Abstract: A reconfigurable audiovisual previewing system includes a user interface module, a media communications module, and a plurality of application programs. One of the plurality of application programs is selected and configures the interface module to identify the product of interest. The selected application program also configures the media communications module to transmit, in response to the product's identification, a request for related product information stored in said multimedia server, and to receive and play the product information retrieved from said multimedia file server in response to said transmitted request.

Abstract: A method for transmitting a predetermined sequence of data files on a data bus is described. The data files are stored on a plurality of memory drives. Each of a first type of data file is stored on only one of the memory drives. Each of a second type of data file is stored on at least two of the memory drives. Upon encountering a first data file of the first type in the predetermined sequence, it is determined whether the corresponding memory drive is available. Where the corresponding memory drive is available, the first data file is transmitted on the data bus. Where the corresponding memory drive is not available, first data corresponding to the first data file is written to a temporary data file. The first data file is then transmitted on the data bus after the corresponding memory drive becomes available. Upon encountering a second data file of the second type in the predetermined sequence, the second data file is transmitted on the data bus.

Abstract: An apparatus for previewing a plurality of audio selections is described. A digital storage medium in a memory drive stores the plurality of audio selections in a spiral track with open indexing. A configurable touchpad is provided for selecting one of the audio selections. Sound circuitry converts the audio selections to audio signals, and at least one audio speaker converts the audio signals to acoustic energy. A controller controls the operation of the memory drive, the touchpad, and the sound circuitry.