TVSquad

The folks at AppleInsider have uncovered a group of patent applications filed by Apple back in 2006. The filing, which became public this week provide details for a hardware and software interface that would allow users to watch and record live television. In other words, Apple may have been planning to turn the AppleTV into a PVR all along, which is kind of what we've been hoping for since the company first announced the media streaming device.

Some of the more interesting patents cover a remote control device that looks a bit like an iPod Nano. The idea is that you'd be able to download program information from your set top box unto the remote control and view it using the small built in LCD. You could then view program listings and schedule recordings using just the remote. Next time you bring the remote in contact with your set top box the recordings will be scheduled.

The patent filings also show a series of on-screen menus that would allow users to browse program listings, schedule recordings, or watch recorded programs using an AppleTV. It's never a good idea to read too much into these patent filings. Some or all of these concepts may never see the light of day. But there's really not much reason to doubt that Apple plans to add PVR functions to the AppleTV. It's got a hard drive, internet connection, and it's designed to play video on your TV screen. Why wouldn't you be able to watch and record live programming using the same box?