Digital data distribution system with switching unit, online acquisition unit, and conversion unit for converting from first to second format

An information processing method for an information processing device for accessing a recording medium on which (a) information unique to the recording medium and (b) first information expressing a work in a first format are recorded, to acquire second information expressing the work in a second format, the information processing method comprising:

• a selection step of selecting one of a first process and a second process;
• and
• causing, when the first process is selected:
• a first read step of reading the first information from the recording medium;
• and
• a conversion step of converting the read first information from the first format to the second format, to acquire the second information, and
• when the second process is selected:
• a second read step of reading the unique information from the recording medium;
• and
• an online-acquisition step acquiring the second information interrelated with the read unique information, from a content distribution device that stores the second information and the unique information in an interrelated manner.

A computer-readable recording medium on which an information processing program is recorded for use in a computer for accessing a recording medium on which (a) information unique to the recording medium and (b) first information expressing a work in a first format are recorded, to acquire second information expressing the work in a second format, the information processing program comprising:

• a selection step of selecting one of a first process and a second process;
• and
• causing, when the first process is selected:
• a first read step of reading the first information from the recording medium;
• and
• a conversion step of converting the read first information from the first format to the second format, to acquire the second information;
• when the second process is selected:
• a second read step of reading the unique information from the recording medium;
• and
• an online-acquisition step of acquiring the second information interrelated with the read unique information, from a content distribution device that stores the second information and the unique information in an interrelated manner.