Patent ID: 7191346

Claim:
A data recording apparatus for selectively receiving either first content data which are encrypted or second content data which are unencrypted, the received data being recorded to a storage medium, said data recording apparatus comprising: first receiving means for receiving the encrypted first content data; second receiving means for receiving the unencrypted second content data; decrypting means for decrypting said encrypted first content data received by said first receiving means; recording means for selectively recording either said first content data, in a decrypted state, decrypted by said decrypting means or said second content data received by said second receiving means to said storage medium, said recording means further recording an identifier to said storage medium, said identifier indicating a write protect status identifying a recorded content data as being either the decrypted first content data or said second content data received by said second receiving means; and controlling means for, when given a command for editing the content data recorded in said storage medium, either permitting or inhibiting editing of the recorded content data in accordance with said identifier recorded in said storage medium.