Abstract: A data processing system using a main processor 8 and a coprocessor 10 provides coprocessor load instructions (USALD) for loading a variable number of data values dependent upon alignment into the coprocessor 10 and also specifying data processing operations to be performed upon operands within those loaded data words to generate result data words. The specified coprocessor processing operations may be a sum of absolute differences calculation for a row of pixel byte values. The result of this may be accumulated within an accumulate register 22. A coprocessor memory 18 is provided within the coprocessor 10 to provide local storage of frequently used operand values for the coprocessor 10.

Abstract: A method, computer program product and data processing apparatus for filtering data, in particular for use in deblocking filters. The method comprising applying a plurality of m filter coefficients which each have a value which is a negative power of two and which sum to one, to a plurality of m input data items to produce a filtered output data item, by performing a sequence of averaging calculations comprising averaging input data items to which a smallest filter coefficient is to be applied to produce first averaged data and averaging the first averaged data with other averaged input data or with input data items to which larger filter coefficients are to be applied the plurality of m filter coefficients being applied to the plurality of m input data items via a sequence of averaging calculations such that a data width of any calculated data does not exceed that of the input data being averaged.

Abstract: Electronic Music Distribution (EMD), wherein music stored as digital files is downloadable by end users from retail computer databases or from Peer to Peer “file sharing” databases such as Napster, has developed rapidly in the recent past as an alternative to the traditional distribution channels for recorded music. While EMD holds great promise as a distribution vehicle, certain limitations exist with regard to the capability of existing distribution models to classify or characterize the audio quality of the files available for download. This limitation is particularly acute in the Peer-to-Peer context where the downloadable database consists of files from a multiplicity of sources. The present invention utilizes an objective measure of audio quality that is, in one embodiment, presented as part of a response to a user or subscriber search query.

Abstract: Electronic Music Distribution (EMD), wherein music stored as digital files is downloadable by end users from retail computer databases or from Peer to Peer “file sharing” databases such as Napster, has developed rapidly in the recent past as an alternative to the traditional distribution channels for recorded music. While EMD holds great promise as a distribution vehicle, certain limitations exist with regard to the capability of existing distribution models to classify or characterize the audio quality of the files available for download. This limitation is particularly acute in the Peer-to-Peer context where the downloadable database consists of files from a multiplicity of sources. The present invention utilizes an objective measure of audio quality that is, in one embodiment, presented as part of a response to a user or subscriber search query.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of music distribution from a media player. A media player is provided with a “send to friend” icon. In one embodiment, when the icon is selected, a clipping of the currently playing music selection is taken from a predetermined location in the music selection and compressed using a fidelity reducing compression technique to produce a sample of the current selection suitable for distribution. The compressed clipping is sent to a selected recipient or recipients by email in the background while the music selection continues to play. The recipient(s) can be either a default recipient(s) or a recipient(s) selected from a list as in an address book application.

Abstract: A method of sampling a music selection to produce a music clipping suitable for super distribution. A computer readable music file is sampled by defining a starting point for the sample at a fixed time from the beginning of the music selection. The stopping point is similarly selected as a fixed time from the starting point for the sample. The actual fixed times can be varied based upon the genre of the music when another embodiment flags or headers can be used to define the starting and ending time of the sample. Once the sample has been defined, data from the sample is extracted and compressed to reduce the file size to a size suitable for super distribution.

Abstract: A system and method for distributing media files, such as audio or video files, to devices for playback or streaming at various quality levels is provided. In accordance with the method, a stacked media file is provided which has low, medium and high quality information for the same content. The file is transmitted to a receiving device at the highest quality level that the receiving device can decode. The hierarchy of the media file is such that data redundancies are avoided by, for example, stacking the data within the file in such a way that the data is segregated into data sets corresponding to a given sampling rate, with each successive data set containing only those data points not found in the preceding data set. The quality of the data being transmitted to the receiving device may be adjusted, during transmission if necessary, by increasing or decreasing the number of data sets being sampled.

Abstract: A method of sampling a music selection to produce a music clipping suitable for super distribution. A computer readable music file is sampled by defining a starting point for the sample at a fixed time from the beginning of the music selection. The stopping point is similarly selected as a fixed time from the starting point for the sample. The actual fixed times can be varied based upon the genre of the music when another embodiment flags or headers can be used to define the starting and ending time of the sample. Once the sample has been defined, data from the sample is extracted and compressed to reduce the file size to a size suitable for super distribution.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of music distribution from a media player. A media player is provided with a “send to friend” icon. In one embodiment, when the icon is selected, a clipping of the currently playing music selection is taken from a predetermined location in the music selection and compressed using a fidelity reducing compression technique to produce a sample of the current selection suitable for distribution. The compressed clipping is sent to a selected recipient or recipients by email in the background while the music selection continues to play. The recipient(s) can be either a default recipient(s) or a recipient(s) selected from a list as in an address book application.

Abstract: A method of distribution of music and other entertainment content. A music or (other entertainment content) sample is received as an attachment to an email. The recipient also receives a link to a source of purchase of the full music selection. In one embodiment, the full music selection is embodied as part of the music sample file and can be purchased by decryption. In another embodiment, the full copy of the music selection can be delivered as a download from the Internet. In other embodiments, the music sample is embodied as a link to a streaming music sample.

Abstract: A method of music distribution. A computer readable music file is sampled by any suitable sampling technique. The sample of the original file is then easily attached to an email for distribution using a function of the email application. In one embodiment, the sample can be attached using a one-click or other technique. In another embodiment, all outgoing email messages are provided with the music sample attachment. The music sample can be upgraded to a full copy of the music selection upon payment of a fee. The distributor of the sample can be awarded affinity credits for participation in distribution of the sample.

Abstract: A data processing system using a main processor 8 and a coprocessor 10 provides coprocessor load instructions (USALD) for loading a variable number of data values dependent upon alignment into the coprocessor 10 and also specifying data processing operations to be performed upon operands within those loaded data words to generate result data words. The specified coprocessor processing operations may be a sum of absolute differences calculation for a row of pixel byte values. The result of this may be accumulated within an accumulate register 22. A coprocessor memory 18 is provided within the coprocessor 10 to provide local storage of frequently used operand values for the coprocessor 10.