Method and system for targeted marketing to a portable media player device owner

Abstract

A method and system includes a central location and a first set top box 28 A in communication with the central location having a first interface 32. A second set top box 28 B in communication with the central location 100 has a second interface 32. A portable device 36 in communication with the second set top box 28 B through the second interface and storing a token therein. Thereafter, the token is communicated through the interface to the first set top box. The first set top box 28 A communicates the token to the central location 100 so that targeted marketing may be generated.

1 . A method comprising:
 coupling a portable device to a first storage device separate from the portable device at a first time;   storing a file on the portable device from the first storage device;   coupling the portable device to a second storage device at a second time after the first time;   storing a token on the portable device from the second storage device;   coupling the portable device to the first storage device at a third time after the second time;   thereafter, communicating the token to a central location from the first storage device; and   directing advertising to a first user of the first storage device in response to the token.   
     
     
         2 . A method of  claim 1  wherein the token identifies a second user account characteristic associated with the second storage device. 
     
     
         3 . A method of  claim 1  wherein directing advertising comprises directing advertising regarding services associated with the second user account. 
     
     
         4 . A method of  claim 1  wherein directing advertising comprises mailing advertising to the first user. 
     
     
         5 . A method of  claim 1  wherein directing advertising comprises directing advertising from a central location. 
     
     
         6 . A method of  claim 1  wherein directing advertising comprises directing advertising from a central location through a terrestrial system. 
     
     
         7 . A method of  claim 1  wherein directing advertising comprises directing advertising from a central location through a satellite system. 
     
     
         8 . A method of  claim 1  wherein the portable device comprises a portable media player. 
     
     
         9 . A method of  claim 1  communicating a secure time to the portable device. 
     
     
         10 . A method of  claim 1  wherein the portable device comprises a computer. 
     
     
         11 . A method of  claim 1  wherein the first storage device comprises a digital video recorder. 
     
     
         12 . A method of  claim 1  wherein coupling the portable device at a second time comprises coupling the portable player through an interface. 
     
     
         13 . A method as recited in  claim 1  wherein the interface comprises a wired interface. 
     
     
         14 . A method as recited in  claim 14  wherein the wired interface comprises a USB interface. 
     
     
         15 . A method as recited in  claim 14  wherein the wired interface comprises an Ethernet interface. 
     
     
         16 . A method as recited in  claim 1  wherein the interface comprises a wireless interface. 
     
     
         17 . A method as recited in  claim 16  wherein the wireless interface comprises a local area network interface. 
     
     
         18 . A system that communicates with a central location comprising:
 a first set top box, in communication with the central location, having a first interface;   a second set top box in communication with the central location, and said second set top box having a second interface;   a portable device in communication with the second set top box through the second interface and storing a token from the second set top box therein, said token identifying a second user account characteristic associated with the second storage device, said portable device communicating the token through the interface to the first set top box;   said first set top box communicating the token to the central location.   
     
     
         19 . A system as recited in  claim 18  wherein said first set top box receives advertising from the central location in response to said token. 
     
     
         20 . A system as recited in  claim 18  further comprising a storage device associated with the first set top box. 
     
     
         21 . A system as recited in  claim 20  wherein the first set box comprises a satellite television set top box and wherein the storage device is associated with the satellite television set top box. 
     
     
         22 . A system as recited in  claim 18  wherein the interface comprises a wired interface. 
     
     
         23 . A system as recited in  claim 22  wherein the wired interface comprises a USB interface. 
     
     
         24 . A system as recited in  claim 22  wherein the wired interface comprises an Ethernet interface. 
     
     
         25 . A system as recited in  claim 18  wherein the interface comprises a wireless interface. 
     
     
         26 . A system as recited in  claim 26  wherein the wireless interface comprises a local area network interface. 
     
     
         27 . A system as recited in  claim 18  wherein the first set box comprises a first cable television set top box and wherein the second set top box comprises a second cable television set top box. 
     
     
         28 . A portable device that communicates with a first set top box and a second set top box comprising:
 a memory;   a data port;   a controller in communication with the memory and the data port, said controller receiving a token from the second set top box through the data port, said token corresponding to a second user account characteristic associated with the second storage device, said controller storing the token from the second set top box in the memory, said controller communicating the token through the data port when the portable device is coupled to the first set top box.   
     
     
         29 . A portable device as recited in  claim 28  wherein the controller receives advertising in response to the second user account characteristic. 
     
     
         30 . A system comprising:
 a first set top box;   a second set top box;   a central location; and   a portable device as recited in  claim 28 ;   wherein the first set top box communicates the token to the central location and receives advertising from the central location corresponding to the second user account characteristic.