Patent Publication Number: US-2003227478-A1

Title: Systems and methods for a group directed media experience

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of digital entertainment, and more particularly to a system and method for a group directed media experience.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002] Typically in a group setting, for example at a dance club, in a restaurant, at a health club, or at a party, a single person makes decisions as to the type of music being played. For example, in an establishment, such as a dance club, a disc jockey makes decisions regarding music tracks to be played and the order in which the different music tracks are played. The disc jockey makes these decisions based on his/her perception of the likes and dislikes of the patrons of the dance club. Sometimes the disc jockey receives requests for particular music tracks. However, it is difficult for the disc jockey to determine how pervasive the interest for the requested music track is among the group of patrons. Furthermore, the disc jockey is limited in its selection of content to what is available within the dance club. Similar problems exist in other kinds of settings where a group of people get together for entertainment or other purposes.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a method for a media experience directed by a group is disclosed. The method comprises receiving input from a plurality of members of the group regarding a plurality of media content, creating a playlist of media content based at least in part on the received input, and playing the media content in the order in which the media content appear in the playlist.  
       [0004] In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, a media server for a group directed media experience is disclosed. The media server comprises a processing module operable to automatically create a playlist of media content from a plurality of media content based at least in part on selection by a plurality of members of the group, the processing module further operable to play the media content in the playlist. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0005] For a more complete understanding of the present invention, the objects and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:  
     [0006]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a system for group directed media experience in accordance with the present invention;  
     [0007]FIG. 2A is a block diagram of a media server in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;  
     [0008]FIG. 2B is an elevational view of a media terminal in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;  
     [0009]FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method for providing a group directed media experience in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;  
     [0010]FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method for registering a voter in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;  
     [0011]FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method for accepting nominations from the registered voters in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;  
     [0012]FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method for accepting votes for nominated tracks in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;  
     [0013]FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method for assigning special effects in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and  
     [0014]FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method for playing media tracks in the order of the playlist in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0015] The preferred embodiment of the present invention and its advantages are best understood by referring to FIGS. 1 through 8 of the drawings, like numerals being used for like and corresponding parts of the various drawings.  
     [0016] There is a desire for a group directed media experience. Accordingly, the preferred embodiment system and method generally enables a group of people to control the media experience in an environment by enabling each individual in the group to provide input as to the media content they want to experience. The preferred embodiment system enables each individual who desires to participate to register as a voter, accepts nominations for media content, such as media tracks from the registered voters, displays a list of nominated tracks, enables the registered voters to vote for nominated tracks to be included in a playlist, creates a playlist based on the received votes, displays the playlist, and plays the media tracks based on their order in the playlist.  
     [0017]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a system  10  for a group directed media experience in accordance with the present invention. System  10  comprises a media server  12  networked with at least one remote media database  16  via a communication network  18 . At least one input device, such as at least one media terminal  20  and at least one wireless device  22 , may communicate with media server  12 . At least one display device  24 , such as a monitor, is also preferably coupled to media server  12 . An audio system  26  is also preferably coupled to media server  12 . If desired, a special effects system  28  may also be coupled to media server  12 .  
     [0018] Media server  12  is primarily responsible for collecting and processing input from users of system  10 . Media server  12  may be any computing device such as a network computer running a network operating system. Media server  12  preferably comprises a device (not shown) for connecting with a communication network  18 , such as a dial-up modem, a cable modem, a wireless modem, a wireless gateway, an X Digital Subscriber Line modem, Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) converter, and/or the like. Media server  12  is preferably under the control of a provider of group directed media experience for example a mobile disk jockey, dance club, a bar, a restaurant, a health club, and/or the like. If desired, media server  12  may be under the control of a host of a party.  
     [0019] In the preferred embodiment, media server  12  comprises a media database  14 . Media database  14  preferably serves as a central repository for media content, such as music, video, games, and/or the like. Remote media databases  16  preferably serve as repositories for media content, such as music, video, games, and/or the like. Remote media databases  16  may be public media databases and/or the users&#39; private collection of media content. If desired, remote media databases  16  may be part of one or more web sites. Preferably, the media content is stored in media database  14  and remote media databases  16  in digital format, such as MP3, wav, mpeg video or other suitable format now known or later developed. An operation and function of media server  12  is described in greater detail herein especially with reference to FIG. 2A.  
