Patent Publication Number: US-2021176520-A1

Title: Systems and methods for media storage and retrieval

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional patent Application No. 62/682,580, filed Jun. 8, 2018, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Despite the growing popularity of streaming media and digital downloads, many consumers continue to maintain and use physical media, such as compact discs (CDs), digital video discs (DVDs), Blu-ray discs, or other types of optical discs, and even cassette tapes such as audio cassettes and Video Home System (VHS) cassettes. Some consumers may have sizeable collections of physical media in addition to collections of virtual media, such as MP3 files, MPEG files, or other audio or video files in electronic format. 
     One problem with having large quantities of physical media is difficulty with storage and retrieval for use. For example, some consumers may have disorganized stacks of video and audio discs in a large collection shared among a household, perhaps scattered around different rooms and vehicles. And some consumers may only have a limited number of players capable of reading the media, while those players may be scattered around different locations. For example, a user may have a DVD player in the family room, a CD player in the office, and a video game system in the basement. Accordingly, it may be frustrating for some users to locate a desired movie, musical recording, video game, or other media for play in various locations. When a consumer loads, unloads, or otherwise handles the physical media, there is a risk that the media will be damaged, sometimes to the point of being unreadable. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Many aspects of the present disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale. Instead, emphasis is placed on clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a schematic view of a media storage and retrieval system configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a flow diagram of a media storage and retrieval process in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a flow diagram of a media storage and retrieval process in accordance with another embodiment of the present technology. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a schematic view of a media storage and retrieval system configured in accordance with another embodiment of the present technology. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a schematic view of a media storage and retrieval system configured in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present technology. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a schematic view of a media storage and retrieval system with a carousel functioning as a fileserver for recordkeeping or records access configured in accordance with still another embodiment of the present technology. 
         FIG. 7  is a block diagram illustrating a representative architecture for a computer system or device that can be utilized to implement various portions of the present technology. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present technology is directed to systems and methods for media storage and retrieval. In one embodiment, for example, a system for media storage and retrieval may include a controller to receive first commands from a remote control, transmit second commands to a mass storage device, receive first signals corresponding to data from the mass storage device, and transmit second signals corresponding to the first signals to a display device or audio device configured to receive the second signals and reproduce the data for observation by a user. The mass storage device may include a mechanism to store, retrieve, and play one or more discs containing the data, and it may be configured to transmit the data to the controller using the first signals. A method for media storage and retrieval in accordance with the present technology may include receiving a media item, analyzing the media item to determine one or more pieces of information about the media item, storing the one or more pieces of information in a first database in a mass storage device, transmitting the first database to a controller, and creating, with the controller, a second database that includes the first database. The controller receives and responds to requests from a user to play the media item. 
     Various embodiments of the technology are described herein. The following description provides specific details for a thorough understanding and an enabling description of these embodiments. One skilled in the art will understand, however, that the technology may be practiced without many of these details. Additionally, some well-known structures or functions, such as those associated with wired and wireless networking, or reading and writing of physical or digital media, may not be shown or described in detail so as to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the relevant description of the various embodiments. Accordingly, the technology may include other embodiments with additional elements or without several of the elements described below with reference to  FIGS. 1-6 . 
     The terminology used in the description presented below is intended to be interpreted in its broadest reasonable manner, even though it is being used in conjunction with a detailed description of certain specific embodiments of the technology. Certain terms may even be emphasized below; however, any terminology intended to be interpreted in any restrictive manner will be overtly and specifically defined as such in this detailed description section. 
     Where the context permits, singular or plural terms may also include the plural or singular term, respectively. Moreover, unless the word “or” is expressly limited to mean only a single item exclusive from the other items in a list of two or more items, then the use of “or” in such a list is to be interpreted as including (a) any single item in the list, (b) all of the items in the list, or (c) any combination of items in the list. Further, unless otherwise specified, terms such as “attached” or “connected” are intended to include integral connections, as well as connections between physically separate components. 
     Specific details of several embodiments of the present technology are described herein with reference to discs, cassettes, hard drives, flash memory drives, and other various forms of media, in connection with entertainment or data storage. The technology may also be implemented in other applications, including, for example, recordkeeping, library services, or database management. The technology may be used to manage various forms of digital, analog, physical, or virtual media, including audio, video, documents, and other forms of media. Conventional aspects of some elements of the technology may be described in reduced detail herein for efficiency and to avoid obscuring the present disclosure of the technology. 
     Many embodiments of the technology described below may take the form of computer- or controller-executable instructions, including routines executed by a programmable computer or controller. Those skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that the technology can be practiced on computer/controller systems other than those shown and described below. The technology can be embodied in a special-purpose computer, controller or data processor that is specifically programmed, configured or constructed to perform one or more of the computer-executable instructions described below. Accordingly, the terms “computer” and “controller” as generally used herein refer to any data processor or data processing device and can include Internet appliances and hand-held devices (including palm-top computers, wearable computers, cellular or mobile phones, multi-processor systems, processor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network computers, mini computers and the like). Information handled by these computers can be presented at any suitable display medium, including a CRT display or LCD. 
     The technology can also be practiced in distributed environments, where tasks or modules are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules or subroutines may be located in local and remote memory storage devices. Aspects of the technology described below may be stored or distributed on computer-readable media, including magnetic or optically readable or removable computer disks, as well as distributed electronically over networks. Data structures and transmissions of data particular to aspects of the technology are also encompassed within the scope of the embodiments of the technology. 
     A. MEDIA STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL SYSTEMS AND ASSOCIATED METHODS 
     Embodiments of the present technology store media, such as physical media or digital data, for access in various locations and by various devices.  FIG. 1 , for example, is a schematic view of a media storage and retrieval system  100  (“system  100 ”) configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. A controller  105  (which may be nicknamed a “librarian”) provides centralized control of the system  100 , including control of several optional devices. The controller  105  may take the form of a computer-controlled device with inputs, outputs, an optional screen or display, optional speakers or sound amplification equipment, and features suitable for networking with and controlling other devices of the system  100 , which are described below. In some embodiments, the system  100  may include more than one controller  105 , each of which may be networked with and may control other controllers or devices in the system  100 . Controller(s)  105  may have built-in television tuners, cable or satellite transceivers, internet access devices, or other sources of media or data, including ports and slots for removable media. 
     The controller(s)  105  function as hubs to access and distribute media and data across the system  100 . The controller(s)  105  may control operations of, and access to, the various other devices in the system  100 , including televisions, media players, receivers for subscriber services such as cable or satellite entertainment, or other devices described herein. In general, controller  105  is connected to one or more televisions  120  or speaker systems  125  or similar devices to reproduce content (for example, display content and menus for operation, or produce audio output in the form of sound). The controller(s)  105  transmit commands to devices in the system  100  and receive signals from devices in the system  100  in the form of digital signals (such as data) or analog signals (such as audio or video signals). Controller(s)  105  may be in the form of a cabinet or self-contained unit, or they may form part of a stand or support for another device, such as a television. 
