| 摘要 |
A playback unit resembling a home audio component, retrieves audio data from a remote server and plays them back in real time, using a home audio system, in response to user selection. The playback unit provides an interface between a network source for audio material, such as the Internet, and a conventional home audio system for playback. The playback unit has a relatively simple operating system that does not require a lengthy boot-up sequence, cannot be accessed by the user, and does not require the launch of special software to initiate playback. Access to audio material and distribution rights can be controlled by network servers. In this to way, the playback unit can retrieve audio material from the network on demand, thereby vastly expanding the range of music available for playback, and can reproduce that music using the home audio system for high quality playback in a comfortable setting, with controlled access to audio material and controlled distribution and duplication of the material.
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