A data management method for recorded programs stored on a digital recording device. A portion of a first recorded program is rendered to an audio/video device. A user command is received for releasing memory associated with a rendered portion of the first recorded program. In response to the user command, the memory associated with the rendered portion is released, wherein the memory is available to store data associated with a second recorded program and a remaining portion of the first recorded program is available for presentation to the audio/video device. The present invention provides a method for maximizing the storage space of a digital recording device, such as a personal video recorder (PVR) or a digital video recorder (DVR), by allowing for partial deletion of a recorded program. The remaining portion of the recorded program may be presented in response to a second user command.