Patent ID: 6760915
Filing Date: 2004-07-06
Classification: G11B,H04N

Abstract:
A digital signal playback apparatus comprising:at least one digital signal input receiver that couples to an outside digital data signal source to receive a digital data signal; at least one digital signal output decoder that decodes and outputs the digital data signal; and a universal ratings manager, coupled to the at least one digital signal input receiver and the at least one digital signal output decoder, the universal ratings manager for: (A) receiving a signal indicating an acceptable content rating currently selected by a user, (B) querying any outside digital data signal source to determine if a unigue identifier is associated therewith in-place of a content rating, (C) analyzing packetized data within the digital data signal for a unique identifier of a source of a stream of unrated digital data signal and a content rating, and (D) distributing the digital data signal to the at least one digital signal output decoder for decoding the digital data signal consistent with the unique identifier of the source of the stream of unrated digital data signal and a content rating currently selected by a user.