A method and system for providing personal video recording ("PVR") functions to a client viewing a broadcast program in a multi-client network (10). To provide the PVR functions, predetermined storage limits are allocated for each client in a storage device (32) on the network (10). Each client is permitted to execute the PVR functions if the client's stored broadcast programming has not reached the client's predetermined storage limit. Otherwise, the client is only permitted to view the broadcast program in real time or the stored broadcast program. A client may clear space in the client's allocated portion of the storage device by fast-forwarding through stored broadcast programming.