     [0020] Communication network  18  preferably comprises a public network, such as the Internet. In alternative embodiments, communication network  18  may comprise any means of information communication, such as a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), a wireless communication network, a proprietary network, a general purpose processor-based information network, dedicated communication lines, a computer network, direct personal computer-to-personal computer connection, a local area network, a wide area network, modem to modem connection, an Intranet, an Extranet, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) or any combination thereof, now known or later developed, suitable for providing data to and from remote media database  16 . Thus, if desired, media server  12  may download media content from remote media database(s)  16 .  
     [0021] Media terminal(s)  20  may be distributed throughout the establishment to allow users, such as patrons of the provider, to communicate with media server  12 . For example, media terminal  20  may be employed by the user to register as a voter, to nominate content in the form of media tracks, to vote for nominated media tracks, to get suggestions on media tracks to be nominated, to access the list of nominated tracks, to access the playlist, to purchase music or video to be delivered to the user over communication network  18 , to purchase music or video to be delivered to the user at a later date and/or at a different location over communication network  18  and/or via mail. An operation and function of media terminal  20  is described in greater detail later herein especially with reference to FIG. 2B. Wireless device  22 , for example a personal digital assistant (PDA), a wireless phone and/or the like, may also be used by the users to communicate with media server  12  in a similar manner as media terminal(s)  20 .  
     [0022] If desired, media server  12  may be networked with other remote databases (not shown) that support transaction processing for media purchases, personal databases to facilitate authentication of the user, or provide other services to make the user aware of other opportunities to enjoy media of interest to the user. For example, at least one remote database may contain information about concerts, pay-per-view events, upcoming music or video releases, media promotions, and/or the like.  
     [0023] Preferably, media server  12  controls the output to audio system  26 . Audio system  26  may be a conventional audio system comprising at least speakers. Media server  12  also preferably controls special effects system  28 . Special effects system  28  may be used to create fog, create visual effects, adjust lighting and/or the like.  
     [0024] Display device(s)  24  may be distributed throughout the establishment to communicate information or media content to the users. For example, display device(s)  24  may be used to display the list of nominated tracks, to display the playlist, to display video tracks, and/or the like. The displayed video tracks may be video tracks nominated and voted for by the group or video tracks accompanying other media tracks, such as music tracks.  
     [0025]FIG. 2A is a block diagram of media server  12  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Media server  12  comprises a login module  32 , a download module  34 , a processing module  36 , a display module  38 , a user module  40 , and a special effects module  42 , each of these modules being in communication with a local database  44 . Preferably, processing module  36  is in communication with display module  38  and special effects module  42 . Preferably, display module  38  is also in communication with special effects module  42 . The different modules may be implemented in hardware, software or a combination of both.  
     [0026] Local database  44  comprises media database  14  and a user database  46 . User database  46  preferably comprises user information, such as user ID, name of the user, password information, user biometric information, user status, email address of the user, last login information, user preferences, user nomination records, user voting records, credit card number for purchases and/or the like. User biometric information may comprise retinal scans, fingerprint information, voice prints, or facial image of the users. User status determines the level of access provided to a particular user. For example, a user with a basic status may be allowed to nominate media tracks only from media database  14 , while a user with a premium status may be allowed to nominate media tracks both from media database  14  and from remote media database(s)  16 . User preferences may include the user&#39;s preferences as to the genre of music, the user&#39;s favorite artists, and/or the like. User nomination records may store information regarding prior and current nominations made by the user. Thus, a history of the user&#39;s prior nominations during present or prior visits to the establishment may be stored in user database  46  and displayed to the user upon request. User voting records preferably tracks the user&#39;s prior and current voting record. Thus, for example, a user who has already voted once during a particular time slot may be prevented from voting again during the same time slot, thereby preventing multiple votes by the same user. Moreover, the user voting record for a particular user may be displayed to the user upon request. If desired, the user&#39;s voting record may be used to establish a set of preferences for the user. This set of preferences may be used to suggest media tracks of interest to the user, help the user search for similar media tracks, inform the user about similar media tracks available for purchase, and/or the like.  
