Apparatus for distributing subscription and on-demand audio programming
AssigneeInformation Highway Media Corporation
InventorsNathan Schulhof, James M. Janky
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A distribution system for audio program materials includes a portable audio storage and retrieval device that is programmable from a high speed data transfer system, and that includes a high-capacity data storage medium, a base control interface for identifying and accepting program material, a mobile control interface for displaying the identity of recorded material for playback selection, a recording mechanism for accepting very high speed digital data from an external source at rates faster than real time, and a playback mechanism for retrieving the stored data from the storage medium and for converting the data into audio signals for playback.
Claims6
A system for distributing subscription and on-demand audio programming, comprising:
- a high-capacity data storage medium;
- a base control interface for identifying and accepting program material;
- a mobile control interface for displaying the identity of recorded material for playback selection;
- a recording mechanism for accepting very high speed digital data from an external source, at rates faster than real time;
- a playback mechanism for retrieving stored data from said storage medium and for converting said data into audio signals for playback and:
- means for detecting program material resolution and for reproducing said program material in accordance therewith.
A method for distributing subscription and on-demand audio programming, comprising the steps of:
- attaching a portable device to a cable television converter;
- selecting a dedicated data exchange channel;
- providing a menu display that includes a catalog of available audio program material;
- selecting desired audio program material;
- tracking the duration of each selection;
- determining when the capacity of the storage medium in the portable device has been reached;
- choosing a payment display;
- authorizing billing for the program material;
- returning the cable television to a normal viewing mode of operation;
- transferring said audio program material to said portable device;
- providing a visual or audible indication when said portable device has completed reception of the requested audio program material;
- removing the portable device from the base location;
- and
- placing the portable device at mobile location for playback as desired.
A method for distributing subscription and on-demand audio programming comprising the steps of:
- attaching a portable device to a cable television converter;
- selecting a dedicated data exchange channel;
- providing a menu display that includes a catalog of available audio program material;
- selecting desired audio program material;
- tracking the duration of each selection;
- determining when the capacity of the storage medium in said portable device has been reached;
- choosing a payment display;
- authorizing billing for said program material;
- returning the cable television to a normal viewing mode of operation;
- transferring said audio program material to said portable device;
- providing a visual or audible indication when said portable device has completed reception of the requested audio program material;
- removing said portable device from the base location;
- placing said portable device at a mobile location for playback as desired;
- detecting program material resolution;
- and
- reproducing said program material in accordance therewith.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.