Audio converter device and method for using the same

Abstract

An audio converter device and a method for using the same. The audio converter device receives the digital audio data from a first device via a local area network. The audio converter device decompresses the digital audio data and converts the digital audio data into analog electrical data. The audio converter device transfers the analog electrical data to an audio playback device.

1 . A system comprising: 
 a server device having an associated content management system by which a user creates a play list for accessing one or more of a plurality of digital media files accessible to the server device; and    a client device in communication via a local area network with the server device, the client device having an associated display for displaying a representation of at least a portion of the play list received from the server device and having a user interface for allowing a user to interact with the displayed play list and to cause the client device to transmit via the local area network to the server device a request to initiate playing of one or more digital media files represented on the displayed play list;    wherein the client device further comprises a volatile memory buffer to store portions of a digital media file requested to be played when transmitted to the client device from the server device via the local area network; a microprocessor to convert portions of the digital media file as stored in the volatile memory buffer into a format usable by a playback system; and a buffer management function to control flow of portions of the digital media file requested to be played from the server device to the client device to ensure that the volatile memory buffer is filled as portions of the digital media file already received from the server device and stored in the volatile memory buffer are being converted by the microprocessor.    
   
   
       2 . The system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the client device comprises a portable device.  
   
   
       3 . The system as recited in  claim 2 , wherein the portable device comprises the playback system.  
   
   
       4 . The system as recited in  claim 3 , wherein the portable device comprises a personal digital assistant.  
   
   
       5 . The system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the display comprises a portable device.  
   
   
       6 . The system as recited in  claim 5 , wherein the portable device comprises a personal digital assistant.  
   
   
       7 . The system as recited in  claim 6 , wherein the personal digital assistant is dockable with the client device.  
   
   
       8 . The system as recited in  claim 7 , wherein the client device comprises the playback device.  
   
   
       9 . The system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the display is operatively attached to the client device.