Abstract: Described is a method for renting or selling digital content, and a corresponding system for carrying out the method. The method includes the steps of providing a digital content storage device having stored therein digital content to be rented; embedding within the digital content storage device a firmware lock that disables access to the digital content in the absence of a corresponding digital key; providing a digital content player dimensioned and configured to access and play the digital content stored in the digital content storage device, and configuring the digital content player such that it is incapable of accessing or playing the digital content in the absence of the corresponding digital key.