A system and method for utilizing (e.g., playing) data packets, e.g., audio, video, text, etc. are provided. A server arrangement of the system provides the data packets to a user computing arrangement of the system. A storage device of the user computing arrangement stores the data packets. The data packets are arranged in a predetermined order using the server arrangement and/or the user computing arrangement. The user computing arrangement executes a set of instructions to utilize the data packets in the predetermined order. A user of the user computing arrangement is prevented from modifying the predetermined order.
System and method for monitoring and modifying a playlist of viewable audio and/or video selections at one or more selected times to account for the effects of restrictions on the times, and number of times, a selection is viewed in an internet-based viewing system. The system implements, and monitors compliance with, the performance complement requirements and other copyright restrictions. A selection can be viewed in association with one or more selected advertisements, with limited restrictions or no restrictions on viewing times. Priority advertisements, related to the date and/or to the time of day and/or to payment amount, are given preference. A license, paid for to view a selection, may have unlimited duration or may be limited in time.
A method for sampling of streaming data for distribution on a network (e.g., the Internet) includes receiving the streaming data (which includes periodically updated information items) from a streaming data source. The periodically updated information items of the streaming data are subsequently sampled using a sampling process based on a total update rate of the streaming data (U.sub.a) and a capacity of the network (C), thereby creating a sampled data stream. Alternatively, the periodically updated information items of the streaming data can be sampled using a sampling process that is also based on the importance (K.sub.qmin) of each of the periodically updated information items and the update rate (U.sub.q) of each of the periodically updated information items to create the sampled data stream. The sampled data stream is then distributed on the network (e.g., the Internet or a private area network).
A method for entertaining individuals according to a community having similar tastes. Information derived from user accounts form the basis of a community and collateral preferences allow other subscribing individuals to enjoy the benefit of wider-ranging tastes according to the preferences expressed by the other members of the community. Additionally, assuming that individuals sharing one preference in common may be likely to share others, the present method allows those who choose to listen to the "fan station" the ability to enjoy similar music or other data streams according to preferences expressed by the fan community as a whole.