     A carousel  110  (which may be nicknamed a “stack”) may store various forms of media, including discs such as digital video discs (DVD), compact discs (CD), Blu-ray, or other types of discs or media, such as hard drives or flash memory, and it may have readers or players to read the types of media stored therein. In a particular embodiment, the carousel  110  may store  100 ,  250 ,  500 , or any other suitable number of discs. In some embodiments, the carousel  110  may include card slots for receiving, reading, and writing non-volatile storage media, such as flash media. In various embodiments, the carousel  110  may store any suitable media or combinations of media. In some embodiments, the carousel  110  may have ports to interface with broadcast media, such as streaming media from the internet, cable television service, or satellite television service. In some embodiments, the carousel  110  may be integrated with the controller  105  as a combination device, or in other embodiments, it may be separate from the controller  105 . The carousel  110  may contain, or function as, a database for the media stored or accessible therein. 
     In some embodiments, the carousel  110  may be loaded with media, such as discs, by a user inserting the media into a port or door in the carousel  110 , or by a user inserting a disc transport unit  140  described below. For example, the carousel  110  may have a mechanism that retrieves and replaces a disc or other media from a disc transport unit  140 . The carousel  110  may have a mechanism that retrieves and plays a selected disc from within its own storage mechanism. Although one carousel  110  is illustrated, the system  100  may include two or more, or any suitable number of carousels  110 . Although the term “carousel” or “stack” may be used, such terms may be used herein to generally refer to mass storage devices configured to receive, store, and distribute media, for example, with a disc mechanism to receive, store, and play discs. 
     In some embodiments, the controller  105  maintains a record of capacity of the carousels  110 . For example, the record may be in the form of a database or table that stores remaining capacity in each carousel  110 . A user may access the storage record through menus provided by the controller  105  on a display. 
     A remote control  115  is a handheld or otherwise portable device with a user interface for navigating system  100  features or controlling system operations. There may be multiple remote controls  115  in the system  100 , one or more of which may be master remotes with higher authority or control over devices in the system  100  relative to the other remote controls. The remote control  115  controls the controller  105 , the carousel  110 , or any other device associated with the system  100  (including components or devices described herein, or other components or devices), either through the controller  105  or directly. 
     The remote control  115  may include a video display or screen, or speakers or other audio output (such as a headphone jack or wireless signal output carrying audio data) to observe what is shown on a television  120 , played in a speaker system  125 , or shown on a portable player (described below). The video display or screen of the remote control  115  may also include a user interface with menus to control various features of the controller  105  or the other components in the system  100 . In general, the video display of the remote control  115  duplicates or augments data shown on other screens or displays in the system  100 . In some embodiments, a user may control a device in the system  100  (such as a television  120 ) using the remote control  115 , while viewing menus or selections on the video display or screen of the remote control  115 , without the menus or selections being shown on the device being controlled, to avoid indicating that the remote control  115  is controlling the device or to avoid interrupting the experience of a user viewing the device being controlled. 
     In some embodiments, the remote control  115  may be operable with voice commands. For example, the remote control  115  may include tables of speech translation data to listen with a microphone (which may be included in the remote control  115 ) and translate speech commands to usable commands in the system  100 . For example, a user may say “play a song.” In response, the remote control  115  may invoke a menu of songs available in the carousel  110  or the controller  105 . The menu may be displayed on the remote control  115  or on a display on another device, such as on the television  120 . Upon selecting a song, a user may speak the song selection to begin playback. In some embodiments, voice recognition may be built into other devices in the system, such as the controller  105 . In some embodiments, a Bluetooth® headset with a corresponding Bluetooth® receiver in a suitable device may be used for transmitting voice commands. 
     In some embodiments, the remote control  115  may communicate with devices (such as a television  120 , DVD player, CD player, cable box, speaker system, or other devices) using universal standard codes. In some embodiments, universal standard codes are codes or protocols that enable devices made by different manufacturers or otherwise having their own command interface to pair with each other or to communicate with each other. For example, a remote control  115  may rely on the universal standard codes associated with DVD players to transmit controls of one or more of a plurality of DVD players. Likewise, the controller  105  may rely on the universal standard codes to communicate with other devices in the system  100 . 
     In some embodiments, the remote control  115 , working with the controller  105 , can carry out complex activities in response to commands. For example, the remote control  115  may respond to a command to play a movie (entered by voice or by commands in the remote control  115  user interface) by instructing the television  120  and speaker system  125  to turn on, and by instructing the carousel  110  to retrieve and transmit the movie for playback on the television  120 . In general, the remote control  115  receives commands from a user and transmits commands to the controller  105  or other devices in the system  100 . 
     In some embodiments, the remote control  115  may be a small handheld device, or it may be a larger device such as a clamshell-style device approximately the size of a small laptop computer. It may include a keyboard, touch screen, or other user interface for entering commands and receiving and displaying feedback from devices of the system  100  or other external devices in response to those commands. It may be powered by a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery, and it may have indicators to alert a user when battery power is low and a recharge is needed. It may disable itself (for example, power off) if it goes out of range. In some embodiments, the remote control  115  may have memory or memory card slots suitable for receiving flash memory, for example, to store media for viewing on the screen of the remote control  115 . In some embodiments, the remote control  115  may have a locator feature, which may include a speaker for beeping when another device on the system  100  (such as controller  105 ) sends a ping for its location. In some embodiments, a remote control  115  may not be a dedicated or handheld device, such that instead it may be a larger device, such as a personal computer. 
     A portable player  130  (which may be nicknamed a “bookmobile”) may also be included in the system  100 . The portable player  130  may include a screen or display and speakers or a wired or wireless port or jack for connecting to headphones or other external audio devices. The portable player  130  may include a disc player or other media reader for playback of media on the display or through the speakers. A user may take the portable player  130  anywhere for accessing media inside or outside of the home system  100 . The portable player  130  may include a disc transport port  135  to receive a disc transport unit (nicknamed a “book”, and described in greater detail below) to receive discs or other media for playback. In some embodiments, the portable player  130  may receive or store media via internal memory or by a data connection with other devices in the system  100 . In some embodiments, a portable player  130  may be controlled with the remote control  115 . 
     In some embodiments, portable player  130  may function as a visitor port by connecting to the controller  105  or the carousel  110  and playing media through the controller  105  or carousel  110  without transferring media (such as media in disc transport units or books) into the host system. For example, a user may take the portable player  130  to another system to facilitate access to the media by the other system without giving the other system possession of the media. In some embodiments, the portable player  130  may be used for portable access to video or audio media, or for other types of media such as games or documents. Embodiments involving games or documents are described in additional detail below. 
