Abstract:
A system for communicating multimedia information in a communication network includes at least a first communication device deployed in a first geographic location and coupled to the communication network, and a card carrying information related to one or more user-defined selections of information content. When the card is communicatively coupled to the first communication device, the card allows the first communication device to access at least a first portion of the one or more user-defined selections of information content. The first portion is located at a second communication device deployed at the first geographic location. The card also allows the first communication device to access at least a second portion of the one or more user-defined selections of information content. The second portion is located at a third communications device deployed at a second geographic location and coupled to the communication network.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS/INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE 
       [0001]    This application makes reference to, claims priority to, and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/447,190 (attorney docket number 14311US01) filed on Feb. 13, 2003, U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/432,472, entitled “Personal Inter-Home Media Exchange Network” (Attorney Docket No. 14185US01 01001P-BP-2800), filed Dec. 11, 2002, and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/443,894, entitled “Personal Access And Control Of Media Peripherals On A Media Exchange Network” (Attorney Docket No. 14274US01 01002P-BP-2801), filed Jan. 30, 2003, the complete subject matter of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety. 
         [0002]    In addition, the applicants hereby incorporate the complete subject matter herein by reference, in their entirety, of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/457,179, entitled “Server Architecture Supporting A Personal Media Exchange Network” (Attorney Docket No. 14825US01 01015P-BP-2831), filed Mar. 25, 2003, U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled “Personal Inter-Home Media Exchange Network” (Attorney Docket No. 14185U502 01001P-BP-2800), filed Sep. 8, 2003, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled “Personal Access And Control Of Media Peripherals On A Media Exchange Network” (Attorney Docket No. 14274U502 01002P-BP-2801), filed Sep. 11, 2003, the complete subject matter of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety. 
     
    
     FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0003]    [Not Applicable] 
       SEQUENCE LISTING 
       [0004]    [Not Applicable] 
       MICROFICHE/COPYRIGHT REFERENCE 
       [0005]    [Not Applicable] 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    Today, people may subscribe to a cable TV service or a satellite TV service over the telephone or over the Internet using a PC (personal computer). Billing may be done by the service provider on a monthly basis. Different media packages are typically available, allowing a user to choose between a limited number of options that provide greater or fewer viewing channels. Typically, a user ends up with certain channels that he would rather not have, but must pay for anyway because they are a part of the package. 
         [0007]    For example, a basic package may be offered providing standard cable and broadcast channels. This may be the least expensive option. Other options may include the basic package along with certain premium movie channels and/or premium cable channels. These more premium packages are more expensive than the basic package. Authorization to view special pay-per-view events may be available for purchase and consumption through the service provider. 
         [0008]    It can often be difficult to cancel a cable or satellite service. A user may have to wait on hold on a telephone for a long period of time. The user may have to pay a cancellation fee, depending on the details of his service contract and the time of the month that he cancels. 
         [0009]    Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison of such systems with the present invention as set forth in the remainder of the present application with reference to the drawings. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    Aspects of the present invention may be found in, for example, systems and methods of billing and authentication of a communication device in a communication network. A system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention may comprise, for example, at least one communication device, a communication network, information content, and a card. The communication device may be deployed at a location. The communication network may be communicatively coupled to that location. The information content may reside on the communication network and the location. The card may carry information related to one or more user-defined selections of the information content and may allow the communication device to access the user-defined selections. 
         [0011]    In another embodiment, a system may comprise, for example, a first communication device, a second communication device, an independent server, and information content. The first communication device may be deployed at a first location. The second communication device may be deployed at a second location. The communication network may be communicatively coupled to the first location and the second location. The independent server may reside on the communication network. The information content may reside on at least one of the first location, the second location, and the communication network. The independent server may be adapted to provide media exchange services related to user-defined selections of information content to the first communication device and the second communication device after receiving authentication and billing information from the first communication device. 
         [0012]    In another embodiment, a method in accordance with the present invention may comprise, for example, one or more of the following: selecting media exchange services to be provided to a first communication device and a second communication device, the media exchange services relating to user-defined selections of information content available on the communication network; purchasing a card, the card giving access to the selected media exchange services available on the communication network; communicatively coupling the card with the first communication device; and accessing of the selected media exchange services by the first communication device. 
