Abstract: Streaming media is delivered in various scenarios that include live/on-demand events, Real/Windows Media platforms, and Netscape/Internet Explorer browsers. Systems and methods for enhancing streaming media delivery in this environment are disclosed.

Abstract: Techniques are described for delivering copies of digital media items to consumers, such as to in some situations provide to a consumer a single file with multiple distinct copies of a digital media item for use by multiple distinct devices of the consumer, with each copy differing from the others in one or more ways. Such single files may be of use, for example, in situations in which consumers each have multiple devices (e.g., of multiple distinct types, such as a personal computer, a cellular telephone with capabilities to playback digital audio and/or video items, other types of portable digital media presentation devices, etc.) that the consumer desires to use as a playback or other presentation device for digital media items (e.g., digital media items downloaded or otherwise obtained from an online media store or other provider of digital media items).

Abstract: A method of preventing reduction of sales amount of records due to a digital music file illegally distributed through a communication network is disclosed. The method comprises a)collecting an illegally produced digital music file, which is derived from a record of a cooperating record corporation by searching the network, b)encrypting the collected digital music file with a predetermined key; and c)redistributing the encrypted digital music file through the network. According to present invention, the method collects the illegally produced(or reproduced) digital music file that is shared and distributed through the network, encrypts the collected music file, and enables only users having a private key to use the digital music files, thus inducing the users habitually using the digital music files to use them after paying a justifiable fee and being assigned the encryption key, and to purchase the formal record.

Abstract: A system and method of sharing digital literary works while protecting against an illegal reproduction through a communication network is disclosed. The system comprises a data communication network, a list providing server, at least one agent server, at least one user terminal, a main server, at least one sub-server, a premise communication network, and a network interface unit. The system is advantageous in that it enables users to share digital literary works produced for publicity, works having a low quality, or encrypted digital literary works through the network against a distribution of illegally reproduced digital literary works having the same quality as original literary works through a Sharing Web, thus preventing a reduction of sales amounts of original literary works due to such illegal reproductions.

Abstract: A method and system are described for providing a streamlined method for using, for example, streaming media samples to promote and sell music, videos and related merchandise on the Internet in response to searches for entertainment related information. When a consumer enters an Internet search query that includes a Media Keyword, a corresponding media sample or sample set is identified for the consumer to select to receive as a stream or download onto the Consumer Device, along with search results pertaining to the requested information and purchasing options. The media sample or sample set is provided as a link in a web page containing search results generated for the consumer. The media sample link may be indicated on the web page as a preferred, personalized or sponsored search result.

Abstract: A method and system for recording and publishing traditional media source programs over a network is disclosed. According to the method, a request for publication of one or more traditional media source programs in one or more encoding formats is received from a network client that is connected to the network. In response to receiving the request, the one or more traditional media source programs are captured from a traditional media source that broadcasts the one or more traditional media source programs at a particular broadcast time. The one or more traditional media source programs are encoded in one or more encoding formats to produce one or more encoded media programs and then published to the network client over the network at a time that is different from the actual broadcast time.

Abstract: A method and system for encoding digital information is disclosed. According to the method, media program information is captured and used to produce a media program file. An encoding request is received from a client which requests that the media program information be encoded in one or more encoding formats. A set of encoding engines are selected that can encode the media program information in each of the one or more encoding formats. The media program file is then sent to the selected set of encoding engines to encode the media program information in the one or more encoding formats.

Abstract: A system for handling video content in a network, such as the Internet. Aspects of the system provide for accessing, distributing and maintaining digital video or other image content. Video content is acquired from content providers. Searching, and identification of desired video content is provided to users of the system by annotating video content with searchable text. The searchable text is accessed via a database where relational queries are used to identify desired content. Portions, or chapters, of the video can be linked to unique descriptions. This allows for indexing of video so that a viewer, or user, does not have to watch unwanted segments to get desired information. Access of the video by end users is facilitated by maintenance of multiple video servers that provide access to the content. Distribution of video broadcasts can be on-demand or in real-time. A preferred embodiment uses both satellite and on-location video distribution.

Abstract: A method and system forwarding voice messages to an email account is disclosed. According to one method, a voice message that is associated with a particular user is retrieved from a voice mail system. The voice message is then encoded into a streaming media file and automatically forwarded in an email message to one or more email addresses. According to another method, a voice message is converted into a text file and automatically forwarded in an email message to one or more email addresses.