Abstract:
A server stores audio and coordinated video digital files in a library, and upon requests supplies individual files to multiple dedicates processors under sole control of the server. Music files have separate vocal and specific instrument channels. The processor supplies single channels to amplifiers and speakers having controlled frequency ranges capable of reproducing only the frequencies on the individual channels. Images from the video files are projected on screens around and above an audience seated on swivel chairs. Coordinated sounds emanate from speakers distributed over the screens. Bus-like wiring extends, from the processor. Individual speaker wires connect to ends of bundled conductors.

Description:
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/290,360, filed May 14, 2001. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   A common sound system utilizes only two to five channels and possibly even fewer amps and speakers. Those systems playing a musical performance, for example, may have two channels dividing up many sounds. These sounds are usually amplified through two speakers. This type of application does not recreate the original sound or create a sound similar to a live performance because multiple sounds travel through only a small number of channels, less channels than sounds utilized, and through a small number of speakers. Those other types of systems are used for musical and non-musical applications, such as story telling, radio, talk shows, panel discussions and more. A typical live performance, a concert or a studio recording for example, may have each instrument assigned to its own channel or to its own multiple channels. 
   A common multiple channel sound system may use 2 to 6 or even 8 or more channels to re-create sound. Popularly known as “stereo” and “surround sound”, that concept creates a sound field for a pre-designated listening area. This is accomplished through the use of multiple speakers placed uniformly surrounding the listening area. Usually, there are front speakers and rear speakers. All sounds are divided among the speakers. Using electronic effects to fabricate realism, the sounds can be simulated for different listening environments. All effects are lost when the listener drifts away from the designated listening area. These conditions and restraints are unavoidable, because those systems set forth to re-create a single, pre-designated sound field. A sound field is arranged by a recording engineer and permanently recorded onto the music during the mastering process for that song. 
   There are currently two products are of interest, DVD-A (DVD audio) and SACD (super audio CD). 
   Six channels are used to record and play music. Usually there are five full-range speaker sets (three front, two rear) and a subwoofer. These systems try to introduce some realism in the music being played. They accomplish that by reformatting each instrument and voice to a reference location. (For example: guitar at 50 degrees to the left, keyboard 35 degrees to the right). 
   A recording engineer is required to create this sound field. By the example specifications, guitar sounds would be heard more from the left front speaker and a bit from the center speaker. Keyboard would have about the same level from the center and the right speakers. All sounds would have some kinds of ambient feed back on the two rear speakers and extra low frequencies will come out from the subwoofer to add warmness to the sounds. 
   The prior art uses full range speakers and surround sound gadgets. Those prior arts use a concept to try to re-create a sound field. A sound field that is established by a recording engineer during the mastering of that song and can never be changed by the user. They do not re-create the sounds of the original recordings and never can they replicate a live performance. 
   The sound field is set by the recording engineer and cannot be changed. This sound field is designed assuming that the listening position is in the center, with all speakers surrounding it at somewhat equal distances. If the listener moves away from that position, the effects of realism are eliminated. 
   DVD-A has support from Panasonics and Warner Advance Media Operation. Panasonics has also formed a joint venture with Universal Music, presumably to promote DVD-A music. SACD is supported by Sony and Phillips. The current free MP3 sites and other sites that distribute music illegally are detrimental to legitimate music sales. As long as music resides in the stereo format, there is no way to prevent piracy. 
   Current formats in motion picture and video broadcast deliver its content through a single screen. The playing of VCR and DVD are inclusive in this format. Having all of the featured content on a single screen limits the imagination and the realism of the actual scene, taking place in a 3-dimensional world. The prior art uses the screen to show the close-up detail shots as well as the overall big picture. When the close-ups are displayed on screen, the big picture and the rest of the scenes are not shown. Vice versa, when the big picture is on screen, one cannot see much detail. 
