Abstract: The present invention provides a data content utilizing device having data storing section for storing information obtained by encoding data contents and content identification information specifying the data contents, a utilization permitting device for generating utilization permission information used to decode data contents desired by a user and information converting section for loading data contents requested by the user from the data storing section and decoding the data contents only in the case where utilization permission information is generated by the utilization permitting device.

Abstract: A video signal format converting circuit is disclosed, comprising a signal converting matrix circuit and a filter circuit that is constructed of a time delaying device for a video signal corresponding to a standard television format. When a digital video signal corresponding to a first video signal format is converted into a second video signal format that is different from the first video signal format and then output, the time delaying device of the filter circuit is used as a delaying circuit. The output signal of the delaying circuit or the video signal corresponding to the standard television signal format is selectively output. While or after the video signal corresponding to the first video signal format is converted into the video signal corresponding to the second signal format, the video signal is modified so as to protect it from being copied.