Patent ID: 8213519

Claim:
A method of decoding a given digital content item by a portable media device having a housing, a first onboard hardware media decoder associated with the device housing, a second onboard hardware media decoder associated with the device housing and a media output port mechanically integrated with the device housing, the method comprising: using the first onboard hardware media decoder associated with the device housing of the portable media device, effecting a first media decoding of the given digital content item to generate a first media signal; determining whether the portable media player is connected to an external host presentation device, and in response to determining that the portable media player is connected to an external media presentation device: using the second onboard hardware media decoder associated with the device housing of the portable media device, effecting a second media decoding of the given digital content item to generate a second media signal; and exporting the second media signal via the media output port that is mechanically integrated with the device housing; and in response to determining that the portable media device is not connected to an external host presentation device placing the second onboard hardware media decoder in a dormant state so that the second media decoding is not effected and operating the first onboard hardware media decoder to effect the first media decoding using an onboard power supply and generating the first media signal.