     [0027] User module  40  is primarily responsible for managing user information. User module  40  facilitates addition of a user, deletion of a user, updating of user information, and/or the like. User module  40  interacts with user database  46  and updates the information stored in user database  46 .  
     [0028] Login module  32  is primarily responsible for providing access to local database  44  to an authorized user. Login module  32  interacts with user database  46  to verify login and other security information provided by the user and also to determine the level of access to be provided to a particular user.  
     [0029] Download module  34  is primarily responsible for enabling the downloading of media and/or other information, such as additional information about particular music tracks, video tracks, games, and/or the like, from databases stored at remote locations, such as for example remote media database(s)  16 . Thus, for example, if a media track on the playlist is not available in media database  14 , it may be downloaded from remote media database  16 . A download log may be maintained, for example to keep track of media that has been downloaded and other download data, such as the date and time of the download. Additional information about particular media tracks may be downloaded in response to a user request for additional information. Such additional information may comprise artist name, ratings, and/or the like.  
     [0030] Processing module  36  is primarily responsible for processing input from the users. Processing module  36  may perform at least one of the following functions: registering a voter, accepting nominations for media tracks from registered voters, creating a list of nominated tracks, accepting votes from registered voters for nominated tracks to be included in the playlist, creating the playlist based on the received votes, and playing the media tracks based on their order in the playlist. If desired, processing module  36  may also allow a user to search for and retrieve information on different media tracks based on search criteria provided by the user, such as name of the artist, type of music, and/or the like. Furthermore, if desired, processing module  36  may control the output to audio system  26 .  
     [0031] Display module  38  is primarily responsible for displaying information, such as the list of nominated tracks, the playlist, list of available special effects, and/or the like, on display device  24 . Display device  24  may also present information, for example the list of nominated tracks, the playlist, and/or the like, to the user on a screen associated with wireless device  22  or on a screen associated with media terminal  20 . Special effects module  42  is primarily responsible for interfacing with and controlling special effects system  28 . For example, if the users specify special effects, such as fog, lighting, and/or the like, to be associated with the media content, then special effects module  42  preferably controls special effects system  28  to ensure that the desired special effects are created.  
     [0032]FIG. 2B is an elevational view of media terminal  20  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Media terminal  20  preferably comprises a display  21 , a biometric input receiver  23 , an audio output device  25 , and a card reader  29 . If desired, media terminal  20  may be adapted to couple to an external audio output device.  
     [0033] Although it may be any suitable display device, display  21  preferably comprises a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), and may be used to display text, graphics, images and/or the like. Preferably, display  21  comprises a touch screen with a touch screen keyboard area  27 . Display  21  may be used to control various operations of media terminal  20  and/or to enter information to be provided to media server  12 .  
     [0034] Biometric input receiver  23  is preferably used to receive biometric information from the user to facilitate authentication of the user. Biometric input receiver  23  may be an audio input device, such as a microphone, which may be used to receive a voice print from the user. In alternative embodiments, biometric input receiver  23  may be a fingerprint scanner which may be used to scan the user&#39;s fingerprint, a video camera to capture and receive the user&#39;s facial image, a retinal scanner to scan the user&#39;s retinal image, and/or the like.  
     [0035] Audio output device  25  is preferably a speaker that may be used to provide audio information to the user. Audio information may include interactive operating instructions, music, and/or the like. If desired, audio output device  25  may comprise a socket into which a head set may be plugged. Audio output device  25  facilitates listening to the options by the user prior to selection.  
     [0036] Card reader  29  is preferably a magnetic card reader that may be used to read credit cards, Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) cards, paper cards with magnetic strips, and/or the like. If desired, card reader  29  may be able to read other types of cards, such as smart cards.  
     [0037]FIG. 3 is a flowchart  50  of a method for providing a group directed media experience in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In step  52 , media server  12  registers a user as a voter. Preferably in this step voting privileges are also assigned to the voter. A process of registering a voter is described in greater detail herein with reference to FIG. 4. In step  54 , media server  12  accepts nominations for media tracks from the registered voters. In step  56 , the list of nominated tracks is preferably displayed on display device  24  by media server  12  so that the users may see the media tracks that have been nominated by the different voters to be included in the playlist. If desired, the execution order of steps  54  and  56  may be swapped. The list of nominated tracks may also be displayed on media terminal  20  and/or wireless device  22 . A process of accepting nominations from the registered voters is described in greater detail herein with reference to FIG. 5.  
