System and methods are described for generating one or more viewable highlight playbacks, such as, for example, a viewable highlight playback including highlights of a sporting event that may be viewed essentially on demand. The system and methods transform raw digital media data associated with the event to a playback instruction signal including key highlights of the event to be viewed over a predetermined time period while capturing an essence of the event. The system and methods allow control of a viewing of the viewable highlight playback utilizing, at least in part, the playback instruction signal.