Abstract: A media player coupled to a network contains a processor, non-volatile memory, volatile memory, a driver, and input and output ports. The media player receives a media file over the network that contains an encoded media stream and a universal decoder. The player's processor converts or translates (or otherwise generates) the universal decoder into a player-specific decoder which may differ from the universal decoder. A library of routines stored in the non-volatile memory is used to create the player-specific decoder. The media stream downloaded to the media player may comprise audio, video, or any other desired type of media. In this manner, each media player can generate a decoder that differs, not only from the universal decoder, but may also differ from other media players thereby alleviating the burden on the media source from having to download the encoded media with a decoder specific to the target media player.

Abstract: A media player coupled to a network contains a processor, non-volatile memory, volatile memory, a driver, and input and output ports. The media player receives a media file over the network that contains an encoded media stream and a universal decoder. The player's processor converts or translates (or otherwise generates) the universal decoder into a player-specific decoder which may differ from the universal decoder. A library of routines stored in the non-volatile memory is used to create the player-specific decoder. The media stream downloaded to the media player may comprise audio, video, or any other desired type of media. In this manner, each media player can generate a decoder that differs, not only from the universal decoder, but may also differ from other media players thereby alleviating the burden on the media source from having to download the encoded media with a decoder specific to the target media player.