   The prior art uses speakers strategically positioned to replicate a reproduction of a sound field. This sound field is supposed to create realism to correspond with the video of the single screen playing. For example, if a Sting missile is fired from the left of the screen and hits the target on the right, the sound tracing of the missile and the explosion can be done by those speakers located on the left, center and right. But, when the missile is fired from the front left and hits a target at the right rear of the audience, the sound tracing and explosion are still possible by the prior art, but the explosion scene will be on the front single screen not very real to the human senses. 
   The prior art in motion picture and video display have been around for a long time. Those who have been producing movies that way are running out of ideas to make a film exciting. 
   Needs exist for better and less expensive sound and visual systems. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   A new system, which may be referred to as an MC or multiple channel system, fulfills needs of the prior art. 
   MC X  Video employs a multiple screen technique to present video content. The multiple screens can be in different forms. One is three flat-screens arranged in a trapezoidal configuration; the other is a dome screen similar to that in a planetarium. Others are multiple screens strategically located around the audience, with a main screen at front center. 
   Musical instruments and vocal presentations that make up a song are split into different channels. A MC X  audio system may split different sounds into different channels, allowing the sound to be played individually on separate speakers. For example, a song may be comprised of many instruments split onto several different channels. The lead vocal may be on channel  1 ; back up vocal- channel  2 ; rhythm guitar-  3 ; lead guitar-  4 ; keyboard-  5 ; bass-  6 ; drums- 7 ,  8 ,  9 , and  10 , etc. 
   Each channel is a mono output to a speaker dedicated to play that channel&#39;s sound. Each channel is dedicated to only the sound assigned to it. Thus, channel  1  will only play the sound of the lead vocal, and if the rest of the channels are shut off, only the lead vocal&#39;s singing can be heard. 
   Speakers are specially designed to handle a specific range of frequencies for that channel&#39;s sound only. Speakers for channel  1  and  2  will only need to handle the human voice, which is mid-range; channel  3  is for the guitar&#39;s frequency range which is the mid-high range; channel  6  will be the low frequency for the bass, and so on. If speakers are not required to do so much, it is easy to design and make speakers that produce sound very close to the original sound being recorded. 
   For the type of songs referenced in the above example, by placing ten different speakers around a small room, one can hear the audio experience of a song similar to a live performance. 
   This embodiment does away with stereo pair speakers and surround sound gadgets. Those devices do not re-create the original recordings and never can replicate live performance, which is one of the ultimate musical enjoyments for musical lovers. This embodiment processes and plays broadcastings and recordings of sounds so that a true re-creation of the original is achievable. 
   By applying the concept that provides the sound of each instrument individually to the user, an MC X  audio system can allow the user to create a sound field to cater to any personal preferences or to fit any listening area. This embodiment processes and plays broadcastings and recordings of sounds so that it is as true to a re-creation of the original is achievable. This embodiment provides an audio experience that is superior to any amplified, live performance. 
   MC X  demonstrates its sound system along with the MC X  formatted music in direct comparison with DVD-A. The audiences that have heard the system are music industry executives, financial executives, recording and performing artists, music producers, various business executives, and specialized groups of students and professors at several educational institutions. The only audience reaction is astonishment and fascination. Nobody can believe how simple the idea is but what a huge impact it makes on music as a whole. There has been no negative feedback; only shows of interest and offers of services and collaboration. Our cheap system sounds better than handmade high-end audiophile systems costing hundreds of times more. 
   Not only does the invention declare supremacy as a music system, but also the end user is provided many unique features for listening to the music. MC X  is a product line that is well crafted and carefully designed to provide leadership for the next 100 years. For the professionals, it provides solutions to create ultimate musical presentations. For record labels, it employs technology of the future and is designed as a piracy-proof system to restore music sales. For the rest of the multimedia and entertainment industry, it provides brand new ideas to :make movies, shows, advertisements and presentations. 

   
     These and further and other objects and features of the invention are apparent in the disclosure, which includes the above and ongoing written specification, with the drawings. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a flow chart of a preferred Multiple Channel (MC X ) system. 