         [0013]    In another embodiment, a method may comprise, for example, one or more of the following: selecting media exchange services to be provided to a first communication device and a second communication device, the media exchange services relating to a user-defined selection of information content that is available on the communication network; establishing a subscription with an independent server located on the communication network, the subscription allowing for access by the first communication device and the second communication device to the selected media exchange services available on the communication network; entering identification information via the first communication device, the identification information validating the subscription; and accessing the selected media exchange services by the first communication device. 
         [0014]    These and other advantages, aspects and novel features of the present invention, as well as details of an illustrated embodiment thereof, will be more fully understood from the following description and drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]      FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a media exchange network supporting card-based and independent server-based billing and authorization, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2A  is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method to provide card-based billing and authorization in the media exchange network of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2B  is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method to provide independent server-based billing and authorization in the media exchange network of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is a schematic block diagram of a first exemplary media exchange network in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  is a schematic block diagram of performing personal media exchange over a second exemplary media exchange network in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  is a schematic block diagram of performing third-party media exchange over a third exemplary media exchange network in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  is an exemplary illustration of a TV guide channel user interface in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  is an exemplary illustration of several instantiations of a TV guide channel user interface of  FIG. 4  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  is an exemplary illustration of a TV guide channel user interface showing several options of a pushed media in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 9A  is a schematic block diagram of a media processing system (MPS) interfacing to media capture peripherals in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 9B  illustrates an alternative embodiment of a media processing system (MPS) in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 10  is a schematic block diagram of a PC and an MPS interfacing to a server on a media exchange network in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 11  is a schematic block diagram of a PC interfacing to personal media capture devices and remote media storage on a media exchange network in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0028]    Some embodiments of the present invention may relate to providing access to media-related services. Some embodiments of the present invention may relate to providing access to various media exchange services provided by a media exchange network. Some embodiments of the present invention may provide that user billing and authorization for the services are accomplished by purchasing a card or subscribing to a server-based service. 
         [0029]      FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a media exchange network  100  supporting card-based and independent server-based billing and authorization, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. The media exchange network  100  is a communication network comprising an MPS (media processing system)  104  at a user&#39;s home  101 , an MPS  119  at an office or a friend&#39;s or family member&#39;s home  102 , a 3 rd  party media provider  103 , and an Internet-based media exchange network infrastructure  112  connecting the MPS  104 , the MPS  119 , and the 3 rd  party media provider  103 . 
         [0030]    The Internet-based media exchange network infrastructure  112  may comprise, for example, cable infrastructure, satellite network infrastructure, DSL infrastructure, Internet infrastructure, and/or intranet infrastructure providing wide area network (WAN) capability, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. 
         [0031]    In some embodiments according to the present invention, the media exchange network  100  at the user&#39;s home  101  comprises a media peripheral(s)  106 , a PC(s)  107 , and a home appliance(s)  108  connected together by a local area network  105 . The local area network  105  interfaces to the MPS  104 . 
         [0032]    Similarly, at the remote location  102 , the media exchange network comprises a media peripheral(s)  115 , a PC(s)  116 , and a home appliance(s)  118  connected together by a local area network  117 . The local area network  117  interfaces to the MPS  119 . 
         [0033]    The local area networks  105  and  117  may comprise, for example, an Ethernet or an 802.11b wireless technology providing local area network (LAN) capability, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. 
         [0034]    In some embodiments of the present invention, the MPS  104  comprises a MES (media exchange software) platform  110 , a TV screen  109 , and a communication interface(s)  111 . The MES platform  110  provides certain functionality within the MPS  104 , such as the ability to access, process, and push media content on the media exchange network  100  based on information on a card that is inserted into the MPS  104  or a server-based subscription. The MES platform  110  provides the ability to display media content on the TV screen  109 . The TV screen  109  allows for the selection and display of media content and messages. The communication interface(s)  111  allows for the MPS  104  to link to the Internet-based media exchange network infrastructure  112  and the local area network  105 . 
