Abstract: Optimizing operation of a media player during rendering of media files. The invention includes authoring software to create a data structure and to populate the created data structure with obtained metadata. The invention also includes rendering software to retrieve the metadata from the data structure and to identify media files to render. In one embodiment, the invention is operable as part of a compressed media format having a set of small files containing metadata, menus, and playlists in a compiled binary format designed for playback on feature-rich personal computer media players as well as low cost media players.

Abstract: Creating and displaying an adaptive menu structure for media files. The invention includes authoring software to create the menu structure to enable a user to navigate the media files using a media player. The invention also includes filtering software to adapt the created menu structure to display menu information on a display associated with the media player as a function of a media type associated with the media player. In one embodiment, the invention is operable as part of a compressed media format having a set of small files containing metadata, menus, and playlists in a compiled binary format designed for playback on feature-rich personal computer media players as well as low cost media players.

Abstract: Optimizing operation of a media player during rendering of media files. The invention includes authoring software to create a data structure and to populate the created data structure with obtained metadata. The invention also includes rendering software to retrieve the metadata from the data structure and to identify media files to render. In one embodiment, the invention is operable as part of a compressed media format having a set of small files containing metadata, menus, and playlists in a compiled binary format designed for playback on feature-rich personal computer media players as well as low cost media players.

Abstract: Grouping and navigating media files within a playlist on a computer-readable medium. Invention software selects media files according to a grouping criterion to define a group from the media files. The invention software generates a group header associated with the group. The group header includes a value identifying the defined group and a reference to another group to enable navigation. The invention software stores the selected media files, the playlist, the defined groups, and the associated group headers on a computer-readable medium. The invention software also includes playback software for navigating and selecting media files via groups within a playlist. In one embodiment, the invention is operable as part of a compressed media format having a set of small files containing metadata, menus, and playlists in a compiled binary formal designed for playback on feature-rich personal computer media players as well as low cost media players.

Abstract: Storing image data for a menu in a compound image file. Image data for a menu of media files is retrieved and efficiently stored in the compound image file. A media player accesses the compound image file to obtain and display relevant images in a menu. The invention reduces the quantity of file operations needed to render the menu and thus reduces the time needed to display the menu as perceived by a user. As a result, the invention enhances the user experience with the media player.

Abstract: Enabling efficient navigation of a playlist of media files stored on a computer-readable medium. Aspects of the invention define a playlist structure to have one or more playlist units. Each playlist unit identifies one or more media files in the playlist and includes metadata for the media files. A consumer electronic device retrieves the playlist units and displays the metadata contained therein to a user to enable navigation of the playlist. Aspects of the invention reduce the memory requirements of the consumer electronic devices and reduce the quantity of disk seek operations needed for playlist navigation.

Abstract: To record video data or audio data on an optical disc on which a defective area exists, there is a method of determining an allowable number of defects in proportion to a recording size and skipping the defective area to use an adjacent area thereto. This method has a problem that the size of the recording area becomes larger by an equivalent of the skipped defective area so as to take a longer time for recording a file, and so convenience for a user is damaged. The size of the defective area allowed in a recording area is limited regardless of the size of the recording area.

Abstract: [Problems] There has been a problem that it takes time from insertion of a record medium until it becomes reproducible. [Means for Solution] A recording and reproducing system has a record medium 15 of holding a data file 13 of storing predetermined data, a file recording means 14 of recording data file holding position information on a position at which the data file 13 is held in a data file holding position information file 17 held on the record medium 15 of storing the data file holding position information, a data recording state obtaining means 18, a recording position information file creating means 34, and a file reproducing means 23 of reproducing the predetermined data stored in the data file 13 by using the recorded data file holding position information.

Abstract: It has been difficult to replay data in a manner which better suits a user's intention. A recording/replaying system comprises a recording medium 15 on which a plurality of data pieces are recorded, write file managing means 11 which records on the recording medium 15 one or multiple lists which are for selecting predetermined data pieces from among the plurality of recorded data pieces and specifying thus selected determined data pieces, file recording means 14, control means 21 which replays the predetermined data pieces specified by the lists based on thus recorded one or multiple lists, the file replaying means 23, and the data file outputting means 24.

Abstract: A host apparatus encodes a predetermined content by a predetermined encoding method and (1) selects a particular reproducing device in accordance with the number of reproducing devices which are permitted to reproduce and (2) sends, to said particular reproducing device thus selected, decoding information which is for decoding said encoded content.

Abstract: [Problem] There has been a problem that there is long waiting time until reproduction of a video file and an audio file on a reproducing apparatus can be started.

Abstract: [Problem] There has been a problem that play list reproduction cannot be performed at a data processing level of a CD player and so on which cannot interpret a play list file in an HTML format.