Abstract: A method of using an entertainment system to access content stored on a digital content storage device having one or more records containing metadata associated with the content on the storage device. The method includes downloading from the storage device to an entertainment system at least some of the metadata; storing the downloaded metadata in a database accessible to the entertainment system; and accessing content on the storage device from entertainment system using at least a portion of the downloaded metadata in the database.

Abstract: An electrical connector adaptor system for connecting a base media device having at least one integral electrical connector with one or more detachable second media devices. The integral connector is located within a mechanical adaptor for protecting a second media device from mechanical damage and/or to prevent lateral movement of the second media device. Each second media device has a connector that may differ from a connector of other second media devices, or the second media device may have a different form factor from other second media devices. The system includes a detachable electrical connector adaptor module which has a first electrical connector for mating with the base media device integral connector and a second electrical connector for mating with the second media device.

Abstract: An electrical connector adaptor system for connecting a base media device which has at least one integral electrical connector with one or more detachable second media devices, each having a connector that may differ from a connector of another second media device. A detachable electrical connector adaptor module is provided, for creating at least one bi-directional electrical connection between the base media device and one or more attachable and detachable second media devices, each of the second media devices having at least one integral connector. The adaptor module has a first electrical connector for mating with the base media device integral electrical connector and a second electrical connector for mating with the second media device integral electrical connector.

Abstract: A method of using a media device operable in first and second modes, the first mode including operation as a system for accessing a media source co-house with or directly connected to the media device. The source is configured to stream media files or media streams for output by the media device. The second mode comprises operating the media device as a remote controller system for controlling over a network a media source remote from the media device.

Abstract: An entertainment system comprising a base unit with a transceiver for interacting, at times, with a control unit via a communications link, and a control unit for controlling the base unit, the control unit being dockable with the base unit to establish direct electrical connection between them, and including a transceiver for interacting with the control unit via said link when undocked. The control unit is a separate aspect of the invention or system. The base unit may contain a tuner, preferably with bandless tuning capability, and may be designed to receive into a universal docking arrangement a digitally controllable auxiliary audio source such as a portable MP3 player or other device. The base unit may further provide alarm clock functionality with numerous features including a “fail-safe' volume control system and fail-safe alarm time setting capability.

Abstract: A media appliance for docking with a detachable Auxiliary Source Module (ASM), each type of ASM delivering for media stream or file in one or more of a plurality of different forms acceptable to the media appliance, at least one of those forms being digital. The appliance includes an instruction processor, memory, and at least one of digital signal processing circuitry or instructions for execution by the processor for processing media streams or files; a controller unit; and electrical contacts for connecting the media appliance with any of multiple types of ASMs.

Abstract: A media entertainment system including an appliance that has first and second communications interfaces. The first interface is configured to convey communications between the appliance and at least one content source device, such that the appliance can control the device to receive at least one of media content and media metadata. The second interface is configured to communication bi-directionally with a control unit to convey control information and/or media metadata between the appliance and the control unit. The system further includes a control unit separate or separable from the appliance and the device and having a bi-directional communications interface and a graphical user interface configured to control the appliance and the device.

Abstract: A method of using a controller unit to access content stored on a digital content storage device having one or more records containing metadata associated with the content on the storage device. The method includes downloading from the storage device to a controller unit at least some of the metadata; storing the downloaded metadata in a database accessible to the controller unit; and accessing content on the storage device from the controller unit using at least a portion of the downloaded metadata in the database.