A personal video recording/storage apparatus for downloading streaming
video and data contents from a number of sources and storing the video
files to an internal storage device, such as a disk drive. The apparatus
further has the ability to offload the video files (e.g., originally
stored in the fixed storage device) to an internal removable media
storage device. The video files stored in the internal storage devices
may thereafter be retrieved, processed, and provided for viewing on
demand at a later time (e.g., on a standard television set, a
high-definition television set, flat panel display, computer monitor, or
an equivalent output device). One embodiment of the invention includes an
apparatus equipped with a wireless keyboard and software that enables a
user to access the Web and email services, edit recorded material,
download new coder/decoder (Codec) software, order a movie on demand,
and/or perform other functions.