         [0035]    In accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, an MPS may comprise a set-top box (STB), a PC, or a TV with a media management system (MMS). An MMS is known herein as a media exchange software (MES) platform. 
         [0036]    An MMS comprises a software platform operating on at least one processor to provide certain functionality including user interface functionality, distributed storage functionality, and networking functionality. For example, an MMS may provide control of media peripheral devices, status monitoring of media peripheral devices, and inter-home MPS routing selection, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0037]    Media content on a media exchange network  100  may originate from a media peripheral(s)  106 , a home appliance(s)  108 , a PC(s)  107 , or a remote location(s)  103 ,  102 . The media content may comprise many forms of digital media including digital video, digital images, digital audio, documents, etc. 
         [0038]    The 3 rd  party media provider  103  may comprise a server  113  and a storage area  114 . The storage area  114  stores media content provided by the 3 rd  party provider  103 . The server  113  is able to push media content that is stored in the storage area  114  to user&#39;s of the media exchange network  100 . Similarly, the MPS  119  is able to push media content to user&#39;s of the media exchange network  100 . 
         [0039]    A user of the media exchange network  100  may want to have access to certain media exchange services provided by the media exchange network  100  and would like to gain access to those services in an easy and straightforward manner. The services may comprise having access to certain broadcast channels that are available on the media exchange network  100  over a certain period of time, authorization to set up and share certain personal media channels on the media exchange network  100 , supporting interaction with media peripherals and appliances on the media exchange network  100 , storage and routing services on the media exchange network  100 , and authorization to interact with certain other users on the media exchange network  100 . 
         [0040]    In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the MPS  104  may include a card reader as part of the communication interface  111 , allowing a card  120  to be inserted into the MPS  104  and read. The card  120  may be a “smart” card that is the size of a credit card and includes a chip. The card  120  may be a magnetic strip card or a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card, similar to those used for certain types of telephones. The card  120  may be disposable or re-usable. 
         [0041]      FIG. 2A  is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method  200  to provide card-based billing and authorization in the media exchange network  100  of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. In step  201 , certain desired media exchange services are defined (i.e., identified) from those that are available on a media exchange network. In step  202 , a card is purchased, giving access to the identified media exchange services. In step  203 , the card is plugged into an MPS on the media exchange network. In step  204 , the defined media exchange services are accessed on the media exchange network via the MPS. 
         [0042]    As an alternative, a user of the MPS  104  may have to enter a code, using a remote control interacting with the MPS  104 , after inserting the card  120 . 
         [0043]    As an example, a user may purchase a card  120  giving access to interaction with media peripherals. As a result, a user of the MPS  104  may plug the card  120  into the MPS  104  and access the media peripherals  106  via the local area network  105 . The user may download digital pictures, digital video, digital audio, etc. from his various media peripherals  106  (e.g., a digital camcorder, a digital camera, an MP3 player) in the user&#39;s home  101 . Other media peripheral related media exchange services may be provided as well, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. 
         [0044]    As another example, a user may purchase a card  120  giving indirect access to certain media channels provided by the 3 rd  party media provider  103  via the Internet-based media exchange network infrastructure  112 . The channels may include broadcast TV programs, Internet-based radio channels, special news programming, special sporting events, etc. The 3 rd  party media provider may provide on-demand movies, videos, and other media as well, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. 
         [0045]    As still another example, a user may purchase a card  120  giving indirect access to media content on an MPS  119  at the remote location  102 . The remote location  102  may be an office, a family member&#39;s home, or a friend&#39;s home, for example. The card  120  may authorize a user to be able to access media content stored in certain personal media channels of the MPS  119  via the Internet-based media exchange network infrastructure  112 , in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. A user of the MPS  104  may, for example, be able to access a family member&#39;s vacation channel from the MPS  119 . 
         [0046]    As yet another example, a user may purchase a card  120  giving indirect access to a storage area  114  of a 3 rd  party provider  103 . A user may upload media content from the MPS  104  to the storage area  114  of the 3 rd  party provider  103 . The storage area  114  may serve as the user&#39;s backup for his media content. 
