Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for time-based access to digital content are provided. Access to a set of digital content is provided for a predetermined period of time. During the predetermined period of time, a user can access (e.g., download, play) any digital content in the set of digital content. At the end of the predetermined period of time, the user is denied access to the digital content regardless of where the content is stored (e.g., in a digital content library, on a computer system controlled by the user, on a playback device controlled by the user). Simplified access and control of digital content is thereby provided in the form of time-based access.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for time-based access to digital content are provided. Access to a set of digital content is provided for a predetermined period of time. During the predetermined period of time, a user can access (e.g., download, play) any digital content in the set of digital content. At the end of the predetermined period of time, the user is denied access to the digital content regardless of where the content is stored (e.g., in a digital content library, on a computer system controlled by the user, on a playback device controlled by the user). Simplified access and control of digital content is thereby provided in the form of time-based access.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for time-based access to digital content are provided. Access to a set of digital content is provided for a predetermined period of time. During the predetermined period of time, a user can access (e.g., download, play) any digital content in the set of digital content. At the end of the predetermined period of time, the user is denied access to the digital content regardless of where the content is stored (e.g., in a digital content library, on a computer system controlled by the user, on a playback device controlled by the user). Simplified access and control of digital content is thereby provided in the form of time-based access.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for secure streaming of digital audio/visual content is disclosed. Secure streaming provides protection against unauthorized use of the digital content. Authorization and integrity checks are performed by a client or playback device on a set of data associated with digital content to be played. The set of data includes authorization and integrity information for content to be received from the source. Streamed content is received from the source by the playback device. The streamed content is intermittently checked for authorization and integrity. If the check is passed, playback continues; otherwise playback is halted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cloning protection of a player. The present invention provides a method and apparatus for providing cloning protection of a software digital information playback device by using an activation procedure prior to use of the playback device. In one embodiment, the playback device is deactivated in order to move the playback device to a different computer system or to otherwise vary the operating conditions of the playback device. To activate the playback device a unique identifier is generated by the playback device. The identifier is communicated to a server and linked to the playback device generating the identifier. In one embodiment, the identifier and a digital signature authenticating the information from the server are communicated to the playback device along with any digital programming. Only digital programming including the identifier and the signature are played by the playback device.