     [0038] In step  58 , media server  12  accepts votes for nominated tracks from the registered voters. In step  60 , media server  60  creates a playlist from the nominated tracks based at least in part on votes received from the registered voters. In step  62 , the playlist is preferably displayed on display device  24  by media server  12  so that the users may see the order in which different media tracks will be played. The playlist may also be displayed on media terminal  20  and/or wireless device  22 . A process of accepting votes for nominated tracks is described in greater detail herein with reference to FIG. 6. In step  64 , special effects, if any, may be assigned to the media tracks in the playlist. A process of assigning special effects is described in greater detail herein with reference to FIG. 7. In step  66 , media server  12  plays the media tracks in the order of the playlist. A process of playing the media tracks in the order of the playlist is described in greater detail herein with reference to FIG. 8.  
     [0039]FIG. 4 is a flowchart  70  of a method for registering a voter in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In step  72 , voter information, such as a username, is received from the voter, preferably by user module  40  of media server  12 . The voter may enter the information at media terminal  20 . In step  74 , the voter is authenticated. In this step, authentication information, such as biometric information, for example, voice print, facial image, fingerprint, retinal scan, and/or the like, is received from the user. For example, in order to receive biometric information, user module  40  may prompt the voter to speak specific words into a microphone associated with media terminal  20 . The received voice print may then be compared with other voice prints that may be stored in local database  44  of media server  12 . If no matches are found, that may indicate that the particular voter has not previously registered under a different username. If desired, other methods may be used to authenticate the voter. Thus, the authentication step preferably prevents the same user from registering multiple times under different names.  
     [0040] In step  76 , a password is assigned to the voter, preferably by user module  40 . If desired, the voter may be allowed to choose his or her own password or change the assigned password. The voter may log-on to media server  12  utilizing the username and password. If desired, the voter may log-on to media server  12  by utilizing the username and by authenticating herself or himself to media server  12 , for example by speaking into the microphone. Voting privileges may also be assigned to the voter in step  76 . Voting privileges determine the number of nominations, the number of votes, the time slots, and/or the like, allocated to the voter.  
     [0041] In step  78 , a voter card may be generated for the voter. Preferably, the generated voter card is a disposable paper card with a magnetic strip. Preferably, the generated voter card expires at the end of the day or at the end of a specified time period. The advantage of having a voter card is that the voter may simply swipe or scan the voter card on media terminal  20  in order to log-on to media server  20  thereby simplifying the process for the voter. The advantage of having the voter card expire at the end of the day or at the end of a specified time period is that the particular voter to whom the card is assigned cannot pass on the card to others for use on subsequent time periods. The registered voter may obtain a different voter card on subsequent visits with the provider utilizing the group directed media experience system by logging on to media server  12 .  
     [0042] In step  80 , if desired, the voter&#39;s wireless device may be registered with media server  12 . Registration of the wireless device with media server  12  enables media server  12  to subsequently identify the voter based on an identification code received from the wireless device. In order to register the voter&#39;s wireless device with media server  12 , the voter may be prompted to provide information such as, for example, a serial number of the wireless device, a phone number associated with the wireless device, an identification code associated with the wireless device, an identification code associated with the wireless device, a previously assigned password used to provide secure access, and/or the like.  
     [0043]FIG. 5 is a flowchart  84  of a method for accepting nominations from the registered voters in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In order to nominate a media track for inclusion in the playlist, the voter may log-on to media server  12 , for example by providing username and password. Login module  32  verifies the voter&#39;s login information by accessing the voter information as stored in user database  46 . Once the voter has logged onto media server  12 , in step  86 , the voter&#39;s allocation of nomination privileges may be displayed to the voter. Nomination privileges may include, for example, the time slots for which the voter may nominate media tracks, any nominations made by but not released by the voter, total number of allocated nominations for the voter, the number of unused allocated nominations for the voter, the weight to be given to the voter&#39;s nomination, and/or the like. The media tracks already nominated by the voter may also be displayed (step  88 ).  