         [0047]    When the card  120  is purchased, the card may be configured for pre-payment, concurrent payment, or post-payment in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. With the pre-payment option, all media exchange services provided by the card  120  are paid for ahead of time, before the services are used. With the concurrent payment option, a media exchange service provided by the card  120  is paid for immediately before the particular service is used. With the post-payment option, a media exchange service provided by the card is paid for after the service is used. For example, a bill may be sent to the user at the end of the month. 
         [0048]      FIG. 2B  is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method  210  to provide independent server-based billing and authorization in the media exchange network  100  of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. In step  211 , certain desired media exchange services are defined (i.e., identified) from those that are available on a media exchange network. In step  212 , a subscription with an independent server is established, giving access to the identified media exchange services. In step  213 , identification information associated with the subscription is entered via the MPS on the media exchange network using a remote control. In step  214 , the defined media exchange services are accessed on the media exchange network via the MPS. 
         [0049]    For example, the server  113  of the 3 rd  party media provider  103  may provide server-based pre-arranged access to the media exchange network  100 . A user may set up the pre-arranged access over the telephone or from a web site on the Internet using, for example, the PC  107 . There may be no need for a card to be used. The media exchange service examples presented above for the card-based embodiments are valid for the independent server-based embodiment just described. 
         [0050]    Some embodiments of the present invention provide the transferring and sharing of many different types of digital media, data, and services between one device/location and another with ease while being able to index, manage, and store the digital media and data. 
         [0051]    For example, it may be desirable to be able to distribute and store many types of digital media in a PC and/or television environment in a user-friendly manner without requiring many different types of software applications and/or unique and dedicated interfaces. Any networking issues or other technical issues should be transparent to the users. It may be desirable to take advantage of existing hardware infrastructure, as much as possible, when providing such capability. 
         [0052]    In an embodiment of the present invention, a media exchange network is provided that enables many types of digital media, data, and/or services to be stored, indexed, viewed, searched for, pushed from one user to another, and requested by users, using a TV channel guide look-and-feel user interface. The media exchange network allows a user to construct personal media channels that comprise his personal digital media (e.g., captured digital pictures, digital video, digital audio, etc.), request that third-party media channels be constructed from third-party digital media, and access the media channels pushed to him by other users on the media exchange network. 
         [0053]    PC&#39;s may be used, for example, to interface to the media exchange network for the purpose of exchanging digital media, data, and services. Set-top boxes or integrated MPS&#39;s (media processing systems) may be used with the media exchange network to perform all of the previously described media exchange functions using a remote control with a television screen. 
         [0054]    Current set-top boxes may be software enhanced to create an MPS that provides full media exchange network interfacing and functionality via a TV screen with a TV guide look-and-feel. PC&#39;s may be software enhanced as well and provide the same TV guide look-and-feel. Therefore, the media exchange network supports both PC&#39;s and MPS&#39;s in a similar manner. Alternatively, a fully integrated MPS may be designed from the ground up, having full MPS capability. 
         [0055]    In the case of an MPS configuration, the user may use a remote control and TV screen to interface with the media exchange network. In the case of a PC configuration, the user may use a keyboard and/or a mouse to interface with the media exchange network. 
         [0056]    An MPS or an enhanced PC is effectively a storage and distribution platform for the exchange of personal and third party digital media, data, and services as well as for bringing the conventional television channels to a user&#39;s home. An MPS and/or a PC connects to the media exchange network via an existing communication infrastructure which may include cable, DSL, satellite, etc. The connection to the communication infrastructure may be hard-wired or wireless. 
         [0057]    The media exchange network allows users to effectively become their own broadcasters from their own homes by creating their own media channels and pushing those media channels to other authorized users on the media exchange network, such as friends and family members. 
         [0058]      FIG. 3  illustrates a media exchange network  300  for exchanging and sharing digital media, data, and services in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The media exchange network  300  is a secure, closed network environment that is only accessible to pre-defined users and service providers. The media exchange network of  FIG. 3  comprises a first PC  301  and a first media processing system (MPS)  302  at a user&#39;s home  303 , a communication infrastructure  304 , external processing hardware support  305 , remote media storage  306 , a second PC  307  at a remote location  308  such as an office, and a second MPS  309  at a parent&#39;s home  310 . 
