Signal reproducing apparatus and method, signal recording apparatus and method, signal receiver, and information processing method

摘要

A signal ( 801 ) of a first code string made through replacing a part of a code string of a predetermined format with dummy data is sent to code string rewriting means ( 1802 ) via code string resolution means ( 1801 ). A signal ( 806 ) of a second code string for complementing the dummy data part in the signal ( 801 ) is sent to the code string rewriting means ( 1802 ) via control means ( 1805 ) and the dummy data in the first code string is rewritten to the second code string. At the time of trial viewing/listening, a signal ( 802 ) from the code string resolution means ( 1801 ) is selected by a switch ( 1808 ), and when the second code string ( 806 ) is acquired through content purchase, a signal ( 803 ) from the code string rewriting means ( 1802 ) is selected by the switch ( 1808 ). Thus, trial viewing/listening of a content such as music is made possible while the possibility of decryption is eliminated. By acquiring a relatively small quantity of data, reproduction of a high-quality content is made possible.