     A disc transport unit  140  (which may be nicknamed a “book”) is a portable and modular container, such as a box, that stores media, such as discs. In some embodiments, the disc transport unit  140  may hold ten discs, twenty discs, or another suitable number of discs. For various media formats, disc transport units  140  may be a cartridge containing multiple media items, such as multiple discs or memory with virtual media. The disc transport unit  140  may be inserted into or otherwise connected to one or more of several components of the system  100 . For example, it may be connected to the controller  105 , the carousel  110 , the portable player  130 , or another device. Optionally, it may connect to devices via a disc transport port  135 . The disc transport unit  140  may be loaded or unloaded by a mechanism or data connection in the carousel  110 , such as the disc transport port  135 . In some embodiments, the disc transport port  135  on the carousel  110  may be protected by mechanical doors. 
     One advantage and feature of the disc transport unit  140  is that a user may not need to directly or physically handle a disc very often. For example, a user may add the disc to the user&#39;s collection stored in the carousel  110  during an initial introduction of the disc to the system  100  (by loading the disc directly into the carousel). The carousel  110  may load the disc into the disc transport unit  140 , which may be carried to other devices that can themselves retrieve the disc from the disc transport unit  140 , such as the portable player  130  or disc transport port  135 . Accordingly, the disc transport unit  140  may protect the discs from physical harm, such as scratching or loss. In some situations, after a user loads a disc into the carousel  110 , the disc may never be directly touched by a user again until it is removed from the system  100  because it may be passed between various devices in the disc transport unit  140  and loaded into or unloaded from the disc transport unit  140  by the various devices in the system  100 . In some embodiments, however, a user may manually insert or remove a disc or other media into or from the disc transport unit  140 . 
     In some embodiments, disc transport units  140  may include an onboard memory, such as a flash memory, to hold a database. The database may include information about the discs, including the filename, title, author, content, number of plays or instances of access or other viewing history, parental control data, information about the host system with which the disc is associated, or other suitable data. For example, the disc transport units  140  may track a number of plays of a movie or song regardless of what device plays the movie. The disc transport unit  140  may communicate with devices to update its own data or to update the data when it returns to its home system  100 . Because the disc transport unit  140  maintains its own database, a device hosting the disc transport unit  140  may access that database to search for files or media in the disc transport unit  140 . Changes made to the database while the disc transport unit  140  is in a foreign or visitor host device (such as someone else&#39;s carousel  110  or portable player  130 ) may be uploaded to the home system  100  upon return. 
     Devices that may have interfaces or ports  135  to access discs stored in the disc transport unit  140  (either by an electronic connection or by a physical transfer of the disc) include the controller  105 , the carousel  110 , the portable player  130  and game devices described below. In some embodiments, disc transport units  140  may carry one or more hard drives or flash media instead of, or in addition to, discs or other physical media. 
     In some embodiments, devices such as televisions  120  or stand-alone DVD or CD players, cable or satellite receivers, or sound systems, may be controlled with an infrared control adapter module  145  (which may be nicknamed “IR CAM”). The IR CAM  145  receives a command signal input and translates the command signal input to an output of appropriate infrared or other signals (using an infrared emitter or other suitable emitter) to control the device via an infrared or other signal receiver in the device. In some embodiments, the IR CAM  145  may receive its command signal input from a remote control  115 , or a controller  105 , or another device in the system  100 . The controller  105  or other device providing the command signal input may store translation tables to translate command signals between formats for the IR CAM  145 , which may only need to convert the command signal to infrared or another suitable command format for the device being controlled. For example, the remote control  115  may transmit a command to the controller  105 , which uses the translation table to convert the command into a suitable pattern to send to the IR CAM  145 , which emits the command pattern in infrared. The translation table may include manufacturer-specific data to convert commands (such as play or volume up) between formats to allow a remote control  115  or other device to control several types and makes of devices. The IR CAM  145  may optionally have an optical sensor to detect the presence or color of a power light of the device being controlled, to determine a power status or other status of the device. For example, the IR CAM  145  may transmit a signal to the controller  105  indicating whether the device is turned on or off, based on the power light. 
     In some embodiments, a mini controller or micro controller  150  may be included in the system  100 . A mini or micro controller  150  may be a smaller version of the controller  105 , with the same or different features as the controller  105 . In some embodiments, mini or micro controllers  150  expand the range of a controller  105  by functioning as a repeater for the input and output signals for the controller  105 . In some embodiments, the mini or micro controller  150  may link with the controller  105  to pass control and media data to devices such as a television  120 , enabling control of the devices. In some embodiments, a mini or micro controller  150  may be connected to a light switch  155  or a power outlet  160  to enable remote or scheduled (timed) operation of the light switch  155  or the power outlet  160  (for example, power to a coffee pot may be controlled or timed remotely). In an exemplary embodiment, a remote control  115  may be used to program a timer on the controller  105 , which may issue commands to the mini or micro controller  150 , the light switch  155 , or the power outlet  160  to operate those devices. Mini controllers may be generally similar to micro controllers (for example, both mini and micro controllers may have hardwired data ports), but there may be some differences. For example, a mini controller may have one or more power outlets for remote or scheduled (timed) control of devices plugged into the power outlets. 
     The system  100  may further include a music component  165  (which may be nicknamed a “music port”). The music component  165  may include a CD player, a radio receiver, an internet radio streaming system, or another suitable audio or music source. A speaker system  125  may be connected to or integral with the music component  165  for playback of the music or audio from the music component  165 , or the music component  165  may have an output jack or interface for connecting to other playback devices. In some embodiments, the music component  165  may access media stored on the carousel  110  via the controller  105 , which may stream or otherwise transmit media to the music component  165  for playback through the speaker system  125  or other output device. 
     In some embodiments, a personal computer or CPU  170  may be included in the system  100 . The computer or CPU  170  may function similarly to the remote control  115 , as the controller  105 , or as an access point to access media stored in the carousel  110 , for example. A printer  175  may be connected to the personal computer or CPU  170  to perform various print activities. For example, a user may access a database of media stored on the controller  105  to print the database or parts thereof. In some embodiments, the computer or CPU  170  may control the controller  105  to activate the controller  105 , perform initial setup, create or modify user accounts or permissions (such a parental controls), or other functions. 
     In some embodiments, one or more (such as most or all) of the devices within the system  100 , including the controller(s)  105 , the CPU(s)  170 , the carousel(s)  110 , the remote control(s)  115 , the portable player(s)  130 , the music component(s)  165 , the light switches  155 , the power outlets  160 , the mini or micro controllers  150 , or any other device linked into or controllable within the system  100 , may be connected to communicate with each other and the controller  105  via wireless signals, such as Wi-Fi® (including any IEEE 802.11 standard), Bluetooth®, other radio frequency-based communication protocols, or other wireless networking protocols or signals. For example, in some embodiments, one or more wireless networking systems  180  (such as network adapters including, for example, transceivers and antennas) may be included in each device in the system  100 . 
