Abstract: The invention relates to a multimedia box network consisting of a data server comprising a mass storage device, on which digital pieces of music and/or videos are stored, and of a plurality of multimedia boxes, with one multimedia box in each case comprising an operating unit, a local storage device and a player unit, and with each multimedia box being connected to the data server by means of a first data link. To provide a high-performance network for multimedia boxes, which allows a decentralised servicing of the multimedia boxes, it is provided that at least one management station comprising a computer is connected to the data server by means of a second data link and to at least one multimedia box by means of a third data link.

Abstract: A programmable game machine has a housing, a display unit (4) linked to the housing, preferably mounted therein, control elements (6) associated to the housing, a control unit (16) provided in the housing, and a memory device (36, 38) associated with the housing in which program and data information is stored. The game machine is preferably used as a coin-operated game machine, as a prize-giving game machine, or as a game of skill. The memory device (36, 38) preferably includes a memory unit for replaceably storing games, with only one game at a time being stored in the memory unit. The game machine may be linked to a server which supplies games for storage in the memory unit.