Method and system for purchasing broadcast content

A method of distributing digital content to a user for rendering where the user can use the content without compensation when converted into a first form and can use the content when converted into a second form only with compensation, the steps of the method comprising:

• broadcasting the content in a protected form with an identifier;
• allowing conversion of the content into the first form without consideration and allowing conversion of the content into the second form only upon payment of consideration;
• receiving a request from the user for a license to use to desired content for consideration, including an identifier of the content desired;
• returning a message to the user originating the request with a token which allows the desired content to be converted into the second form.

A method of providing broadcast music to users including the steps of:

• broadcasting the music in a protected format;
• providing a rendering system which receives the music in a protected format and plays the music once without the user purchasing additional rights;
• allowing a user to identify music which the user wishes to purchase and to send a message indicating that desire;
• receiving the message with the identification of the music which the user wishes to purchase and sending an authorization to the user;
• in response to the authorization, the user's system allows the identified music to be played more than the once the music could otherwise be played.

A method of providing broadcast content to some users without charge in a first usable form and to other users in a second usable form upon payment by the other users, the steps of the method comprising:

• broadcasting the content in a protected form;
• permitting some users to use the broadcast without charge by providing a first method of converting the content in the protected form into the first usable form;
• receiving a request to purchase selected content from a requesting user along with compensation;
• distributing to the requesting user a token which will allow the selected content to be converted into the second usable form to make the selected content available in the second protected form.

A program product which facilitates the receipt and processing of digital content in different modes, the program product comprising:

• a first module which receives digital content and stores it in a temporary storage;
• a second module coupled to the first module which renders the digital content for a user;
• a third module which receives conditions associated with the digital content and controls the use of the second module;
• a fourth module which receives a user input and transmits a request for additional rights in the digital content;
• and
• a fifth module which receives a response for additional rights and updates the conditions associated with the third module.