     [0044] In step  90 , the voter may edit or change its current nominations and/or nominate new media tracks. The voter may be allowed to browse media tracks by artist name, genre, type of media, “hot” tracks, and/or the like and then nominate media tracks for inclusion in the playlist. “Hot” tracks may include media tracks that are popular nationwide, media tracks that are popular in the particular establishment, media tracks that are popular among members of a particular age group, and/or the like. This and other types of information may be gathered for the voter from other sources, such as by accessing different web sites via the Internet. In step  92 , the nominations of the voter are stored in media server  12  along with the nominations of other voters for inclusion in the list of nominations for group voting.  
     [0045] In step  94 , the nominated tracks are filtered, preferably by processing module  36 , based on at least one criteria to create a nomination list for group voting. The criteria may be the rating of the nominated tracks, the appropriateness of the nominated tracks, the number of nominations received, previous play, and/or the like. For example, a particular track may be filtered out because it is determined that the rating of the track is unsuitable for the group. A particular track may also be filtered out if it has already been played during a predetermined time period immediately preceding the time slot for which nominations are being taken. Furthermore, if the group size is very large, the number of tracks included in the nomination list may be limited to an acceptable number. In that case, the tracks may be filtered based on the number of times a particular track was nominated. If desired, votes of users with greater voting privileges may be given more weight. Thus, for example, in one embodiment a user desiring to have a greater weight be given to his or her vote may purchase additional privileges. The media tracks that are not filtered out are included in the nomination list.  
     [0046] In step  96 , the nomination list is displayed on display device  24 , preferably by display module  38  of media server  12 . A voter may also access the nomination list by logging onto media server  12 . Media terminal  20  and/or wireless device  22  may be used for displaying and/or for accessing the nomination list.  
     [0047]FIG. 6 is a flowchart  102  of a method for accepting votes for nominated tracks in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In order to vote for media tracks, the voter may log-on to media server  12 , for example by providing username and password. Login module  32  verifies the voter&#39;s login information by accessing the voter information as stored in user database  46 . Once the voter has logged onto media server  12 , in step  104 , the voter&#39;s allocation of voting privileges may be displayed to the voter. Voting privileges may include, for example, the time slots for which the voter may vote, any votes cast but not released by the voter, total number of allocated votes for the voter, the number of unused allocated votes for the voter, the weight to be given to the voter&#39;s vote and/or the like. If the voter has already cast votes for the current time slot, then the current votes of the voter may be displayed (step  106 ).  
     [0048] In step  108 , the voter may edit or change its current votes and/or cast new votes. The voter may be allowed to browse through the list of nominated tracks and then cast its vote for the tracks it wants to hear. For any particular time slot, the voter may preferably vote for a plurality of tracks from the nomination list. The number of tracks that a voter may vote for may be predetermined by media server  12 . If the number of tracks that a voter may vote for is large, then the time period between the casting of the votes and the playing of the tracks will preferably be longer. In step  110 , the votes are stored in media server  12  along with the votes of other voters so that the playlist may be created.  
     [0049] In step  112 , the playlist is created preferably by processing module  36  of media server  12 . In the preferred embodiment, processing module  36  tabulates the votes cast by all the voters in the group. Preferably, the media tracks with the highest number of votes are selected to be included in the playlist. For example, if the nomination list included 25 media tracks, and the maximum number of media tracks allowed in the playlist is 10, then the 10 media tracks with the highest number of votes are included in the playlist. The order of the media tracks in the playlist is preferably based on the number of votes received by the individual media tracks with the media track with the most votes being number 1. If desired, the order of the media tracks in the playlist may be such that the media track with the most votes is the last media track in the playlist. In such an embodiment, the media tracks may be played as a “count down” to the most-requested media track. If desired, in order to keep the group interested, the playlist could be interspersed with lower-ranked media tracks with the most requested media track being the last one.  
     [0050] In step  114 , the playlist is displayed on display device  24 , preferably by display module  38  of media server  12 . A voter may also access the playlist by logging onto media server  12 . Media terminal  20  and/or wireless device  22  may also be used for displaying and/or accessing the playlist.  
