Abstract: A delivery mechanism uses a recommender and prediction system to determine if a customer may want an item before he/she specifically requests such. Physical inventory ordered from an e-commerce site is thus preemptively distributed and maintained in transit.

Abstract: A hybrid distribution system and method for distributing/temporarily renting playable media items, such as movies in a digital format. The distribution system includes a first option in which a title is delivered in a ranking order identified by the subscriber and based on an allocation priority associated with the subscriber for such title. Alternatively the subscriber can be given a second option to gain access rights to the first title from a third party. In this manner a content provider can manage different types of demand through a combination of dedicated and third party inventory.

Abstract: A network based distribution system and method is disclosed for exchanging capacity between subscribers for distribution of playable media items, such as movies in a digital format. The system allows subscribers to exchange capacity directly between themselves, and/or to have such exchange performed automatically on their behalf.

Abstract: A delivery mechanism for distributing media items to subscribers uses a timed based benchmark, or a triggering event, in lieu of or in addition to a conventional capacity driven model. In this manner, subscribers can temporarily have access to a number of titles exceeding a quota in some instances, in order to reduce monitoring requirements, or further some promotional interest. In other instances subscribers are consulted in advance before new titles are delivered, to give them an option of selecting their choice or a choice made automatically for them by a recommender system.

Abstract: A network based distribution system is disclosed for distributing/temporarily renting playable media items, such as movies in a digital format. The distribution system includes a number of components that interoperate to improve a subscriber's experience, including an intelligent queue monitor which works on his/her behalf to ensure that an adequate and interesting list of tides is made available to the subscriber.

Abstract: A network based distribution system and method is disclosed for permitting subscribers to exchange playable media items, such as movies in a digital format. The exchange system includes a number of components that interoperate to improve a subscriber's experience, including an intelligent queue monitor which works on his/her behalf to identify potential items of interest for the subscriber. The system can thus automatically exchange for desirable titles, including other titles from other subscribers, under a set of programmed directives from the user, and/or in response to supply/demand requirements of other subscribers.

Abstract: A network based distribution system and method is disclosed for automatically exchanging playable media items, such as movies in a digital format. The automatic exchange system includes a number of components that interoperate to improve a subscriber's experience, including an intelligent queue monitor which works on his/her behalf to identify potential items of interest for the subscriber. The system can thus automatically exchange for desirable tides, including other titles from other subscribers, under a set of programmed directives from the user, and/or in response to supply/demand requirements of other subscribers.

Abstract: A hybrid distribution system and method for distributing/temporarily renting playable media items, such as movies in a digital format. The distribution system includes a first option in which a title is delivered in a ranking order identified by the subscriber and based on an allocation priority associated with the subscriber for such title. Alternatively the subscriber can be given a second option to gain access rights to the first title from a third party. In this manner a content provider can manage different types of demand through a combination of dedicated and third party inventory.

Abstract: A network based distribution system and method is disclosed for exchanging capacity between subscribers for distribution of playable media items, such as movies in a digital format. The system allows subscribers to exchange capacity directly between themselves, and/or to have such exchange performed automatically on their behalf.

Abstract: A network based distribution system and method for distributing/temporarily renting playable media items, such as movies in a digital format. The distribution system includes a number of components that interoperate to improve a subscriber's experience, including an intelligent queue monitor which works on his/her behalf to ensure that an adequate and interesting list of tides is made available to the subscriber based on selection logic which can be specified by the user.