       FIG. 1A  is a flow chart of MC X  Recordings being delivered through a MC X  System having three different possible sources. 
       FIG. 2  describes some possible MC X  recordings to be used for a MC X  System. 
       FIG. 3  is a flow chart of a MC X  System utilizing consumer downloaded MC X  from the Internet. 
       FIG. 4  is a flow chart of a MC X  System utilizing consumer purchased MC X  recordings. 
       FIG. 5  is a flow chart of a MC X  System utilizing sound programs received from commercial broadcasting stations. 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a wiring management system used with the new MC X  system. 
       FIG. 7  is a flow chart showing how the system is used. 
       FIG. 8  shows a Multi Channel Video and Sound System theater. 
       FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional detail taken along line AA in FIG.  8 . 
       FIG. 10  shows a theater with movable screens. 
       FIG. 11  shows a 3-D dome theater. 
       FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional detail taken along line BB of FIG.  11 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   One embodiment transforms existing recorded sound into multiple channel sound tracks so that each track is a solo of musical sound that can be played on the MC X  Audio System  1 . Since the more channels there are on the system, the better the sound, this embodiment encourages the multiple channels to be scalable. For example: in an average rock band, there are 4-10 main instrument sounds. The percussion and drum sections occupy 3-20 sounds. If a speaker is dedicated to representing each instrument, the quality of sound is increased by magnitudes. 
     FIG. 1A  shows the MC X  System  1  using MC X  recordings  3 . The MC X    5  may be provided from, for example, three sources, either MC X  Internet music storage sites  7 , MC X  digital recordings, discs or tapes  19 , or MC X  Commercial Broadcasting, wireless or cable  25 . 
   Preferably, as shown in  FIG. 1 , a consumer takes individual song files  5  from MC X  recordings  3  and stores those favorite song files in a storage unit  8 . Using proprietary software  9 , selected files are transferred to a MC X  processor  11 . An MC X  splitter  13  splits the sound into individual feeds  14  to individual amplifiers  15  for individual speakers  17 . 
     FIG. 1  shows the MC X  system  1  utilizing MC X  recordings  3 . The MC X  song files  5 , created from MC X  recordings  3  may be provided to the user from any source currently available or will be available in the future. (For example: MC X  files may be transferred by internet connections, broadband communications, compact discs, digital versatile discs, portable hard drives, flash memory cards, satellite, etc.) 
   When an MC X  System  1  receives MC X  song files  5  from the available source, the MC X  System  1  first stores the MC X  song files  5  into the storage unit  8 . In order to play the song, the user will have to select desired song using MC X  proprietary software program  9 , which will extract MC X  song files  5  from storage unit  8  and send it to processor  11 . From processor  11 , an MC X  splitter  13  works with the proprietary software program  9  to split the processed MC X  signal into respective music channels  14  for output. From the multiple channel sound processor  11 , the signals feed through the amplifier  15 . The MC X  signals then feed to the speakers  17 . One speaker set  17  is allocated to each amplifier  15 . 
   The MC X  processor  11  manages and plays the sound of each channel. Each channel has its own amplifier  15 , where the recorded sound can be attenuated. Any channel can be made solo to play by itself, muted to silence, or any level in between. Since the amplifier  15  and the corresponding speaker  17  are only handling a certain range of frequencies, it is now a very simple, efficient, low cost unit. Furthermore, this embodiment allows for a scalable hardware configuration. 
   When a consumer MC X  System  1  downloads MC X    5  from the Internet, the consumer does so from an Internet MC X  site  7 . The consumer must have special software, such as a proprietary software program  9 , installed on the consumer&#39;s processor or computer to communicate effectively with the MC X  Internet sites. A CPU  11  having a 1 G processor, 256MB of RAM, and SCCSI HD processes MC X  in real time. An MC X  splitter  13  works with the proprietary software program  9  to split the processed MC X  signal into respective music channels  14  for output. From the multiple channel sound processor  11 , the MC X  signals feed through the amplifiers  15 . The MC X  signals then feed to the speakers  17 . One speaker  17  or a speaker set is allocated to each amplifier  15 . 
