Methods and apparatuses for sharing media content, libraries and playlists

Abstract

Methods and systems suitable for sharing media content are provided. One system includes at least one media holder, at least one media cataloger, at least one user control point, at least one media player, and at least one network operatively connecting them. The media holder is configured to selectively output shared media metadata, media content and at least one corresponding media playing license over the network. The media cataloger is configured to receive the metadata identifying the shared media content that is available from the media holder(s). The media cataloger is configured to output at least one media catalog over the network. The media catalog identifies the shared media content that is available from the media holder(s). The user control point is configured to receive the media catalog(s) and request the shared media content as selected from the media catalog, for example, by a user. The user control point configures the media player to receive the media playing license and the media content over the network. The media player cannot play protected media content without having a proper license. The license may be withheld if certain authentication criteria are not met by the playing device. In certain implementations, the network includes a Universal Plug-and-Play network that allows the various devices to quickly integrate with one another without user intervention. The network also provides a robust environment, such that, e.g., media content sharing can easily be accomplished even if the media cataloger is not available.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.