Method and Apparatus for Optimizing Space Allocations for Digital Video Recordings

A method for processing a digital video recording that includes storing the digital video recording onto a storage, in which the digital video recording is to be subsequently viewed by a user. The method further includes receiving user input selecting the digital video recording for viewing, and responsive to the user input, playing back the digital video recording to the user. The method further includes simultaneously deleting a viewed portion of the digital video recording from the storage as the user views the digital video recording during playback of the digital video recording.