Hybrid Distribution Method for Playable Media

Abstract

A hybrid distribution system and method for distributing/temporarily renting playable media items, such as movies in a digital format. The distribution system includes a first option in which a title is delivered in a ranking order identified by the subscriber and based on an allocation priority associated with the subscriber for such title. Alternatively the subscriber can be given a second option to gain access rights to the first title from a third party. In this manner a content provider can manage different types of demand through a combination of dedicated and third party inventory.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 - 6 . (canceled) 
     
     
         7 . A hybrid method of distributing playable media items, the playable media items corresponding to machine readable media readable by an electronic media player, the method comprising:
 (a) defining an inventory of playable media items selectable with a computing system by subscribers to an online media service provider;   (b) providing temporary access to first playable media items in said inventory in accordance with a first set of distribution rules enforced by the computing system under control of the online media service provider;   said first set of distribution rules further comprising a predetermined limit on a number of titles which a subscriber can have out at one time;   (c) providing temporary access to second playable media items in said inventory through a proxy provider in accordance with a second set of distribution rules defined by the proxy provider;   wherein at least some of said second playable media items are supplied by the online media service provider to said proxy provider;   said second set of distribution rules further comprising a predetermined time limit by which titles must be returned by a subscriber;   wherein individual titles in said inventory can be delivered to subscribers through a hybrid distribution system which includes two separate temporary access options.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said proxy provider has at least one account with said online media service provider to secure titles from said inventory of playable media items. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said proxy provider facilitates a transaction for a playable media item between the online media service provider and a third party who is not a subscriber to the online media service provider. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said proxy provider also performs receiving functions to receive titles back from the subscriber. 
     
     
         11 - 26 . (canceled)