Patent ID: 8725063

Claim:
A method of using a media device, comprising: configuring the media device to operate in a first mode and in a second mode, selectively, wherein (A) when in the first mode, the media device performs the operations of (1) displaying, on a display of the media device, a list of digital media content stored on said media device, (2) receiving from a user an indication to play a selected digital media content from among the displayed list of content, and (3) playing the selected digital media content on the media device; and (B) when in the second mode, the media device performs the operations of (1) operatively connecting the media device with (a) a separate, selected first media source via at least in part an internet or with (b) a separate, selected second media source via a local network, to permit the media device to effect, at least in part, operation of the selected media source, and (2) sending, at least in part wirelessly, a media content control signal from the media device to the selected media source, said control signal causing the selected media source to download or stream media content responsive to the media content control signal from the selected media first or second source to a media output unit, for outputting via a media output unit that is separate from said media device, whereby the user selectively controls the first media source and/or the second media source for content downloading or streaming.