         [0059]    The PC&#39;s  301  and  307  and the MPS&#39;s  302  and  309  each include a media exchange software (MES) platform  311  and a networking component  312  for connectivity. The MES platform  311  provides multiple capabilities including media “push” capability, media “access” capability, media channel construction/selection, image sequence selection, text and voice overlay, channel and program naming, inter-home routing selection, authorship and media rights management, shared inter-home media experience, billing service, and an integrated TV channel guide look-and-feel. 
         [0060]    The external processing hardware support  305  comprises at least one server such as a centralized internet server, a peer-to-peer server, or a cable head end. The server may alternatively be distributed over various hosts or remote PC&#39;s. The MES platform  311  may reside on the external processing hardware support server  305 . The remote media storage  306  may comprise user media storage and distribution systems  313  and/or third party media storage and distribution systems  314 . 
         [0061]    The communication infrastructure  304  may comprise at least one of an Internet infrastructure, a satellite infrastructure, a cable infrastructure, a dial-up infrastructure, a cellular infrastructure, an xDSL infrastructure, an optical infrastructure, or some other infrastructure. The communication infrastructure  304  links the user&#39;s home  303 , parent&#39;s home  310 , remote media storage  306 , and remote location office  308  to each other (i.e., the communication infrastructure  304  links all users and service providers of the media exchange network  300 ). 
         [0062]    The various functions  315  of the media exchange network  300  comprise, for example, generating personal network associations, personal storage management, media capture device support, security/authentication/authorization support, authorship tracking and billing and address registration and maintenance. These media exchange management functions  315  may be distributed over various parts of the media exchange network  300 . For example, the personal network associations and personal storage management functions may be integrated in the PC  301  at the user&#39;s home  303 . 
         [0063]      FIG. 4  illustrates an example of personal media exchange over a media exchange network  400  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In step  1 , the media exchange software (MES) platform  401  is used to construct personal media channels on a PC  402  by a user at “my house”  403 . For example, with various media stored on the PC  402  such as digital pictures  404 , videos  405 , and music  406 , the MES platform  401  allows the digital media to be organized by a user into several channels having a TV channel guide look-and-feel user interface  407  on the PC  402 . 
         [0064]    In step  2 , the user at “my house”  403  pushes a media channel  408  (e.g., “Joe&#39;s Music”) to “brother&#39;s house”  409  and pushes two media channels  410  and  411  (e.g., “Vacation Video” and “Kid&#39;s Pictures”) to “Mom&#39;s house”  412  via a peer-to-peer server  413  over the internet-based media exchange network  400 . “Brother&#39;s house”  409  includes a first MPS  414  connected to the media exchange network  400 . “Mom&#39;s house”  412  includes a second MPS  415  connected to the media exchange network  400 . The MPS&#39;s  414  and  415  provide a TV channel guide look-and-feel user interface  407 . 
         [0065]    In step  3 , brother and/or Mom access the pushed media channels via their respective media processing systems (MPS&#39;s)  414  and  415  using their respective MPS TV screens and remote controls. 
         [0066]      FIG. 5  illustrates an example of third-party media exchange over a media exchange network  500  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In step  1 , a PC-initiated third-party request is made by a first party  501  via an Internet-based media exchange network  500  using a TV channel guide look-and-feel user interface  502  on a PC  503 . In step  2 , an anonymous delivery of the requested third-party channel  504  is made to a second party  505  via the Internet-based media exchange network  500 . In step  3 , the second party  505  accesses the third-party channel  504  using a TV channel guide look-and-feel user interface  506  on a TV screen  507  that is integrated into an MPS  508 . 
         [0067]    Similarly, in step A, an MPS-initiated third-party request is made by a second party  505  via an internet-based media exchange network  500  using a TV channel guide look-and-feel user interface  506  on a TV screen  507  using a remote control  509 . The second party  505  may key in a code, using his remote control  509 , that is correlated to a commercial or some other third party broadcast media. In step B, an anonymous delivery of the requested third-party channel  504  is made to a first party  501  via the internet-based media exchange network  500 . In step C, the first party  501  accesses the third-party channel  504  using a TV channel guide look-and-feel user interface  502  on a PC  503 . 
