Providing temporary access to data

摘要

An apparatus for accessing data which may be audio, video, text or computer software comprises a storage element 13 for storing temporarily data from a database 10 for subsequent access by a playback device 12 and a limiting circuit included in the storage device 13 or the playback device 12 for limiting access to the data. The limiting of access may be carried out by erasing the data on the temporary storage device 13 or by inhibiting decompression or de-encrypting of the data after one or more playing on the playback device 12 or after a predetermined length of time. Data may be temporarily hired by plugging device 13 into a point of sale apparatus 21, 23 and making a selection. The point of sale apparatus 21, 23 communicates with a remote host server 10 including a large selection of data via data links. Some popular data may be stored locally at 23.