   A consumer who purchases MC X  recordings  19  and the new hardware devices can use the MC X  System  1 . The MC X    5  song files  5  are digitally recorded  19  onto tapes, floppy discs, compact discs or DVDs in multiple channels and ready to play back the MC X  sounds. The MC X  player and recorder has a MC X  disc or tape player  21  and a MC X  recorder  23  which splits the processed MC X  signal into respective music channels  14  for output. The MC X  signals feed through the amplifiers  15 . One amplifier is allocated to each output channel. The signal then feeds through the speakers  17 . One speaker  17  is allocated to each amplifier  15 . 
   A consumer who receives and dials in sound programs from commercial broadcasting stations  25  can use the MC X  System  1 . MC X  commercial broadcasting  25  may consist of a satellite or wireless or cable radio station broadcasting multiple channel sound or advertisements. The MC X  Processor has a MC X  receiver  27  or an inter-active set top box  29 . The inter-active set top box  29  talks back to the broadcasting station by means of wireless or cable so that the consumer can dial in demands for certain material played. The Me receiver  27  may be a set top box or hardware device that receives the MC X  signals from the air or through a cable and then converts and processes the MC X  signal into multiple channel  14  material for output. The MC X  signals feed through the amplifiers  15 . One amplifier is allocated to each output channel. The signal then feeds through the speakers  17 . One speaker  17  is allocated to each amplifier  15 . 
   An embodiment facilitates the storage and playback of MC X    5 . A CPU  11 , special CD, tape or disc  19  may achieve the storage. A sound frequency is responsible for the playback. This device may have a special CD, tape, disc player  19  or computer running on special software. This device can also be a set top box  27  that receives a signal from the cable or wireless transmission  25 . The sound frequency processor manages and plays the sound of each channel; adjustments to the recorded sound can be made to each channel. The sound frequency processor then sends the signal to a set of mono amplifiers, where the main attenuation of each channel is done. Each channel has its own amplifier. Since the amplifier  15  is only handling a certain range of frequencies, it is now a very simple, efficient, low cost unit. Furthermore, this embodiment allows for a scalable hardware configuration. 
     FIG. 2  is a flow chart describing four types of MC X  recordings. Music recordings  31  are recorded by using one track per each sound. For primary tracks like vocal or lead instruments, many tracks can be assigned for that lead sound. This creates a more dramatic lead sound field when the music is being playback, and if applicable this can facilitate the re-creation of the lead sound moving around the room. Sound recordings  33 , are provided by sources such as, yet not limited to, story tellings, radio playings, educational programs, talk shows, panel discussions and special effect demonstrations. Each sound is recorded on a different track so that during play back the listener can have a perspective of different sounds since the sounds and voices come from different parts of the area or room for a true to live audio show. Advertisements  35  can also be used in the MC X  System  1 . A similar technique records commercials and ads so that the messages can be dramatic and the effect can be as close to live as possible. When the MC X  system is used in motion picture and video productions  36 , sound generated from scenes are accurately positions around a viewing area; 
   As shown in  FIG. 3 , when a consumer MC X  system  1  downloads MC X  files  5  from the Internet  39 , the consumer does so from an Internet MC X  site with a storage unit  7 . These are independent sites which offer various programming of the MC X  video and music files. A multichannel sound processor  10  is used. The consumer must have special software, such as a proprietary software program  9 , installed on the consumer&#39;s processor or computer to communicate effectively with the MC X  Internet sites. A CPU  11  having a 1 G processor, 256 MB of RAM, and SCCSI HD processes MC X  in real time. A MC X  splitter  13  splits the MC X  signal into respective music output channels  14 . From the multiple channel sound processor  10 , the MC X  signals feed through the amplifiers  15 . The MC X  signals feed then to the sound system  37 , having amplifiers and speakers. The signal feeds first through the amplifiers  15 . One amplifier is allocated to each output channel. The signal then feeds through the speakers  17 . One speaker  17  is allocated to each amplifier  15 . 
