Abstract: A system and method for intelligent transcoding: A user is enabled to select a media item that the user desires to have played on a particular rendering device on a network. The media item is then requested from a service provider. Upon receiving the media item, it is determined whether the media item needs intelligent transcoding to be played on the particular rendering device. If the media item needs intelligent transcoding, then the media item is intelligently transcoded. Intelligent transcoding includes one or more of transcoding, transcaling, transrating, transformatting, and transcripting. The media item is then streamed to the particular rendering device.

Abstract: A method for authenticating different rendering devices with different service providers and/or different servers in a network. A controlling device identifies a tuner associated with a rendering device. The tuner includes a unique identification. The rendering device is registered with the controlling device. Registration includes storing the rendering device identification and storing the capabilities of the rendering device. At the completion of the registration process, the controlling device assumes control of programming the rendering device. An administrator is enabled to select services that can be used on the rendering device. The tuner of the rendering device is programmed according to the selections made by the administrator. The controlling device acts as an authorization agent to enable media to flow from the selected services to the rendering device.