     In some embodiments, one or more (such as most or all) of the devices within the system  100  may be linked or networked with each other using wired connections. Such wired connections may include Ethernet (via category 5, 6, or 7 cables, for example), Universal Serial Bus (USB™), fiber optic cables, or other suitable wired networking protocols. For audio or video transmission, any suitable audio or video transmission protocol may be used, such as HDMI®, DVI, DisplayPort™, VGA, RCA-style cables, coaxial cables, USB™, Bluetooth®, or other protocols or types of cables or wireless networking. In some embodiments, devices may be programmed and linked using a wired connection and then disconnected from the wired connection to participate in the wireless network of the system  100 . In some embodiments, use of a wired connection between two or more devices may automatically disable wireless networking equipment for those devices. 
     Communication between devices in the system  100  may be encrypted. For example, when devices are introduced to the system  100  they may exchange keys or other identifiers to verify their identities and establish an encrypted communication channel. In some embodiments, a hardwired connection, such as a USB™ connection, may be used to introduce new components to the system  100 . For example, components may be connected to a remote control  115  via USB™ connection for initial introduction to a system  100 . In some embodiments, a display on the controller  105 , the television  120 , the remote control  115 , or another device, may show an on-screen discovery guide or program to guide a user through setup of each device. 
     In some embodiments, video may be transmitted wirelessly within the system  100 . For example, a wireless video adapter  185  may be connected to a television  120  or other display to receive a wireless video broadcast (for example, from the controller  105 , which may broadcast wireless video signals) for display to a user. In other embodiments, a coaxial or other wired cable arrangement may transmit video between the controller  105  and the television  120  or other display. 
     In some embodiments of the present technology, the system  100  may be connected to the world wide web (internet). For example, the controller  105  may include a hub or router to link the system  100  devices to the internet via a cable, satellite, digital subscriber line (DSL), cellular data connection, or other suitable internet connection. When connected to the internet (or in some embodiments, an intranet), the system  100  may be remotely controlled or remotely accessed. For example, a user may access the system  100  through an internet browser or application from any suitable computer terminal, cellphone, or other remote device or portable device  190 . Accordingly, in some embodiments, a user may access media within the system  100  from anywhere their remote or portable device  190  has sufficient internet access. A user may adjust the system  100  (for example, turn devices on or off, or adjust user accounts) or command any other task. 
     In operation, the system  100  facilitates several media storage and retrieval processes.  FIG. 2 , for example, illustrates a flow diagram of an example media storage and retrieval process  200  using the system  100  of  FIG. 1  in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. Beginning at block  205 , for example, a user may insert a disc into the carousel  110 . The carousel  110  may have a door or slot for a user to provide the disc into the carousel  110 , which may secure the discs in a mechanism that resists accidental release of the discs, such as when moving the carousel  110  or if the carousel  110  is accidentally jostled. 
     At block  210 , the carousel  110  analyzes the disc to determine one or more pieces of information about the disc, such as the type of file or content (for example, audio or video or other content), genre (for example, country or action or other genres), rating (for example, mature, PG-13, or other ratings), title, artist, or other information about the disc and its content. The carousel  110  stores the pieces of information in a database, along with information about other discs or media. If there are multiple carousels  110  in the system  100 , each carousel  110  may store its own database. In some embodiments, if a disc or other media is duplicative of existing media, the carousel  110  may record an indicator of the duplication in the database and alert the user. 
     The carousel  110  and the controller  105  communicate with each other, such that at block  215 , the carousel  110  may upload the information to the controller  105 , which creates and maintains a combined database of what is stored or otherwise available across the whole system  100 , such as in one or more carousels  110  or in a portable player or visitor port  130 , or in another device in the system  100 . 
     In some embodiments, the controller  105  also monitors the presence or absence of system  100  components, or the capacity of system components, such as the capacity or available space of a carousel  110 . For example, in some embodiments, upon receipt of a disc transport unit  140  in a carousel  110 , the controller  105  may ask the user if the user wants to store the discs in a selected carousel  110  (if there are multiple carousels  110 ) or whether the user wants the controller  105  to select a carousel  110 . If the user commands the controller  105  to select a carousel  110 , the controller  105  may select a carousel  110  with the most available space (least used space) and instruct a user to move the disc transport unit  140  to that carousel  110 , so the disc can be transferred from the disc transport unit  140  to that selected carousel  110 . 
     At block  220 , a user may operate the controller  105  (for example, using the remote control  115 ), to operate one or more menus or search engines in the controller  105  (via a display on the television  120  or on the display of the remote control  115 , for example) to locate and select media for playback on one or more of the devices in the system  100 . Upon selection, the controller  105  downloads or streams a copy of the media from the carousel  110  (which may play a disc in its own internal player to generate the copy of the data) and transmits it to a desired playback device (which may also be selected by operating the controller  105 ), such as a television  120  for playback. The controller  105  may track the number of plays or other information about the use of the selected media in the combined database. 
     In some embodiments, the controller  105  may store a plurality of copies of movies, audio files, or other files after copying them from the physical media stored in the carousel  110  to enable faster access to the media, or the controller  105  may facilitate a real-time stream from the disc or other media being read in the carousel  110  to the playback device. A user may be given the option to delete the copies stored on the carousel  110 . The controller  105  may function as a buffer or server for the media from the carousel  110 , or in some embodiments, the controller  105  may direct the carousel  110  to send the media (as a stream, as a full file, or as another format) directly to the playback device. 
     A controller  105  may turn on all required devices in response to a command to play media, for example, it may turn on the television  120  and a speaker system  125  in response to a request to play a movie. The controller  105  may also turn off all devices with a single command. For example, the controller  105  may respond to the press of an “all off” button (on the controller  105 , the remote control  115 , or another device) by turning off one or more designated devices in the system  100  (such as all the devices). 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a flow diagram of a media storage and retrieval process  300  configured in accordance with another embodiment of the present technology. The process  300  may be used, for example, to transport media for travel or for visiting another system, or for other suitable purposes. Beginning at block  305 , a user selects a disc or other media format for retrieval. For example, a user may navigate menus on a display on the controller  105 , on the television  120  (provided by the controller  105 ), or on the remote control  115 , to select a media item. At block  310 , a user may insert a disc transport unit  140  into a carousel  110 . At block  315 , the controller  105  instructs the carousel  110  to load the disc or other media item into the disc transport unit  140 . In some embodiments, this may involve physically transferring a disc into the disc transport unit  140  or digitally uploading a file to the disc transport unit  140 . In some embodiments, a user may initiate a transfer of media from the carousel  110  to the disc transport unit  140  with a switch or command on the carousel  110  itself, rather than via commands from the controller  105  or the remote control  115 . 
