Graphical user interface with improved media presentation

A method for displaying local media information and remote media information on a display screen associated with a computing device, said method comprising:

• (a) obtaining local media information pertaining to local media items stored on a local media source;
• (b) displaying the local media information on a first part of the display screen;
• (c) receiving a user selection of one of the local media items by interacting with the local media information being displayed on the first part of the display screen;
• (d) distinguishably displaying at least a portion of the local media information corresponding to the one of the local media items selected by the user selection;
• (e) determining an appropriate remote media presentation format based on the user selection;
• (f) acquiring remote media information pertaining to remote media items stored on a remote media source;
• and
• (g) displaying the remote media information on a second part of the display screen in accordance with the appropriate remote media presentation format.

A computing system capable of displaying media information, said computing device comprising:

• a data storage device that stores media content;
• a display device;
• and
• a processor for storing, accessing and presenting the stored media content from said data storage device, said processor being configured to:
• (i) obtain local media information pertaining to local media items stored on a local media source;
• (ii) display the local media information on a first part of the display device;
• (iii) determine an appropriate remote media presentation format;
• (iv) acquire remote media information pertaining to remote media items stored on a remote media source;
• and (v) display the remote media information on a second part of the display device, wherein the remote media information and the local media information are concurrently displayed on the display device.

A computer readable medium including at least computer program code for displaying local media information and remote media information on a display screen associated with a computing device, said computer readable medium comprising:

• computer program code for obtaining local media information pertaining to local media items stored on a local media source;
• computer program code for displaying the local media information on a first part of the display screen;
• computer program code for receiving a user selection of one of the local media items by interacting with the local media information being displayed on the first part of the display screen;
• computer program code for distinguishably displaying at least a portion of the local media information corresponding to the one of the local media items selected by the user selection;
• computer program code for determining an appropriate remote media presentation format based on the user selection;
• computer program code for acquiring remote media information pertaining to remote media items stored on a remote media source;
• and
• computer program code for displaying the remote media information on a second part of the display screen in accordance with the appropriate remote media presentation format.

A system for displaying media information on a display screen associated with a computing device, said system comprising:

• means for obtaining local media information pertaining to local media items stored on a local media source;
• means for displaying the local media information on a first part of the display screen;
• means for receiving a user selection of one of the local media items by interacting with the local media information being displayed on the first part of the display screen;
• means for distinguishably displaying at least a portion of the local media information corresponding to the one of the local media items selected by the user selection;
• means for determining an appropriate remote media presentation format based on the user selection;
• means for acquiring remote media information pertaining to remote media items stored on a remote media source;
• and
• means for displaying the remote media information on a second part of the display screen in accordance with the appropriate remote media presentation format.