Abstract: A unified media collection system comprises a local user agent with a primary metadata repository, and at least one foreign user agent with a secondary metadata repository. The secondary metadata repository is operatively coupled to the primary metadata repository. The local user agent is configured to compare the primary and secondary metadata repositories to identify missing media content available for purchase. The local user agent is also configured to purchase the identified missing media content to complete at least one media collection. The local user agent is adapted to deselect items from a list of identified missing media content for purchase, as needed. The local user agent is further configured to compare and keep the primary and secondary metadata repositories synchronized and up-to-date.

Abstract: An audio fidelity meter includes a scale which uses colors to visually represent the fidelity of an encoded digital audio file based at least on its extracted bit rate. The bit rate is one of several digital audio quality descriptors. Other descriptors include format, source, bit width, and sample rate. The extracted bit rate is fed into a lookup table for processing. One or more of the other descriptors can also be extracted and fed in combination with the extracted bit rate into the lookup table for processing. The lookup table stores information on various digital audio formats, sources and associated bit rates, bit widths and sample rates in the form of a database. The input bit width, sample rate, format, originating source and/or bit rate is/are compared against the database to generate a digital audio quality output. The output may be visually displayed via the scale, a fidelity meter needle and an associated numerical bit rate display.