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 delivering digital content to a user operated device comprising
 delivering a list of desired content to said user operated device;   identifying missing content represented in said list not stored in said user operated device;   delivering said missing content; and   updating said list.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the delivery process is monitored by the user operated device. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein when said monitoring recognizes an interruption and marks the position of said interruption for delivery resumption at that position with a pointer. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the user modifies said list based on fields included in said list. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein said list is generated by a database remote to said user operated device. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein said user operated device is operated wirelessly. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein an authentication system in used in connection with the delivery. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 9  wherein said list is created by express or implied actions of the user on said user-operated devices. 
     
     
         17 . A method for delivering digital content in a networked environment comprising:
 delivering a catalogued list of available content from a stored media means to a user operated device;   identifying missing content represented in said list but not stored in said user operated device;   activating a communication pathway to a source; and   delivering said missing content to said user operated device from said source.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein a digital rights license for rendering the content is delivered to said device prior to delivering content to said device. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein a plurality of sources is identified for particular content. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein a preferred source is identified from among said plurality of sources and from which content is delivered. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein an authentication system verifies the identity of the user prior to delivery. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 17  wherein said user operated device is operated wirelessly. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 17  wherein said content source is shared by several user-operated devices. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 17  wherein said content source is one or more user-operated devices. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 17  wherein said catalogued list is arranged in a hierarchical structure based on identifiers associated with the content selections. 
     
     
         26 . A method for delivering digital content from a device with content in a networked environment comprising:
 providing an intermediate server in said networked environment;   collecting with said intermediate server a new list of newly updated content from a plurality of content sources;   generating listings for various media player devices by said intermediate server;   transmitting said listings to said various media player devices;   receiving requests for the new content based on the respective listing from one of the musical players; and   in response to said request, downloading new content from said intermediate server to the requesting media player device.   
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 26  where said listings include metadata related to the new content including one of a title, artist, media and cover art. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 26  wherein each new listing is given an identification number, and wherein each media player compares the corresponding identification number with its own listing to determine if the new listing contains any new information. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 26  wherein said listing is a delta file containing modifications required to update the listings of different media players. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 26  wherein said new listing includes a complete updated catalog. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 30  wherein a user of the respective media player browses the updated catalog to identify new content the user wants on his media player, said browsing occurring at a time said media player is not continuously connected to the network. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 26  wherein the listing for a media player includes a file containing a listing of new content having predetermined characteristics. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 32  wherein said listing includes top rated content of interest to the user.