Abstract: A subscription system for providing content by subscription using an Internet connection is disclosed. The subscription system includes a content object store and an interface. The content object store stores a plurality of content objects. The interface is configured to receive a request to initiate a subscription with a first address for a particular account using the Internet. The subscription allows use of the plurality of content objects by the particular account without individually charging for the plurality of content objects. It is verified that a first connection speed is greater than a first threshold value before allowing the subscription, where the first connection speed is over the Internet with the first address. A request to access the subscription of the particular account is received from a second address with the Internet. It is verified that a second connection speed is greater than a second threshold value. The second connection speed is over the Internet with the second address.

Abstract: Methods for entertainment-programming distribution are provided. A set of entertainment programs is transmitted in real time over a public network for display on user computers in communication with the public network and identified as subscribers to the set of entertainment programs. A notification signal is transmitted with at least one of the entertainment programs to identify that entertainment program as available for download. A request is received from one of the user computers over the public network to download that entertainment program. It is verified that the user computer is authorized to receive downloaded entertainment programs in accordance with a subscriber agreement. The identified entertainment program is then downloaded to the user computer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods, systems, and machine-readable media for browsing, navigating and searching a context sensitive entertainment-programming guide. According to one embodiment, a method for navigating an entertainment-programming guide can comprise establishing a connection from a client device to a server computer through a public network. A first content array can be received from the server computer over the public network. The first content array can comprise information describing a plurality of entertainment programs. The first content array can be stored on the client device and entertainment-program information can be presented based on the first content array stored on the client device.

Abstract: According to the invention, a video system for playing licensed video content is disclosed. The video system includes a video, a video selection interface, a video storage device, and a license control process. The video is selected from a plurality of videos stored on the video storage device. There is a plurality of content licenses for the video, where the plurality of content licenses is comprised of at least a first content license and a second content license. The first content license has a first time period where viewing is allowed and the second content license has a second time period where viewing is allowed, where the first time period is different from the second time period. The license control process enforces the content licenses.

Abstract: According to the invention, a content receiver for processing a video program into an edited video program as specified by a user is disclosed. The content receiver includes a version profile, user preferences and a receiver. The version profile indicates a plurality of electronic edits for applying to the video program. The user preferences specify the version profile, where the user preferences are associated with the user. The receiver receives at least one of the version profile and the video program. The video program is received in digital form from a first location geographically separate from the second location. The video program is processed at the second location with the version profile to produce an edited video program. The edited video program is played for the user.