         [0068]      FIG. 6  illustrates a TV channel guide user interface  600  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The TV channel guide user interface  600  may be displayed on a TV screen  608  and controlled by a remote control device  609 . The TV channel guide user interface  600  may be displayed on a PC monitor and controlled by a keyboard or mouse. 
         [0069]    The TV channel guide user interface  600  may be configured not only for conventional TV channels, but also for personal media channels  601  that are constructed by a user of a media exchange network, friend&#39;s and family&#39;s media channels  602  constructed by friends and family, and third party channels  603  that are constructed by third parties either upon request by a user of a media exchange network or based on a profile of a user. 
         [0070]    The personal media channels  601  may include, for example, a “family vacations channel”, a “kid&#39;s sports channel”, a “my life channel”, a “son&#39;s life channel”, a “my music channel”, and a “kid&#39;s music channel”. The friends and family media channels  602  may include, for example, a “brother&#39;s channel”, a “Mom&#39;s channel”, and a “friend&#39;s channel”. The third party media channels  603  may include, for example, a “Sears Fall sale channel” and a “car commercials channel”. 
         [0071]    Each media channel may correspond to a schedule  604  showing, for example, a week  605  and a year  606 . For example, under the “kid&#39;s sports channel”, Ty&#39;s soccer game could be scheduled to be viewed on Tuesday of the current week  605  and current year  606 . For each media channel, a sub-menu  607  allows for selection of certain control and access functions such as “play”, “send to list”, “send to archive”, “confirm receipt”, “view”, “purchase”, and “profile”. 
         [0072]      FIG. 7  illustrates possible multiple instantiations of a TV channel guide user interface  700  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The TV channel guide user interface  700  may be viewed with a schedule having formats of, for example, “month, year”, “week#, year”, “day, week#”, or “hour, day”. 
         [0073]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , a user of a media exchange network may push a media channel (e.g., “Vacation in Alaska Video”) to a friend who is on the same media exchange network. The TV channel guide user interface  800  may give the friend several options  801  for how to accept and download the pushed media in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0074]    For example, a first, most expensive option  803  may be “Express Delivery” which would deliver the pushed media to the friend in 18 minutes using queuing and cost $1.20, for example. The pushed media may be stored in a file in an MPEG 2 format that was recorded at a rate of 4 Mbps, for example. Queuing comprises buffering and delivering a previous part of the media and then buffering and delivering a next part of the media. For example, a first six minutes of the “Vacation in Alaska Video” may be buffered and delivered first, then a second six minutes may be buffered and delivered next, and so on until the entire media is delivered. 
         [0075]    A second, less expensive option  802  may be “Normal Delivery” which would deliver the pushed media in 2 hours and 13 minutes without queuing and cost $0.59, for example. The pushed media may be stored in a file in an MPEG 2 format that was recorded at a rate of 1.5 Mbps, for example. 
         [0076]    A third, least expensive option  804  may be “Overnight Delivery” which would deliver the pushed media by the next morning and cost only $0.05, for example. The pushed media may be stored in a file in an MPEG 2 format that was recorded at a rate of 19 Mbps and stored on a server. 
         [0077]      FIG. 9A  illustrates the detailed elements of a media processing system (MPS)  900  and media capture devices  901  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The media capture devices  901  may comprise audio, video, and image players, such as digital cameras, digital camcorders, and MP3 players, that each include a temporary storage area  902  and a communication interface  903  such as, for example, a USB interface or a wireless interface. The media capture devices  901  have the capability to interface to an MPS and a PC. 
         [0078]    In some embodiments of the present invention, the MPS  900  comprises a media processing unit (MPU)  904 , remote user interface(s)  905 , and a TV screen  918  to provide integrated media processing capability and indirect user interface capability. The remote user interfaces  905  may comprise a voice or keyed remote control  906 , keyboards and pads  907 , a remote PC access interface  908 , and a remote media system access interface  909  (i.e., providing access from another MPS). 
