A method and system for automated run-time adjustment that includes an ability to start or end a scheduled recording at an earlier or later period of time. The adjustment may allow a program to be recorded in its entirety regardless of whether the program is starting late or running long. The recording period adjustments performed in accordance with the contemplated run-time adjustment may be made with reliance on data transmitted with the program in order to optionally insure the adjustment are made with respect to the actual content and not some pre-determined or arbitrary recording extension inputted by a user.