     FIG. 4  shows that a consumer who purchases MC X  digital recordings  19  and the new hardware devices  41  can use the MC X  System. MC X  digital recordings  19  may be provided by tapes, floppy discs, compact discs, or DVDs recorded in multiple channels ready to play back MC X  sounds. The MC X  disc or tape player  21  reads the MC X  digital recordings  19  decodes it, and splits the signal into multiple channels  14  for output. This is a read only device. From the MC X  player and recorder  47 , the MC X  signals feeds then to the sound system  37 , having amplifiers and speakers. The signal feeds first through the amplifier  15 . One amplifier is allocated to each output channel. The signal then feeds through the speakers  17 . One speaker  17  is allocated to each amplifier  15 . 
     FIG. 5  shows that consumers who receive and dials in sound programs form commercial broadcasting stations  43  can use the MC X  System  1 . MC X  commercial broadcasting  25  may be provided by satellite, wireless or cable radio stations that broadcast the multiple channel music, sound or multiple channel advertisements. This signal may be received by the multiple channel sound processor  45  having a MC X  receiver  27  and an inter-active set top box  29 . The MC X  Receiver  27  is a set top box or hardware device that receives the MC X  from the air or through a cable. The receiver  27  then converts and processes the MC X  signal into multiple channel  14  material for output. From the MC X  receiver the MC X  signals feed to the sound system  37 , having amplifiers and speakers. The signal feeds first through the amplifier  15 . One amplifier is allocated to each output channel. The signal then feeds through the speakers  17 . One speaker  17  is allocated to each amplifier  15 . 
   While the MC X  receiver  27  is a receiver only, the inter-active set top box  29  talks back to the broadcasting station or satellite  25  by means of wireless or cable so that the consumer can dial in demands for certain material to be played. The interactive set top box  29  then provides the multiple channel signal  14  for output. The MC X  signals feeds then to the sound system  37 , having amplifiers and speakers. The signal feeds first through the amplifier  15 . One amplifier is allocated to each output channel. The signal then feeds through the speakers  17 . One speaker  17  is allocated to each amplifier  15 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 6 , a wiring management system is generally indicated by the numeral  50 . Main line  51  is a ribbon-wire system made up by various section lengths (5′, 8′, 12′ etc.) in a listening area. Each section  53  has a connector  55 , that provides 8 contact point pairs 57 to 8 separate channels. Positioning the main line  51  along baseboards of the listening area, it can be fastened down. Then, all of the proximal ends  63  of individual 3, 4 or 5 foot speaker wires  61  from each speaker connector  65  are plugged in to the contact point pairs  57  of the connectors  55 . Any channel of sound can be easily be repositioned by re-plugging each speaker to a different contact point pair  57  at any connector  55 . No messy wires tangle; no need exists to trace each speaker wire back to the amplifier, etc. Each section  53  has pins  67  on an end  69  to connect to a processor. 
     FIG. 7  shows a business method  70  for high tech data transfer for digital music and video, using a master server and library  80 , with proprietary firmware application software  71 . Proprietary multiple file-format  73  is used for all data. Firmware  75  can read multiple file-formats interchangeably. All files exist in the master server  80  only. The master server and library  80  are used for the storage of files  81 , to catalog files  83  and for the management of files  85 . 
   Control security randomly assigns security patterns  87 . Patterns are encrypted in the data stream of the upload  89 . Each upload is encrypted  91  to a unique user machine  150 . Policing for illegal use of files  93  is done by searching for non-matching numbers  95  between user machines and transactions  97 . 
