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 . An apparatus for playing digital media content comprising:
 a communications port;   a module for recording text messages;   a performance monitoring module for monitoring performance capability on said external ports; and   a decision support module to determine which external port to use to acquire digital content.   
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein said apparatus includes a microphone. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein said apparatus additionally includes a mixing module for inserting digital media content into a message; 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein said apparatus additionally includes a message formulation module. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein said apparatus additionally includes a message delivery module. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein said message delivery module includes delivery to a plurality of users. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein said apparatus includes a video recorder. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the user controlled device is comprised of a wireless communication module. 
     
     
         17 . A method for acquiring digital media content in a networked environment comprising:
 storing digital media content data on a user controlled device;   creating a communication pathway from said user controlled device to a data storage means;   capturing user profile data on said data storage means from external sources filtering said user profile data;   delivering filtered user profile data to said user controlled device; and   delivering digital content to a second user controlled device.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , where the filtering is accomplished based upon user initiated criteria. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17 , where the filtering is accomplished based upon a decision module within said first user controlled device. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 17 , where the filtering is accomplished based upon a decision module within said second user controlled device. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 17 , where the filtering is accomplished based upon collaborative filtering techniques. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 17 , where the user is authenticated prior to delivery of said digital content.