     At block  320 , one or more databases or logs, such as databases described above, records a notice or status that the media is in the disc transport unit  140  rather than in the carousel  110 , so that a user may keep track of the location of the media. For example, in response to a user&#39;s later request for the media item, the controller  105  may output an indication that the media item is in the disc transport unit  140  and not available to be requested for playback until it is returned to the carousel  110 . 
     At block  325 , a user may bring the disc transport unit  140  to another device, such as a portable player  130 , another carousel  110 , or another controller  105 , each of which may receive the disc transport unit  140  in the disc transport port  135 . In some embodiments, these other devices are part of a user&#39;s home system  100 , or part of another system where the user may be visiting. At block  330 , when the portable player  130 , the other carousel  110 , or other controller  105  receives the disc transport unit  140 , it reads the onboard memory of the disc transport unit  140  to learn the contents. 
     At block  335 , a user may access the contents of the disc transport unit  140  via the portable player  130 , carousel  110 , or controller  105  by interacting with these devices to select media and command play of the media via suitable menus or other controls, similar to the process  200  described above with reference to  FIG. 2 . In some embodiments, the devices may mechanically retrieve a disc or media item from the disc transport unit  140  and transfer the disc or media item into the device for playback. As described in detail below, a user&#39;s ability to play a selected item may be subject to permissions or controls in the devices or a user&#39;s own access restrictions, which may be saved in the disc transport unit  140  for the new host devices to access and use. Each of the portable player  130 , carousel  110 , or controller  105  may update information stored in the memory of the disc transport unit  140 , such as the number of plays of the media. 
     In some embodiments, if the disc transport unit  140  is foreign to a system, such as when a user is visiting with his or her own disc transport unit  140 , the controller  105  or carousel  110  may deny passage of the discs from the disc transport unit  140  into the controller  105  or carousel  110 . In such embodiments, a visiting user may insert the disc transport unit  140  into the portable player  130 , and connect the portable player  130  to the foreign or visited system for playback (wirelessly or with a wired connection). 
     When a user wants to remove the media from the portable player  130 , carousel  110 , or controller  105  (for example, when the controller  105  is a combination device and includes a carousel  110 ), the devices may respond to a command to eject the media or otherwise transfer the media back into the disc transport unit  140  for the user to take to another system or back to the user&#39;s home system. At home, the home carousel  110  may retrieve the media from the disc transport unit  140  upon receiving the disc transport unit  140  in the disc transport port  135 . In some embodiments, the controller  105  searches its own database to determine whether a media item (such as a disc) has been in the system before, and if so, the controller updates the database to indicate that the media item is back home. 
     For ease of description, a system that is not a user&#39;s home system may be referred to as a host system. When a disc transport unit  140  is visiting and received in a host system, the controller  105  of the host system may invoke a visitor account that provides features specific to visitor activities. Such features may include enablement or disablement of certain account permissions or access to specified playback devices. For example, in some embodiments, visitors may be limited to certain parental control restrictions, or the host system may be prevented from accessing the visitor&#39;s media without using the visitor account. 
     The process  300  illustrated in  FIG. 3  may be carried out at any suitable time, for example immediately after blocks  205  or  210  in  FIG. 2 , or another time. The processes  200 ,  300  provide a user with automatic tracking of the location of their media while protecting the physical media itself by maintaining it in the disc transport unit  140 . 
     In some embodiments, when a disc transport unit  140  is inserted into a disc transport port  135 , the device with the disc transport port  135  (such as a carousel  110 ) may execute multiple operations, depending on the quantity and type of discs or other media items in the disc transport unit  140 . 
     For example, if the disc transport unit  140  is empty, the controller  105  may ask (via menus or requests in the user interface on a display) if the user wants to load discs into the disc transport unit  140 . If the disc transport unit  140  is not recognized as part of the home system  100 , the controller  105  may ask if the user is a visitor, and if yes, the controller  105  may invoke and present a visitor account. If the disc transport unit  140  is not full and the controller  105  recognizes the discs as being part of the home system  100 , the controller  105  may ask if the user wants to select more discs for loading or the user wants to reinstall the discs into a carousel  110 . If the disc transport unit  140  is full and there is a mix of new and recognized discs, the controller  105  may ask if the user wants to reinstall system discs and add the new discs. If the disc transport unit  140  is full of discs recognized to be part of the user&#39;s home system  100 , the controller  105  may ask if the user wants to reinstall the discs in a carousel  110 . If the disc transport unit  140  is neither a part of the user&#39;s home system  100  nor a visitor&#39;s disc transport unit  140 , the controller  105  may ask if a user wants to install the discs into the system  100  (via the carousel  105 , for example). In any of the foregoing examples, the controller  105  and the carousel  110  execute appropriate instructions and mechanical actions to install or add discs, such as instructions, actions, or processes described herein. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a system  400  configured in accordance with another embodiment of the present technology. The system  400  in  FIG. 4  may be generally similar to the system  100  in  FIG. 1 , but with a different number and arrangement of participating devices. For example, the system  400  in  FIG. 4  may be oriented toward video games. In some embodiments, a game system  405  may be connected to or integral with the controller  105 . The game system  405  may include any suitable game console, such as an Xbox®, PlayStation®, or other past, present, or future game console or game system. 
     The controller  105  may be attached to or integral with the carousel  110  (forming a combination or combo device). The controller  105  (with or without an integral carousel  110 ) may be nicknamed a “game tower.” Disc transport unit  140  may be received in the disc transport port  135  of the carousel  110 . The game system  405  may be controlled and operated similarly to other devices in the system  400  (or the system  100  described above). For example, upon receiving a request (by a remote control or other device) to select and play a video game, the controller  105  may provide a display of available games a user may select. Upon selection, the controller  105  may instruct the carousel  110  to transmit data corresponding to the selected game to the game system  405 , for the game system  405  to play the game (for example, on a monitor  415 ). 
     In some embodiments, a game remote control  410  may receive commands from a user. The game remote control  410  may be similar to the remote control  115  illustrated in  FIG. 1  and described above. It may have additional or different controls than the remote control  115  for controlling video games. For example, the game remote control  410  may have buttons that provide specific commands to the game system  405  (such as directional controls, A, B, X, Y, L, R, or other buttons understood to be associated with video games). The game remote control  410  may command the controller  105  to power the game system  405  and provide a video game to the game system  405  from a disc stored in the carousel  110 , for example, based on a user&#39;s selection of the game via on-screen menus. 
