Audio visual player apparatus and system and method of content distribution using the same

Abstract

A system is presented providing content to a plurality of handheld devices (including musical selections). The devices can access a server over the Internet via a WIFI or other similar wireless interconnection and can download songs requested by a user from the server or from other users using, e.g., a P2P protocol. All downloads are governed by applicable DRM rules. Content and playlists may also be pushed by a server from other sources and means including, e.g., podcasting, based on predetermined rules, favorite preferences of users, and other criteria.

1 - 8 . (canceled) 
     
     
         9 . A method for selecting and distributing digital media content from a library of digital media selections comprising
 compiling user preference information related to several users;   analyzing said user preference information;   generating playlists for the several users based on said preference information, said playlists listing at least one selection from said library; and   delivering the respective playlist to a user-controlled device associated with the respective user.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the user-controlled device is authenticated prior to delivery of said selection. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein said analysis is accomplished using statistical analysis. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 9  wherein after receiving said playlist, the user chooses selections from the playlist on the user-controlled device, and transmits his choices to the server; and in response the server transmits the chosen selections from the library. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein a license for content is delivered to said user-controlled device permitting the rendering of the selection on the user-controlled device prior to delivery of chosen selections to said user-controlled device. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13  wherein said license delivery conforms to a DRM protocol. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 9  wherein after the user-controlled device receives the selections together with the list. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 9  wherein after the delivery of the list, changes are made to the selections in the library, further comprising updating the list to one of the user-controlled device in accordance with the changes. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein such changes include additions, deletions, or re-ordering of the list, which may occur gradually over time or periodically.