   The system includes an upload protocol  100 . Master server  80 , through registration  101 , looks for pre-numbered security patterns  103  and randomly selects one  105  to begin upload  107 . If numbers  95  are not identifiable  109 , server  80  will automatically disconnect  111 . 
   Once authenticated  113 , master server  80  enables record function  115  on user machine  150  through the same firmware  75 . Upload  121  begins, and when finished  123 , master server  80  may look for another pattern  125  to complete the transmission  127 . Master server  80  stores the file  131 , assigns file name  133 , disables record function  135 , and restores  137  user machine  150  to normal use status  139 . 
   As a means of communication  140 , master server  80  communicates  141  with user machine  150  through any available methods  143 : Networking  147 , Internet  145 , Cable  146 , Wireless  148 , Satellite  149 , etc. 
   An individual user machine is generally indicated by the numeral  150 . All user machines  150  have factory installed firmware  151  that allows the master server  80  to remotely-control  153  the user machine functions  155 , such as: enable recording  157 , disable recording  159 , store files  161 , assign file names  163 , change security patterns  165 , etc. 
   A user machine  150  has factory built-in security patterns  167 , which are registered in the master server  80 . User machine  150  has functions  171  for normal usage of the files  173 . It may only playback  175  the contents  177  of the files  173 . It cannot transfer, transmit or record. 
   When a customer is authorized  181  for certain download  183  from the master server  80 , the master server connects to user machine  150  through any communication means  140 . From this point on, the server  80  takes over, and the customer  185  does not need to do anything. 
   It is ideal to have each instrument recorded to play back on a dedicated speaker that does not share with other sounds. However, this embodiment can also group similar sounds to share a speaker as a starter system, creating a practical system. This startup system, possibly consisting of twelve channels and twelve speakers, achieves excellent sound far superior to other speaker and sound systems. This embodiment further affords upgrade to 36 and 100 channels for example. 
   Referring to  FIG. 8 , an MC X  theater is generally indicated by the numeral  200 . A main screen  201  is positioned in front of an audience area  203 , having swivel seats  205 . Side screens  207  are positioned at angles to the main screen. Speakers  17  are positioned along tops and bottoms of the screens. 
   As shown in  FIG. 9 , a top screen  209  extends at an angle above the front screen  201  and the trapezoidal side screens  207 . The side screens, main screen and top screen mutually join each other in continuous surfaces. 
   As shown in  FIG. 10 , additional movable screens  211  may be provided. The top screen  209  and main screen  201  and parts  213  of the side screens  207  remain stationary. Speakers  17  are positioned at tops and bases of all screens  201 ,  207  and  211 . 
     FIGS. 11 and 12  show a theater  220  with a continuous three-dimensional curved screen  221 . An oval shaped audience area  223  has swivel seats  225 . Curved wall screen  227  and curved dome  229  are formed as one continuous screen  21 . Speakers  17  are placed at intervals behind the screen covering the entire dome  229 . 
   The Product 
   The audible difference between MC X  and any current audio system is that MC X  can replay a recording to sound closer to the actual performance and do this without using electronic DSP (digital signal processing) sound effects. This achievement is the first detail to catch a consumer&#39;s interest. 
   The Sound System 
   The MC X  sound system replays a song by transmitting each of the individual instruments or voices through a separate speaker powered by a separate amplifier. This way, each speaker is only required to handle a specific range of frequencies and is less likely to distort. The sound quality cannot be rivaled by current technology. 
   Each instrument&#39;s location can be customized by simply relocating the dedicated speaker. Not only is this element fascinating, the simplicity makes the product a practical high-tech machine. 
   In addition to the MC X  supremacy in sound quality, the system allows the user to customize any composition by individually adjusting the gain controls of each instrument and voice, allowing the user to produce the music in accordance to their own preferences. This amazing feature will capture all musicians, singers, music producers and anyone who is a music lover. This is the first true step towards interactive music. 
