| 摘要 |
An easy-to-use dedicated appliance allows consumers to legally download digital content from the Internet or other network. One variation of the appliance is designed to serve as a component in a stereo system, providing a consumer with the ability to select, download and play digital music from the Internet or other network even if the consumer does not have a computer. The appliance can download music and other digital content in an encrypted format; output music to other stereo components for real-time listening; and output the content to other specialized memory devices for use in portable players and in other devices such as electronic book readers. Users can select music using a display on the appliance or, alternatively, from a personal computer. A subscription content service method includes steps of storing digital content at a central location; retrieving selections made by consumers interested in playing selected songs or other units of the content; encrypting and transmitting the selected digital content to the consumer over the Internet; and performing the digital content at the consumer's location using an Internet appliance that is configured as a stereo component, including a stereo component which is physically housed in a personal computer. Each consumer pays a fee on a monthly or other periodic basis in exchange for having access to a large library of digital content, and may also purchase additional content on a fee-for-use basis. |
