables the simultaneous recording of multiple signals without the hardware for the simultaneous recording of multiple signals being necessary.

Means for inputting a user identification to the device are advantageously provided. Through the inputting of the user identification, a user-specific billing for the buffering of the signals can take place, or specific user settings, which may be present in, for example, a database may be assigned to the particular user.

The further object of the invention is achieved by means of a computing device with means for communicating with a data network, in particular the Internet, with a device for receiving at least one signal, in particular a video signal, and with a buffer for temporarily recording the at least one signal, wherein a device for transmitting the at least one signal from the buffer, via the data network, to the memory of a device for receiving and recording signals, in particular video signals, is provided. A computing device of this kind in the data network enables the temporary buffering of signals and the transmission of these into the memory of a reception and recording device, e.g. a video recorder.

Means for determining cost information as a function of the receiving and recording of the at least one signal are advantageously assigned to the computing means. These means for determining cost information may, of course, also be implemented in the computing device itself. If a database for saving user-specific data is assigned to the computing device, different settings may be invoked. For example, a specific user may be permitted to receive a specific signal, or this authorization may also be time-limited.

Finally, the last object of the invention is achieved by means of a method for the computer-supported leasing of reception and recording capacity in a data network, in particular the Internet, wherein the following steps are implemented: agreement of leasing conditions for a buffer connected to the data network with a user of a device for receiving and recording a first signal, in particular a video signal, that can be connected to the data network; actioning the reception and recording of a further signal in the buffer by the device; invoking the further signal stored in the buffer by the device; calculation of leasing costs on the basis of the agreed leasing conditions; and assignment of the leasing costs to an account held by the user. This method enables the leasing of reception and recording capacity in a data network, wherein the user of the method is charged the costs he actually incurs. The user therefore does not need to pay immediately for the option of recording a further signal by purchasing a correspondingly complex appliance, instead having to do so only if he actually takes advantage of this service.

The calculation of the leasing costs hereby preferably takes account of the time at which the further signal stored in the buffer was invoked. Incentives can thereby be created, by appropriate pricing, for the use of the transmission at times at which less data traffic takes place.

The invention will be further described with reference to examples of embodiments shown in the drawings, to which, however, the invention is not restricted.

Fig. 1 shows, schematically, a block circuit diagram of one embodiment of the system for receiving and recording signals, in particular video signals, in accordance with the invention.

Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 show timing diagrams to illustrate two application examples of the method in accordance with the invention.

Fig. 4 shows a flowchart to explain an application example of the method in accordance with the invention.

Fig. 1 shows a block circuit diagram of one embodiment of the system for receiving and recording signals, in particular video signals, in accordance with the invention. Hereby provided is a means 1 for receiving a first signal Si, e.g. a video signal, which is connected to a memory 2 for recording the received first signal Si. The reception means 1 and the memory 2 may, for example, take the form of a recording appliance 16, such as a video recorder for example. In order to receive a signal Sj, the reception means 1 is connected to an antenna 3 or a corresponding cable terminal. The memory 2 may be an optical medium, a hard disk or a magnetic tape. The signals Sj to be received are made available by a broadcasting station 4, e.g. with a corresponding transmitting antenna 5. In accordance with the invention, a device 6 for communicating with a data network 7, in particular the Internet, is provided, which device is connected to the reception means 1. In the simplest case, the reception and recording appliance, e.g. the video recorder, differs from a conventional video recorder only in respect of this communication device 6, which constitutes the connection to the data network 7, in particular the Internet. Further provided in the data network 7 is a device 8 for receiving at least one further signal S₂. This reception device 8 can receive the signals S; transmitted by a broadcasting station 4, as indicated by the broken line. A buffer 9 for the temporary recording of the at least one further signal S₂ is also provided. This buffer 9 may take the form of e.g. a hard-disk memory. A device 10 for transmitting the at least one further signal S₂ from buffer 9, via the data network 7, into the memory 2 at a later time is also provided. The device 8 for receiving the at least one further signal S and the device 10 for transmitting the at least one further signal S₂ and, if applicable, the buffer 9 in addition, preferably take the form of a computing unit 11 with a corresponding device 17 for communicating with the data network 7, in particular the Internet. The system in accordance with the invention makes it possible to buffer, in addition to the signal Si currently being recorded, at least one further signal S₂ externally via the data network 7, and subsequently, when the recording of signal Si is completed, to transmit the buffered signal S₂ from the buffer 9 into the memory 2 of the reception device. The system can also be used to buffer a signal in a buffer 9 if the memory 2 has insufficient space available for recording the signal. In this case, the buffered signal is transmitted automatically from the buffer 9 to the memory 2 following the insertion of a new memory 2. A further application example that may be mentioned is the opportunity for a complete recording of a desired signal even if the recording of the signal is not initiated until after the signal has started. The usual warming-up period of a recording appliance 16, for example, can be bridged in this manner. If, for example, the user does not realize until the last moment that he wishes to record a specific program, this can be immediately transferred from the external buffer 9 and, once the appliance 16 is ready for operation, the start of the program can be transferred from the buffer 9 into the memory 2 of the recording device 16.

