Abstract: In some embodiments, the invention includes a method to bit scramble a digital video signal. The method includes receiving blocks of the digital video signal and scrambling the blocks of the digital video signal responsive to a remote computer number. The remote computer number may be a processor number of a remote computer that may descramble the bit scrambled video signal. In other embodiments, the invention includes a method to descramble a bit scrambled video signal in a computer. The method includes receiving blocks of the bit scrambled video signal and descrambling the blocks of the bit scrambled video signal responsive to a remote computer number of the computer in which the descrambling is occurring. Additional embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A content distribution system comprising a server platform and a client platform. The server platform includes a memory unit to store digital content and access control logic to activate content protection mechanisms that provide multiple levels of access protection to the digital content. In communication with the server platform, the client platform plays back segments of the digital content at one of a plurality of quality levels.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the invention includes a method of providing content including selecting a set of segments of content from a group of segments to be protected. The segments of the set are protected with protection that can be undone. The group of segments are transmitted. In other embodiments, the invention includes a method of receiving and processing content including receiving a group of segments of content. The set of segments in the group that are protected are identified. The protection is undone. The group of segments is played seamlessly with a media player. Additional embodiments are described and claimed.