     [0051]FIG. 7 is a flowchart  120  of a method for assigning special effects in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In order to vote for special effects, the voter may log-on to media server  12 , for example by providing username and password. Login module  32  verifies the voter&#39;s login information by accessing the voter information as stored in user database  46 . Once the voter has logged onto media server  12 , the current special effects setting, if any, for the media tracks in the playlist are displayed (step  122 ), preferably by special effects module  42 . The displayed current special effects setting may be the most recent special effects settings selected by the user or the special effects settings most commonly requested by the user. If desired, the user may have a default for special effects setting and the default settings may be displayed.  
     [0052] In step  124 , the voter may request a change in the current special effects settings for media tracks and/or specify special effects settings for other media tracks. The voter may browse through the playlist. For those tracks for which special effects settings were not specified by the voter, the voter may specify special effects setting. For those tracks for which special effects setting were already specified by the voter, the voter may, if desired, specify additional settings or modify current settings. For example, the voter may specify the type of lighting, the type of fog, the type of visual effects, and/or the like to accompany the media tracks. The user may specify different settings for different media tracks. In step  126 , the special effects information is stored in media server  12  along with the special effects settings of other voters for tabulation. In step  128 , special effects module  42  preferably tabulates the special effects for each media track in the playlist based on the input provided by the voters in the group and updates the playlist. Different media tracks may have different special effects associated with them depending on the votes of the users. However, if desired, voters may be allowed to vote for special effects such that the same special effects are applied to all media tracks in the playlist.  
     [0053] In step  130 , the updated playlist may be displayed on display device  24 , preferably by display module  38  of media server  12 . A voter may also access the updated playlist by logging onto media server  12 . Media terminal  20  and/or wireless device  22  may be used for displaying and/or accessing the nomination list.  
     [0054]FIG. 8 is a flowchart  132  of a method for playing media tracks in the order of the playlist in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In step  134 , the first media track listed in the playlist is assigned to be the current media track. In step  136 , media database  14  is searched to determine whether the current media track is available in media database  14 . If the current media track is not available in media database  14 , then in step  138 , the current media track is downloaded preferably over communication network  18  from remote media database  16  and execution proceeds to step  140 . If, in step  136 , it is determined that the current media track is available in media database  14 , then execution proceeds directly to step  140 .  
     [0055] In step  140 , a determination is made as to whether the current media track is the last media track in the playlist. If the current media track is not the last media track in the playlist, then in step  142 , the next media track in the playlist is assigned to be the current media track and the process starting at step  136  is repeated.  
     [0056] If in step  140 , it is determined that the current media track is the last media track in the playlist, then in step  144 , the media tracks are played in the order of the playlist with special effects, if any. In the preferred embodiment, processing module  36  controls the output to audio system  26 . Special effects module  42  controls special effects system  28 . If desired, the steps of determining whether a media track is available in media database  14  and/or the subsequent downloading of the media track from remote media databases  16  may be executed concurrently with the playing of other media tracks in the playlist.  
     [0057] In step  146 , information about the media tracks already played is preferably stored in media server  12 . The stored information may include, for example, name of the media track, artist information, date and time the media track was played, and/or the like. The information may be used for various purposes, for example to filter out recently-played media tracks, to create a list of “hot” media tracks, and/or the like.  
     [0058] Embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in software, hardware, or a combination of both software and hardware. The software and/or hardware may reside on media server  12  or be accessible by media server  12 .  
     [0059] Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described herein with media server  12  locally residing at an establishment or with a provider, the invention is not so limited and in alternative embodiments, media server  12  may be at a remote location and remotely accessed by media terminal  20  and/or wireless device  22 .  
     [0060] Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described above with different modules performing different operations, the invention is not so limited. One or more of the above described modules may be combined without departing from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, although the present invention has been described above with different databases storing different types of information, the invention is not so limited. One or more of the above described databases may be combined without departing from the scope of the present invention.  
     [0061] If desired, the different steps discussed herein may be performed in any order and/or concurrently with each other. Furthermore, if desired, one or more of the above described steps may be optional or may be combined without departing from the scope of the present invention.  
     [0062] An advantage of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is that the playlist is created based in part on the selection of the group. Thus, the media tracks played are more likely to be enjoyed by the majority of the group, then if a single person, for example a disc jockey, was selecting the media tracks. Moreover, because the media server can access media tracks from remote locations, a wider selection of media tracks is available to the voters. Another advantage of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is that a user may easily sample, experience and/or purchase media content. Furthermore, the user may be made aware of media events of interest to the user.