It is also possible for certain signals to be buffered in the buffer 9 for a specific period as standard, so the user can transmit the complete signal to the memory 2 of the recording device 16 even during the playback of the signal. For example, while watching a music clip, the user may decide to record it, whereupon this complete music clip is transmitted from the buffer 9 into the memory 2.

Advantageously provided are means 12 for determining the available capacity of the memory 2, which are connected to the device 6 for connection to the data network 7. If this determination means 12 recognizes that the memory 2 is inadequate for recording signal Si, information to this effect is sent to the device 6 for communication with the data network 7, whereupon either the entire signal or that part of the signal for which there is no further space in the memory 2 is recorded externally in the buffer 9.

Also provided may be means 13 for determining cost information, which are connected to the device 8 for receiving the at least one further signal S₂. The connection between the means 13 for determining cost information and the device 8 for receiving the at least one further signal S₂ may also occur via the data network 7, in particular the Internet. The means 13 establishes the costs incurred as a result of the buffering of signals S₂, which are preferably assigned to the user of the system. To this end, the means 13 for determining cost information is preferably connected to a device 14 for accepting and storing the identification (ID) of a user. For the purpose of identifying a user, the appropriate setting and inputting may be undertaken at the reception and recording appliance 16 and then passed on via the data network 7 to the device 14 for accepting and storing the identification. Advantageously provided in the data network 7 is a database 15 for saving the user identification together with user-specific data. For example, those signals Sj that are available to the particular user for buffering in the buffer 9 can be defined in this database 15. Further saved in the database 15 may be the cost information and other important information. The means 13 for determining cost information, the device 14 for accepting and storing the user's ID and the database 15 may all be part of the computing unit 11.

Fig. 2 shows a timing diagram to illustrate an application of the method in accordance with the invention, wherein two signals Si and S₂ are transmitted at least partially simultaneously from a broadcasting station 4. The user receives signal Si with his appliance, e.g. his video recorder, and records it in the memory 2. In order to store the second signal S₂ transmitted simultaneously with signal Si, a second video recorder would be required. By virtue of the method in accordance with the invention, signal S₂ is received in the data network 7 and recorded in the buffer 9. On completion of the recording of signal Si in the memory 2, signal S₂, which is stored in the buffer 9, is automatically transmitted into the memory 2. The transmission of signal S₂ from the buffer 9 into the memory 2 may hereby take place at high speed, which is illustrated by the shorter bars. To save on transmission costs, the transmission of signal S₂ from the buffer 9 to the memory 2 may also take place at specific times, e.g. during the night.

Fig. 3 shows a timing diagram for a further application example of the method in accordance with the invention. A signal Si with a capacity exceeding the free storage space of the memory 2 is hereby sent from a broadcasting station 4. That part Sn of signal Si for which there is space in the memory 2 can thereby be recorded in the memory 2. Once the memory 2 is full, the storage of the further part Sι₂ of signal Si is automatically relocated to the buffer 9. Once a new memory 2, e.g. a new video cassette or an optical disk, has been made available, the remaining part S_i2 is automatically transmitted to the memory 2. The transmission of part Sι₂ of signal Si can again be undertaken at high speed. It is, of course, also possible to save the entire signal Si in the buffer 9 and, once a memory 2 with sufficient capacity is available, to transmit the entire signal Si from the buffer 9 to the memory 2 (not shown).

Fig. 4 shows a flowchart of the method for receiving and recording signals in accordance with Fig. 2. The method is hereby started at block 100, and a request to record signals Sj is input at block 101. In response to inquiry 102, a check is made as to whether collisions with existing recording requests exist. If there are no collisions, the desired signal Si is received at block 103 and recorded in a memory 2. In response to inquiry 104, a check is made as to whether the recording of signal Si is complete. If this is not the case, the recording and storage are continued at block 103. If inquiry 102 reveals a collision of the recording, the recording of signal S₂ is relocated to an external buffer 9 at block 105. As soon as the notification is received from the memory 2 that the recording of signal Si is complete, the transmission of the buffered signal S₂ into the memory 2 is started at block 106, and then, at inquiry 107, an inquiry is made as to whether the buffering of signal S₂ is complete. If this is not the case, buffering is continued at 105. Once buffering is complete and the transmission of signal S₂ from the buffer 9 to the memory 2 is complete, the system is teπninated at block 108.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A method of receiving and recording signals, in particular video signals, wherein at least one signal is recorded in a buffer provided in a data network, in particular the Internet, and wherein this at least one further signal is transmitted from the buffer to a memory via the data network at a later time.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein a first signal is received and recorded in the memory, and the first signal and the at least one further signal are transmitted at least partially simultaneously.

3. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein a first signal is received and recorded in the memory, and the first signal and the at least one further signal form parts of a program, wherein the at least one further buffered signal represents the part of the program that exceeds the available capacity of the memory.

4. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the transmission of the at least one further buffered signal from the buffer to the memory is automatically started subsequent to the completion of storing the first signal.

5. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the transmission of the at least one further buffered signal from the buffer to the memory is started automatically if a memory with a capacity that is adequate at least for recording this at least one further signal is present.

6. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein, during the recording of the at least one further signal, cost infonnation is determined.

7. A method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the cost information is stored together with an identification of the user of the method.

8. A method as claimed in claim 7, wherein, together with the identification of the user, the maximum capacity of the buffer is stored.

9. A method as claimed in claim 7, wherein, together with the identification of the user, the source of the possible signals to be buffered is stored.

10. A system for receiving and recording signals (Sj), in particular video signals, with means (1) for receiving a first signal (Si), and with a memory (2) for recording the received first signal (Si), wherein a device (6) for communicating with a data network (7), in particular the Internet, is provided, and wherein provided in the data network (7) is a device (8) for receiving at least one further signal (S₂), and a buffer (9) for temporarily recording the at least one further signal (S₂), and, further, a device (10) for transmitting the at least one further signal (S₂) from the buffer (9) to the memory (2) via the data network (7) at a later time.

11. A system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the device (8) for receiving and the device (10) for transmitting the at least one further signal (S₂) take the form of a computing unit (11) with a device (17) for communicating with the data network (7), in particular the Internet.

12. A system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the memory (2) takes the form of a hard-disk memory or an exchangeable optical medium, in particular a writable Digital Versatile Disc (DVD+RW).

13. A system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the buffer (9) takes the form of a hard-disk memory.

14. A system as claimed in claim 10, wherein means (12) are provided for detecting the available capacity of the memory (2), which means (12) are connected to the device (6) for communicating with the data network (7).

15. A system as claimed in claim 10, wherein means (13) for determining cost information are provided, which means (13) are connected to the device (8) for receiving the at least one further signal (S₂).

16. A system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the means (13) for determining cost information are connected to a device (14) for accepting and storing the identification (ID) of a user.

17. A system as claimed in claim 16, wherein a database (15) for saving the user identification (ID) together with user-specific data is provided in the data network (7).

18. A device (16) for receiving and recording signals (Sj), in particular video signals, with means (1) for receiving a first signal (Si), a memory (2) for recording the received first signal (Si) and a device (6) for communicating with a data network (7), in particular the Internet, wherein the communication device (6) is designed to communicate with a device (8) provided in the data network (7) for receiving and with a buffer (9) for temporarily recording at least one further signal (S ), and is further designed to receive the at least one further signal (S₂) from the buffer (9) into the memory (2) at a later time.

19. A device as claimed in claim 18, wherein means for inputting a user identification (ID) are provided.

20. A computing device (11) with means (17) for communicating with a data network (7), in particular the Internet, with a device (8) for receiving at least one signal (S₂), in particular a video signal, and with a buffer (9) for temporarily recording the at least one signal (S₂), wherein a device (10) for transmitting the at least one signal (S₂) from the buffer (9), via the data network (7), to the memory (2) of a device (16) for receiving and recording signals (Sj), in particular video signals, is provided.

21. A computing device as claimed in claim 20, wherein means (13) for determining cost information as a function of receiving and recording the at least one signal (S₂) are assigned.

22. A computing device as claimed in claim 20, wherein a database (15) for saving user-specific data is assigned.

23. A method for the computer-supported leasing of reception and recording capacity in a data network, in particular the Internet, wherein the following steps are implemented: agreement of leasing conditions for a buffer connected to the data network with a user of a device for receiving and recording a first signal, in particular a video signal, that can be connected to the data network; actioning the reception and recording of a further signal in the buffer by the device; invoking the further signal stored in the buffer by the device; - calculation of leasing costs on the basis of the agreed leasing conditions; and assignment of the leasing costs to an account held by the user.

24. A leasing method as claimed in claim 23, wherein the calculation of the leasing costs takes account of the time at which the further signal stored in the buffer was invoked.