     In the system  400 , a user may load and access games (on discs or other media) for playback in the game system  405  similar to loading and accessing other media on discs as described above with regard to  FIGS. 1-3 . In some embodiments, the game system  405  may control the combination controller  105  and carousel  110  to retrieve games for play (rather than the controller  105  instructing and controlling the controller  105 ). 
     A monitor  415  may receive video or audio signals from the game system  405  or controller  105  for a viewer to observe the game and feedback from controls received by the game remote control  410 . In some embodiments, portable player  130  may be connected to a game system  405  for portable gameplay using games from the disc transport unit  140  connected to the system  100  via the disc transport port  135 . When the portable player  130  is configured for video games or for connection to a game system  405 , it may be nicknamed a “game keep.” 
     In some embodiments, the game system  405  may be partially or fully restricted from interacting with the controller  105 . For example, to preserve intellectual property rights of video game system manufacturers (software, copyright, etc.), the game system  405  may be restricted or prevented from exchanging game or other data with the controller  105 , with an exception of an “all off” command or other power commands from the controller  105 . In such embodiments, the game system  405  may exchange software or game data with only the carousel  110 , which may store games for multiple different game systems  405 , or a single game system  405  capable of reading and running game data associated with multiple different game platforms. 
     Systems according to embodiments of the present technology are modular and scalable. For example, any suitable number or type of components or playback devices can be introduced to, used in, and controlled within the systems. In a particular example, the controller  105  may be in a family room, while the music component  165  may be in a garage, and the carousel  110  may be in a closet. The remote control  115  may receive command inputs from a user to play a song on the music component  165 . The remote control  115  may transmit the command to the controller  105 , which may command the carousel  110  to retrieve the disc or other media item holding the selected song and transmit the requested media item from the carousel  110  to the music component  165  for playback (optionally, via the controller  105 ). A similar example may involve a DVD player, a movie, and a television located in different rooms. Devices may be added or removed from the system at any time, and the controller  105  is configured to track such additions or removals. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a system  500  configured in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present technology to further illustrate the modularity and scalability of the present technology. The system  500  in  FIG. 5  may be generally similar to the systems  100 ,  400  described above with regard to  FIGS. 1 and 4 , but with a different number and arrangement of devices. For example, the system  500  may include more than one controller  105  (or more than one combination of controller  105  and carousel  110 ). Each controller  105  may be connected to a display, monitor, or television  120 . In some embodiments, the controller  105  may be connected to more than one television  120  (illustrated as Controller D connected to TV D and TV E). Although a hardwired connection  510  is illustrated, a wireless video connection may transmit video and command signals between the controllers  105  and the televisions  120 , as described above. Each of a plurality of remote controls  115  may control one or more (such as all) of the controllers  105 . The system  500  may include one or more game systems  405  (see  FIG. 4 ), computers  170  (see  FIG. 1 ), light switches  155  (see  FIG. 1 ), or any other device described herein, or other suitable devices. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a system  600  with a carousel  110  functioning as a fileserver for recordkeeping or records access and configured in accordance with another embodiment of the present technology. In some embodiments, discs or other physical media (or virtual media such as media stored in flash drives), may store documents such as personal files for individuals and families, or business or government files or records. Systems according to embodiments of the present technology provide streamlined and organized access to these files and records. The files may be accessed and transported similarly to processes described above for movies and songs (DVDs and CDs). 
     In some embodiments, large quantities of records may be scanned or otherwise put into a media format, such as on a disc, hard drive, or other media. The media may be put into a carousel  110  (such as on a plurality of discs in the carousel  110 ), and a storage and retrieval process similar to the storage and retrieval process  200  described above with regard to  FIGS. 2 and 3  may be executed by the system. 
     For example, the carousel  110  may read the files on the media (such as a DVD) and automatically (or with manual assistance from a user) create a database of what is on the media, such as the name of a file, the date it was created or modified, the author, keywords about the content, full text of the content, or other identifying information or substantive information. The carousel  110  or a computer  170  may maintain a database of all the identifying or substantive information stored within the carousel  110 , such as which disc the information is on. A user may search the database using the computer  170 , which may request the carousel  110  load the disc or other media with the file corresponding to the search results, and the computer  170  may then receive the file from the carousel  110  for display to the user. 
     In some embodiments, groups of discs with such files or records may be loaded into the disc transport unit  140 , for use in the portable player  130 , similar to the process described above with regard to  FIG. 3 . 
     In an example, a real estate agent may need to locate an old document she knows to be stored on a disc in her carousel. She may access a menu or user interface on the personal computer  170  to enter search criteria about the document, such as the date and the parties associated with the document. The personal computer  170 , knowing which disc the file is on in the carousel by way of the database, requests that the carousel  110  retrieve the disc and transmit the document to the personal computer  170  for review. 
     In some embodiments, the system  600  facilitates remote access to files on discs in the carousel  110 , similar to the remote access described above with regard to  FIG. 1  (using a portable device  190  such as a mobile phone or tablet). The system  600  may facilitate access to personal files in a home setting or it can be used in a business or government setting. In some embodiments, the computer  170  may back-up its data to discs or other media such as hard drives or flash media in the carousel  110  by transmitting data to the carousel  110  for the carousel  110  to burn or write the media. The system  600  in  FIG. 6  is illustrated without controller  105 , but the present technology also contemplates embodiments in which the system  600  is part of another system described herein, or it may further include controller(s)  105  or other devices. 
     The modularity, scalability, and networked architecture of systems embodying the present technology allow users to place various components described herein (such as televisions  120 , game systems  405 , carousels  110 , computers  170 , music components  165 ) or other multimedia or document processing components in different rooms or buildings. System administrators may decide that access to some or all elements or devices of the system should be restricted from certain people, such as visitors or children, especially when some elements or devices of the system are located in a child&#39;s room or are otherwise accessible to children. Embodiments of the present technology include access control, such as password control or account management) and parental controls. 
     Upon initial setup (such as when a system is first implemented), the controller  105  may carry out an on-screen setup routine to allow a user to select a quantity of desired accounts, the types of devices in the system and the types of devices allowed to be used by an account, content restrictions for certain accounts, and time restrictions, for example. 
     The controller  105  may also be configured to assist with maintaining a database of user accounts. A system administrator may set access rights and limitations for the accounts. For example, a parental account may have full access to all devices, all media, all ratings of programming available within the system, at any time of day. A child&#39;s account may have limited access. For example, a child&#39;s account may only be able to access specified types of media (such as children&#39;s shows or PG-rated movies, or kid-friendly music) or the child&#39;s account may not be allowed to access any media during a certain time (such as bedtime). A visitor account&#39;s settings may specify that visitors (who may bring their own disc transport unit  140 ) have the same or more limitations as they would in their home system (such settings are stored in onboard memory in the disc transport unit  140 ). 
