Abstract: Electronic Music Distribution (EMD), wherein music stored as digital files is downloadable by end users from retail computer databases or from Peer to Peer “file sharing” databases such as Napster, has developed rapidly in the recent past as an alternative to the traditional distribution channels for recorded music. While EMD holds great promise as a distribution vehicle, certain limitations exist with regard to the capability of existing distribution models to classify or characterize the audio quality of the files available for download. This limitation is particularly acute in the Peer-to-Peer context where the downloadable database consists of files from a multiplicity of sources. The present invention utilizes an objective measure of audio quality that is, in one embodiment, presented as part of a response to a user or subscriber search query.

Abstract: Electronic Music Distribution (EMD), wherein music stored as digital files is downloadable by end users from retail computer databases or from Peer to Peer “file sharing” databases such as Napster, has developed rapidly in the recent past as an alternative to the traditional distribution channels for recorded music. While EMD holds great promise as a distribution vehicle, certain limitations exist with regard to the capability of existing distribution models to classify or characterize the audio quality of the files available for download. This limitation is particularly acute in the Peer-to-Peer context where the downloadable database consists of files from a multiplicity of sources. The present invention utilizes an objective measure of audio quality that is, in one embodiment, presented as part of a response to a user or subscriber search query.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of music distribution from a media player. A media player is provided with a “send to friend” icon. In one embodiment, when the icon is selected, a clipping of the currently playing music selection is taken from a predetermined location in the music selection and compressed using a fidelity reducing compression technique to produce a sample of the current selection suitable for distribution. The compressed clipping is sent to a selected recipient or recipients by email in the background while the music selection continues to play. The recipient(s) can be either a default recipient(s) or a recipient(s) selected from a list as in an address book application.

Abstract: A method of sampling a music selection to produce a music clipping suitable for super distribution. A computer readable music file is sampled by defining a starting point for the sample at a fixed time from the beginning of the music selection. The stopping point is similarly selected as a fixed time from the starting point for the sample. The actual fixed times can be varied based upon the genre of the music when another embodiment flags or headers can be used to define the starting and ending time of the sample. Once the sample has been defined, data from the sample is extracted and compressed to reduce the file size to a size suitable for super distribution.

Abstract: A method of sampling a music selection to produce a music clipping suitable for super distribution. A computer readable music file is sampled by defining a starting point for the sample at a fixed time from the beginning of the music selection. The stopping point is similarly selected as a fixed time from the starting point for the sample. The actual fixed times can be varied based upon the genre of the music when another embodiment flags or headers can be used to define the starting and ending time of the sample. Once the sample has been defined, data from the sample is extracted and compressed to reduce the file size to a size suitable for super distribution.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of music distribution from a media player. A media player is provided with a “send to friend” icon. In one embodiment, when the icon is selected, a clipping of the currently playing music selection is taken from a predetermined location in the music selection and compressed using a fidelity reducing compression technique to produce a sample of the current selection suitable for distribution. The compressed clipping is sent to a selected recipient or recipients by email in the background while the music selection continues to play. The recipient(s) can be either a default recipient(s) or a recipient(s) selected from a list as in an address book application.

Abstract: A method of distribution of music and other entertainment content. A music or (other entertainment content) sample is received as an attachment to an email. The recipient also receives a link to a source of purchase of the full music selection. In one embodiment, the full music selection is embodied as part of the music sample file and can be purchased by decryption. In another embodiment, the full copy of the music selection can be delivered as a download from the Internet. In other embodiments, the music sample is embodied as a link to a streaming music sample.

Abstract: A method of music distribution. A computer readable music file is sampled by any suitable sampling technique. The sample of the original file is then easily attached to an email for distribution using a function of the email application. In one embodiment, the sample can be attached using a one-click or other technique. In another embodiment, all outgoing email messages are provided with the music sample attachment. The music sample can be upgraded to a full copy of the music selection upon payment of a fee. The distributor of the sample can be awarded affinity credits for participation in distribution of the sample.