Patent ID: 7797719

Claim:
A method for content selection of digital media stored in a memory coupled to a digital media processor and playable on a digital audio-visual playback device comprising the steps of: providing a first communication link between a user interface and a media management control wherein the media management control is distinct from the digital media processor; providing a second communication link between the media management control and a digital media processor coupled to a memory for storing and retrieving digital media, the digital media processor coupled in communication with at least one digital audio-visual playback device; transmitting a digital media content request from the user interface remote from the playback device through the first communication link to the media management control, the request including at least a digital media identifier; in response to the digital media content request from the user interface, the media management control managing the execution and the manner of execution of the digital media specified by the digital media identifier through the second communication link on the at least one digital audio-visual playback device by: the media management control communicating with the digital media processor to determine the availability of the playback device specified in the digital media content request from a user interface; the media management control accepting or rejecting the identified media in each user request based on rules of play for each playback device by applying at least one of the rules of play to the requested digital media at the location of the at least one playback device, the rules of play including maximum queue length; priority play based on a rewards program; determining if a requested digital media is available for play on the at least one playback device; determining if a requested digital media is approved for the at least one playback device; immediate forced play of a digital media request; and out of order play in response to special conditions; accepting the requested digital media for play on the playback device if the requested digital media meets the at least one applied rules of play; rejecting the requested digital media if the requested digital media does not meet the at least one applied rules of play for the at least one playback device; and if the request is accepted initiating transmission of the selected digital media by the digital media processor to the at least one digital audio-visual playback device for play of the selected digital media by the digital audio-visual playback device.