     All accounts may be password protected and require login credentials. Optionally, the system may allow access to some media or devices without an account or login credentials, or a particular account may lack a password requirement and may allow access to certain media or devices (which may be nicknamed an “all view” account). The controller  105  contains a processor and memory to carry out the operations described herein, including parental control rules, to enable or disable access to media or devices depending on account permissions or time constraints. 
     In some embodiments, a visitor may trigger the creation of a visitor account by putting a disc transport unit  140  into a disc transport port  135 . The controller  105  may invoke a menu, user interface, or process to create a visitor account after receiving a signal that a disc transport unit  140  has been installed in a disc transport port  135  somewhere in the system. 
     Processes of loading media into the carousel  110  for introduction into a system are described above with regard to  FIGS. 2 and 3 . In some embodiments, processes for introducing and loading media (such as discs, digital music, or other media) into a system may include analyzing the media for content ratings and restrictions. For example, the carousel  110  (with or without assistance from the controller  105 ) may determine the rating of the content (such as G, PG, mature, or otherwise) and record the rating in the system databases. If the rating does not correspond with a user&#39;s account permissions, the controller  105  will not play the content. Accordingly, the system automatically limits user access to some new and existing content the moment it is introduced into the system. 
     In some embodiments, the controller  105  or carousel  110  may not recognize media. In such cases, the controller  105  may instruct the carousel  110  to hold the media in a holding file or holding zone. The holding zone may be a physical area within the carousel  110 , or the holding zone may be implemented by the controller  105  or carousel  110  logging in the database that the media should be in holding. In some embodiments, a disc cannot be removed from holding until a system administrator or other account with suitable permissions assigns an identity or rating to the media. In some embodiments, the controller  105  may automatically assign an identity or rating to the media. 
     In general, the controller  105  includes a memory, processor, and input/output devices for a user to customize access control for each user account and to customize what the system does when new media is added. In some embodiments, the controller  105  may include a media player, such as a CD player, DVD player, or a cassette player (such as an audio cassette or a VHS cassette). 
     In some embodiments, the remote control  115  or television  120  may display what another account is viewing, and the remote control  115  may allow modification of devices that another account is viewing. For example, a parent may view what a child&#39;s account is viewing and make changes, optionally without any on-screen indication to the child that a parent is observing or making changes. 
     The controller  105  may be further configured to lock user accounts or lock users from accessing certain media or devices if a user attempts to use a device in violation of the permissions assigned to the user&#39;s account. For example, at bedtime, the controller may send a signal to a television to instruct the television to turn off. If a user attempts to turn the television back on one or more times, the attempts may be logged and the user&#39;s account may be locked. As a further example, if media with a higher rating than is authorized for a particular account is inserted into the media player in the controller  105 , the controller  105  may prevent the media from playing, it may prompt the user to select and log into an account with appropriate permissions, or it may capture or seize the media item and deny release or ejection until a user with appropriate permissions commands the release or ejection. The controller  105  may log other activities or lock accounts for performing certain activities, such as hacking attempts or attempts to bypass other parental controls. 
     In some embodiments, the controller  105  includes a clock or timer for scheduling of parental control or access control features described above. In further embodiments, the timer facilitates a vacation mode in which devices are operated to appear as though the users are home. For example, the controller  105  may receive commands to designate scheduling for turning devices on or off or playing certain media or devices at set times, random times, or quasi-random times. Quasi-random times may involve a set schedule except that the controller  105  may stagger or vary the programmed start or stop times to avoid the appearance of an exact routine. In some embodiments, the controller  105  may operate the television  120 , devices plugged into the electric outlet  160 , light switch  155 , music component  165 , or any other present or future device capable of being operated with the controller  105 . 
     In some embodiments, the vacation mode of the controller  105  may, in response to receiving a user command to do so, operate a sequence of lighting (using light switches  155 , for example) that simulates a user&#39;s presence in the home. For example, lights may be turned on and off in sequence through various rooms to simulate movement from room to room. 
     In yet further embodiments, the timer in the controller  105  includes a sleep mode to turn off devices after a selected amount of time, to allow a user to fall asleep without worrying about needing to turn off the selected devices. 
     Embodiments of the present technology facilitate placement of various devices or components of systems described herein in various rooms while providing access to the devices and media stored therein, depending on the locations of controllers  105 , televisions  120 , music components  165 , and other devices. Numerous various combinations and arrangements of systems are contemplated by embodiments of the present technology. 
     Advantages of embodiments of the present technology also include providing a centralized, organized, and convenient management of various types of digital and physical media, to facilitate improved access to media via several convenient or portable sources. For example, a user who may previously have been frustrated with organization and handling of fragile discs will find that the present technology reduces the risk of damaging a disc and automatically organizes the user&#39;s collection of discs and other media. Controllers according to the present technology operate multiple devices, so a single command to play a media item may be facilitated by the controller turning on the appropriate device (a TV or speaker system, for example) and accessing the media item (from the carousel, or from a cable box, for example). 
       FIG. 7  is a block diagram illustrating an example of the architecture for a computer system or other control device  700  that can be utilized to implement various portions of the present technology. In  FIG. 7 , the computer system  700  (which may be or may include the controller  105 , the carousel  110 , the remote control  115 , the portable player  130 , the IR CAM  145 , the micro controller  150 , the computer  170 , the portable device  190 , and/or other computers, controlling devices, or components in accordance with embodiments of the present technology) includes one or more processors  705  and memory  710  connected via an interconnect  725 . The interconnect  725  may represent any one or more separate physical buses, point to point connections, or both, connected by appropriate bridges, adapters, or controllers. The interconnect  725 , therefore, may include, for example, a system bus, a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, a HyperTransport or industry standard architecture (ISA) bus, a small computer system interface (SCSI) bus, a universal serial bus (USB), IIC (I2C) bus, or an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standard 674 bus, sometimes referred to as “Firewire”. The interconnect  725  may include any other interconnect suitable for connecting components and transmitting signals, including other connections disclosed herein. 
     The processor(s)  705  may include central processing units (CPUs) to control the overall operation of, for example, the host computer. In certain embodiments, the processor(s)  705  accomplish this by executing software or firmware stored in memory  710 . The processor(s)  705  may be, or may include, one or more programmable general-purpose or special-purpose microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), programmable controllers, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), or the like, or a combination of such devices. 
     The memory  710  can be or include the main memory of the computer system. The memory  710  represents any suitable form of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, or the like, or a combination of such devices. In use, the memory  710  may contain, among other things, a set of machine instructions which, when executed by processor  705 , causes the processor  705  to perform operations to implement embodiments of the present invention. 
     Also connected to the processor(s)  705  through the interconnect  725  is a (optional) network adapter  715  (which may be or may include the wireless networking systems  180  or wired systems). The network adapter  715  provides the computer system  700  with the ability to communicate with remote devices, such as storage clients, and/or other storage servers, and may be, for example, an Ethernet adapter or Fiber Channel adapter, or adapters for other communication protocols disclosed herein. 