         [0079]    The media processing unit (MPU)  904  may include, for example, TV and radio tuners  910  for image and audio consumption, communications interfaces  911 , channel processing  912  (creating, storing, indexing, viewing), storage  913 , media players  914  (e.g., a CD player, a DVD player, a tape player, a PVR, and an MP3 player), an integrated user interface  915  (e.g., to provide a TV channel guide look-and-feel), networking components  916  to provide client functions such as consumption (e.g., billing), authorization (e.g., using digital certificates and digital ID&#39;s), registration, security, and connectivity. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the networking components  916  may include a distributed server element  917  that is part of a distributed server. 
         [0080]      FIG. 9B  illustrates an alternative embodiment of a media processing system (MPS)  920  in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. The MPS  920  is essentially an enhanced set-top box for viewing and interacting with various user interfaces, media, data, and services that are available on the media exchange network using, for example, a remote control. The MPS  920  comprises a media peripheral  921 , an MMS (media management system)  922 , and a broadband communication interface  923 . 
         [0081]    The media peripheral  921  may include a TV (television), a PC (personal computer), and media players (e.g., a CD player, a DVD player, a tape player, and a MP3 player) for video, image, and audio consumption of broadcast and/or personal channels. The broadband communication interface  923  may include internal modems (e.g., a cable modem or DSL modem) or other interface devices in order to communicate with, for example, a cable or satellite headend. 
         [0082]    The MMS  922  includes a software platform to provide functionality including media “push” capability, media “access” capability, media channel construction/selection, image sequence selection, text and voice overlay, channel and program naming, inter-home routing selection, authorship and media rights management, shared inter-home media experience, billing service, and a media guide user interface providing an integrated TV channel guide look-and-feel. 
         [0083]      FIG. 10  illustrates connectivity between a PC  1000 , an MPS  1001 , and external processing hardware  1002  (e.g., a server) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The PC  1000  and MPS  1001  include networking components  1003  to provide client functions such as consumption (e.g., billing), authorization, registration, security, and connectivity. In another embodiment, the PC  1000  and MPS  1001  may include a distributed server element  1004  that is part of a distributed server. 
         [0084]    The PC  1000  and MPS  1001  connect to the external processing hardware  1002  via wired or wireless connections. The external processing hardware  1002  comprises a distributed server or peer-to-peer server. The external processing hardware  1002  comprises communication interfaces  1005  (e.g., cable interfaces, optical interfaces, etc.) and a media exchange software (MES) platform  1006 . The MES platform  1006  in the external processing hardware  1002  allows for communication with the PC  1000  and MPS  1001  which may use the same MES platform  1006 . The external processing hardware  1002  includes networking server components  1007  to provide the similar client functions such as consumption (e.g., billing), authorization, registration, security, and connectivity at the server side. 
         [0085]      FIG. 11  illustrates connectivity between a PC  1100 , remote media storage  1101 , and personal media capture devices  1102  when the PC  1100  is used as the primary distributor of digital media such as in the case of PC-to-PC operation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The personal media capture devices  1102  and remote media storage  1101  connect to the PC  1100  via a wireless or wired connection. The remote media storage  1101  provides user media storage and distribution  1103  as well as third party media storage and distribution  1104 . The personal media capture devices  1102  provide temporary storage  1114  and communication interfaces  1115 . 
         [0086]    Viewing is done using a PC monitor  1105  instead of a television screen. The PC  1100  may include storage  1106 , TV/radio tuners  1107  for media consumption, media players  1108 , and communication interfaces  1109  and user interfaces  1110  similar to those for the MPS of  FIG. 9 . The PC  1100  includes a media exchange software (MES) platform  1111  that provides channel construction capability  1112  and networking capability  1113 . The channel construction capability  1112  allows third party and personal media access, sequencing, editing, media overlays and inserts, billing, scheduling, and addressing. 
         [0087]    In summary, some embodiments according to the present invention may relate to systems and methods that provide local and remote personalized media overlay in a media exchange network. The personalized media overlay alerts a user of the media exchange network to the status of various home appliances and media peripherals, and to the availability of new media on the media exchange network. 
         [0088]    While the present invention has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present invention without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the present invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but that the present invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.