Method and device for selecting a networked media device

摘要

A method and device for selecting a media device that is enabled to receive and then play or distribute digital media files, where the media device is or has been connected to a network over which the digital media is delivered to the media device. Media devices that have been connected to the network are identified. Identification information for available media devices that are currently connected to the network and turned on, and identification information for unavailable media devices that are not currently turned on or are not currently connected to the network, is stored. A selection of either an available or an unavailable media device is received, and in response the digital media is distributed over the network to the selected media device.

主权项

1. A method for selecting a media device that is enabled to receive and then play or distribute digital media files, where the media device is or has been connected to a network over which the digital media is to be delivered to the media device, the method comprising:
identifying media devices that have been connected to the network; storing identification information for available media devices that are currently connected to the network and turned on, and also storing identification information for unavailable media devices, wherein unavailable media devices are media devices that have been connected to the network but are not currently turned on or are not currently connected to the network; receiving a selection of either an available or an unavailable media device; and in response to receiving a selection of either an available or an unavailable media device, determining whether the selected media device is compatible with the digital media that is to be distributed to the selected media device; in response to receiving a selection of an available media device, providing for the distribution of digital media over the network to the selected available media device; in response to receiving a selection of an unavailable media device, providing for the distribution of digital media over the network to the selected unavailable media device; wherein providing for the distribution of digital media over the network to the selected media device comprises communicating at least some of the stored identification information to a source of digital media wherein the selection of either an available or an unavailable media device is received based on a user's selection.