Method and apparatus for dynamically adjusting a recording time

A method provides the recording time dynamically based on the difference of the video / audio characteristics between two successive image clips in a desired program. First, the method receives data signals according to a desired program with a plurality of successive picture clips and commercial clips, each of which is broadcast between two corresponding image clips. The method begins, the data signals at a predetermined start time (220), (320), (420), (520) to record (620). Next, the method compares the video / audio characteristics of a first image clip broadcast against a reference commercial clip and a second image clip broadcast directly after the reference commercial clip (260), (360), (460), (560), ( 660). If the difference of the video / audio characteristics between the first and second image clips is greater than a predetermined value, the process stops the recording of the data signals (270), (370), (470), (570), (670).