     The techniques introduced herein can be implemented by, for example, programmable circuitry (e.g., one or more microprocessors) programmed with software and/or firmware, or entirely in special-purpose hardwired circuitry, or in a combination of such forms. Special-purpose hardwired circuitry may be in the form of, for example, one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc. 
     Software or firmware for use in implementing the techniques introduced here may be stored on a machine-readable storage medium and may be executed by one or more general-purpose or special-purpose programmable microprocessors. A “machine-readable storage medium,” as the term is used herein, includes any mechanism that can store information in a form accessible by a machine (a machine may be, for example, a computer, network device, cellular phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), manufacturing tool, any device with one or more processors, etc.). For example, a machine-accessible storage medium includes recordable/non-recordable media (e.g., read-only memory (ROM); random access memory (RAM); magnetic disk storage media; optical storage media; flash memory devices; etc.), etc. 
     The term “logic,” as used herein, can include, for example, programmable circuitry programmed with specific software and/or firmware, special-purpose hardwired circuitry, or a combination thereof. 
     B. ADDITIONAL EXAMPLES 
     The following examples provide additional embodiments of the technology. 
     1. A system for media storage and retrieval, the system comprising:
         a controller configured to receive first commands, transmit second commands to a mass storage device, receive first signals corresponding to audio, video, or document data from the mass storage device, and transmit second signals corresponding to the first signals; and   a display device or audio device configured to receive the second signals and reproduce the audio, video, or document data for observation by a user;   wherein the mass storage device comprises a mechanism configured to store, retrieve, and play one or more of a plurality of discs containing the audio, video, or document data, and the mass storage device is configured to transmit the audio, video, or document data to the controller using the first signals.       

     2. A system for media storage and retrieval, the system comprising:
         a controller configured to receive first commands, transmit second commands to a mass storage device, receive first signals corresponding to audio, video, or document data from the mass storage device, and transmit second signals corresponding to the first signals;   a display device or audio device configured to receive the second signals and reproduce the audio, video, or document data for observation by a user.       

     3. The system of example 2, further comprising a remote control configured to send the first commands to the controller. 
     4. The system of example 2 or 3 wherein the controller is a first controller, and wherein the system further comprises a second controller configured to receive third commands from the remote control. 
     5. The system of any one of examples 2-4 wherein the mass storage device is a first mass storage device, and the system further comprises a second mass storage device configured to receive third commands from the controller and transmit second signals corresponding to audio, video, or document data to the controller. 
     6. The system of any one of examples 2-5 wherein the mass storage device comprises a mechanism configured to store, retrieve, and play one or more of a plurality of discs, and the mass storage device is configured to transmit first data using the first signals to the controller. 
     7. The system of any one of examples 2-6, further comprising a disc transport unit, wherein the disc transport unit is removable and replaceable from the mass storage device. 
     8. The system of any one of examples 2-7 wherein the display device is a television configured to communicate with the controller via a wireless connection. 
     9. The system of any one of examples 2-8 wherein the audio device communicates with the controller via a wireless connection. 
     10. The system of any one of examples 2-9, further comprising a light switch configured to communicate with the controller via a wireless connection. 
     11. The system of any one of examples 2-10, further comprising a video game console configured to receive commands from the controller. 
     12. A method for storing and retrieving media for playback, the method comprising:
         receiving a media item in a mass storage device;   analyzing the media item to determine one or more pieces of information about the media item;   storing the one or more pieces of information in a first database in the mass storage device;   transmitting the first database to a controller;   creating, with the controller, a second database that includes the first database;   displaying a piece of information in the second database;   receiving, based on the piece of information, a command to play the media item; and   transmitting a signal corresponding to the media item to a playback device configured to play the signal.       

     13. The method of example 12 wherein the media item is a disc. 
     14. The method of example 12 or 13 wherein the playback device is a television or a speaker system. 
     15. The method of any one of examples 12-14 wherein the mass storage device analyzes the media item. 
     16. The method of any one of examples 12-15 wherein the one or more pieces of information comprises a type of file, a genre, a rating, an artist, or a title. 
     17. The method of any one of examples 12-16 wherein the mass storage device is a first mass storage device, and wherein the second database includes location information corresponding to a location of a second media item in one or more second mass storage devices. 
     18. The method of any one of examples 12-17, further comprising storing a copy of the media item on the controller. 
     19. The method of any one of examples 12-18, further comprising controlling a power status of the playback device using the controller, wherein the power status comprises an on status or an off status. 
     20. A method for storing and retrieving media for playback, the method comprising:
         receiving, by a controller, a selection of a media item;   receiving, by a mass storage device, a disc transport unit;   loading a disc containing the media item into the transport unit;   receiving, by a second device, the disc transport unit;   loading the disc into the second device; and   playing audio or video from the disc on a playback device via the second device.       

     21. The method of example 20 wherein receiving a selection of a media item comprises providing a menu on a display and receiving the selection from a user. 
     22. The method of example 20 or 21, further comprising recording, in a database, an indicator of the step of loading the media item into the transport unit. 
     23. The method of any one of examples 20-22, further comprising loading parental control restrictions corresponding to the media item into the transport unit. 
     C. CONCLUSION 
     From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific embodiments of the disclosed technology have been described for purposes of illustration, but that various modifications may be made without deviating from the technology, and elements of certain embodiments may be interchanged with those of other embodiments. For example, although systems and methods or processes may be described herein with regard to discs, in other embodiments, embodiments of the present technology may accommodate other types of physical media, such as audio cassettes, video cassettes (such as VHS-format cassettes), phonograph records, video game cartridges, or any other suitable media format, and embodiments of the present technology may read or write one or more sides of physical media. Embodiments of the present technology may also accommodate other types and formats of virtual media (such as audiovisual files or other files). It is understood that future formats of physical and digital media may also be accommodated by embodiments of the present technology. 
     In some embodiments, controllers  105  or other devices may have a modular construction, such that components like media players or data transceivers may be added or replaced to upgrade or update the controllers  105  to keep up with or stay ahead of the state of the art. In some embodiments, media players in the controller  105  may record broadcasts or other media based on a timer programmed by a user. Parental control options may limit a user&#39;s ability to record. Any steps in processes or methods described herein may optionally be omitted or performed in a different order than described herein. 
     Further, while advantages associated with certain embodiments of the disclosed technology have been described in the context of those embodiments, other embodiments may also exhibit such advantages, and not all embodiments need necessarily exhibit such advantages to fall within the scope of the technology. Accordingly, the disclosure and associated technology may encompass other embodiments not expressly shown or described herein. 
     To the extent any materials incorporated herein conflict with the present disclosure, the present disclosure controls.