a system and method for time - shifted viewing of broadcast television programs is disclosed . simultaneous recording and playback are provided by using buffer storage as the source and destination of compressed or uncompressed digital video / audio programs . full vcr - like control is provided for all playback within the buffer storage . playback and control of recorded programs may be initiated by the user at any time after initiation of the broadcast program with simultaneous continuous recording of the ongoing live broadcast . larger archival storage and removable is also provided for storing and building a library of programs . viewer playback control data may be stored as part of the program or used as edit points prior to archival . numerous options are provided for features such as continuous automatic recording in a circular buffer fashion , program archival , editing , internet interfaces , multiple - channel recording and more .