Patent ID: 7475246

Claim:
A local content server system (LCS) for creating a secure environment for digital content, comprising: a) a communications port for connecting the system via a network to at least one Secure Electronic Content Distributor (SECD), said SECD storing a plurality of data sets, receiving a request to transfer at least one content data set, and transmitting the at least one content data set in a secured transmission; b) a rewritable storage medium whereby content received from outside the LCS is stored and retrieved; c) a domain processor that imposes rules and procedures for content being transferred between the LCS and devices outside the LCS; and d) a programmable address module programmed with an identification code uniquely associated with the LCS; and said domain processor permitting the LCS to receive digital content from outside the LCS provided the LCS first determines that the digital content being delivered to the LCS is authorized for use by the LCS and if the digital content is not authorized for use by the LCS, accepting the digital content at a predetermined quality level, said predetermined quality level having been set for legacy content.