Network apparatus and method for preview of music products and compilation of market data

Abstract

A system for on-line user-interactive multimedia based point-of-preview. The system provides for a network web site and accompanying software and hardware for allowing users to access the web site over a network such as the intemet via a computer. The user is uniquely identified to the web site server through an identification name or number. The hardware associated with the web site includes storage of discrete increments of pre-selected portions of music products for user selection and preview. After user selection, a programmable data processor selects the particular pre-recorded music product from data storage and then transmits that chosen music product over the network to the user for preview. Subscriber selection and profile data (i.e. demographic information) can optionally be collected and stored to develop market research data. Since the system provides for multiple embodiments, the system contemplates previewing of audio programs such as music on compact discs, video programs such as movies and text from books and other written documents. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the network web site can be accessed from a publicly accessible kiosk, available, e.g. at a retail store location, or from a desk top computer.

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         13 . A method for issuing a recommendation from a computer associated with a web site to a remote web site user a digital product available for sale, the method comprising: 
 (a) at the web site, creating a remote user profile comprising stored data containing personal information and at least one characteristic of a digital product that a remote user previously accessed on the web site,    wherein the web site comprises (i) a host server coupled to a communications network running at least one application program for retrieving and transmitting the preview of the pre-recorded digital product upon request by the remote user, (ii) a storage device for storing previews of a plurality of different pre-recorded digital products, and (iii) a database associated with the application program for the persistent storage of user profile information;    (b) on a computer associated with the web site, comparing characteristics of at least one pre-recorded digital product to the stored user profile data; and    (c) from the computer associated with the web site, issuing a recommendation recommending to the remote user at least one pre-recorded digital product having a characteristic that matches stored data the user profile.    
     
     
         14 . The method according to  claim 13 , wherein the personal information is selected from the group consisting of the user's e-mail address, the user's web site identification data, and combinations thereof; and wherein the characteristics include data selected from the group consisting of (i) the user's demographics, (ii) the user's music preferences, (iii) the user's previous purchases, (iv) the user's past previews different pre-recorded digital products, (v) the user's ratings of past previewed pre-selected portions of different pre-recorded digital products, (vi) the user's previous searches, and combinations thereof.  
     
     
         15 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein the recommending step includes providing a recommendation web page comprising information about at least one recommended pre-recorded digital product.  
     
     
         16 . The method according to  claim 15 , wherein the information provided on the recommendation web page comprises at least one link to a web page of a specific pre-recorded digital product.  
     
     
         17 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein the user recommending step includes sending a recommendation e-mail to the user's e-mail address, wherein the e-mail comprises information about at least one recommended pre-recorded digital product.  
     
     
         18 . The method according to  claim 17 , wherein the recommendation e-mail comprises at least one link to a web page of a specific pre-recorded digital product.