Abstract: A new multi-media recording system and method for providing a new way to distribute music and movies to consumers. The inventive device includes a multi-media formatting center for processing audio/visual media to produce an audio/visual media signal, a computer associated with the formatting center for storing the signal, a modem for transferring the signal over a communication channel, a second computer remote from the first computer which receives the signal, and a recording device which is interfaced with the second computer for recording the signal and processing the signal to reproduce the audio/visual media. The recording device preferably includes a detachable faceplate having a computer chip thereon for recording the signal.