   The MC X  first generation product line will possibly produce all systems with a basic audio set having eight channels (eight amplifiers, eight speakers) to accommodate eight different sounds from a recording. The eight channels may be designed to have one dedicated channel for bass, one for lead vocal, two channels for drums and four channels for accompaniments in a wide range of musical instruments from wood-winds to brass, guitar to keyboard and background vocals. 
   The Music Player 
   The heart of the MC X  system is a processor operated by a proprietary software program. This program performs two functions:
     1. Store the song files and enable the user to playback the songs.   2. Enable the registered owner to purchase new songs through a special arrangement.
 
The Amplifier
   

   The MC X  proprietary amplifier contains multiple individual power amplifiers. This is also a very simple machine. Each amplifier is connected to its individual gain control and mute button to attenuate each instrument. There is a master volume control to provide overall loudness settings. 
   The Speaker System 
   MC X  speakers will be specially designed, each to recreate the sounds of a different instrument or voice. Basic speakers will be designed specifically towards sound types (i.e. woodwind, brass, vocal, etc). Upgrade speakers may re-create certain instruments (i.e. violin, trumpet, male tenor, etc) High-end speakers may be designed to sound like a specific instrument or voice (i.e. &#39;57 Fender Strat electric guitar played on a vintage Fender tube amplifier, Steinway concert grand piano, Celine Dion at Carnegie Hall, etc.). 
   The Wiring System 
   MC X  uses a new wiring system to do away with messy and tangled wires. Speaker wires are fused together to form a flat ribbon with connectors at each end. Each section is 4-5 feet long. On each connector there are eight sets of contact plugs specially designed to allow connections to each individual channel ( 1 - 8 ). The user places this ribbon system only one time around the listening area. Then the user can relocate each channel of sound as desired without moving a bunch of loose wires. 
   Compatibility 
   The MC X  sound system is absolutely compatible with any entertainment system currently on the market. Although promoted as a stand-alone system, MC X  can be utilized as an upgrade in system format to any current sound system, and all of the new features are still available. Any amplifiers or speakers currently owned can be used with the MC X  player, and MC X  wires to play MC X  music. The only drawbacks are the sound quality (Only MC X  speakers are designed to reproduce specific sounds.) and appearance (Different styles or colors may have been used for different units.). 
   The Music 
   Current music can be easily re-formatted into the MC X  system. New music can be recorded using conventional techniques and then mastered into MC X  format. 
   All MC X  song titles are stored in the master library server where all the songs are uniquely categorized by a special numeric coding system. The server can talk to each MC X  music player and identify each customer by the serial number through a broadband connection. The server logs all the transfers as it sends them. 
   By using electronic communication, MC X  can efficiently handle multiple sales of the same song to different customers all over the world. 
   An MC X  song is sold to a customer using two methods:
     1. By a broadband connection download directly from the server to the customer&#39;s MC X  machine.   2. As an option, a customer can take the hard drive out of the MC X  machine and go to a music store to purchase song titles and download them onto the hard drive.   

   Security 
   The security measure to prevent piracy of the music sales is in the MC X  machine and the server. Both operate on proprietary software. The user&#39;s MC X  machine does not have a record function operable by the user. That makes it impossible for users to transfer song files from one machine to another. 
   For all MC X  songs at the point of transfer from the server, a set of codes are encrypted and embedded into the data stream of the song and into the purchaser&#39;s MC X  machine. The purchaser&#39;s machine also is assigned a special code to receive that song at the beginning of the transfer. If need be, additional coding can be assigned at the middle of the transfer. The user&#39;s machine looks for these special numbers before it enables and completes the recording from the download. Without them, the program simply cannot record. 
   Since the download is controlled by the server (sender) and there is no recording media like a CD for duplication, it is safe, and the sales of the songs are indeed protected from illegal use. 
   MC X  works with record-labels to restore thee healthy sales of music over the Internet or otherwise. 
   While the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, modifications and variations of the invention may be constructed without departing from the scope of the invention.