Importance

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Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a device for storing audio/video data in a home network. They allow addition of storage possibilities to apparatuses of the set-top box type which do not have or cannot develop them so as to extend the functionality of the apparatus without a software update, dependent on connections/disconnections of peripheral storage equipment. To this end, the invention provides a virtual management of the storage possibilities within one and the same apparatus. An abstraction layer is realized above the physical storage support by software storage means co-operating with control means so as to hide details on the used peripheral storage unit or units from the application. For an application requiring storage of audio/video data, the operation is transparent. The peripheral storage units are detected when they are “hot”, dependent on their connection/disconnection, and are taken into account by the control means at the level of the available storage capacity. The application conducts a dialogue only with a single interface for its storage needs, while the control means co-operate with the software storage means for managing the transfer of data to and from the different peripheral storage units.

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First Claim