Abstract:
The signal (801) of a first code sequence of a predetermined format a part of which is dummy data is sent to a code sequence rewriting means (1802) through a code sequence decomposing means (1801). The signal (806) of a second code sequence with which the part corresponding to the dummy data in the signal (801) is supplemented is sent to the code sequence rewriting means (1802) through a control means (1805), and the dummy data in the first code sequence is rewritten to the second code sequence. For trial viewing/listening, the signal (802) from the code sequence decomposing means (1801) is selected by means of a selector switch (1808). When the second code sequence (806) is acquired by purchase of a content, the signal (803) from the code sequence rewriting means (1802) is selected. Thus trial viewing/listening of a content such as music free of danger of decryption is possible, and a high-quality content can be reproduced by acquiring a relatively small amount of data.
Abstract:
A center (content supply center) (1865) for storing/managing a content is connected to user terminals (1861-1864) used by users through networks (861-867). The center (1865) sends a signal of a content for trial viewing/listening to a user terminal free or at a low price. The user terminal (1861-1864) receives the signal, and the user can select, purchase, and reproduce at high quality only the content that the user likes. Thus trial viewing/listening is possible, and the opportunity to purchase a content is enhanced since it is unnecessary to download a large amount of data with high quality from a content supply center.
Abstract:
An information transfer apparatus includes a random access storage medium, request information input means connected to a removable information recording apparatus and information output means connected to the removable information recording apparatus, wherein information is read out at random from the recording medium on the basis of request information inputted through the request information input means, and it is output through the information output means. The information recording apparatus stores temporarily the information inputted through the information input means in the recording means, and then records it into the recording medium consisting of a plurality of recording medium pieces. Accordingly, even when the recording medium has a relatively low write speed, it can record the information correctly and at a high speed. The information transfer apparatus assumes versatile memory constructions, and sequentially transfers the stored information on the basis of the information transfer request signal requesting the information transfer from the information recording apparatus which records and reproduces the inputted information. The information recording apparatus executes recording control so that the inputted information is recorded in a plurality of recording medium pieces in a transverse sequence and in parallel. Accordingly, the information can be recorded in parallel by a simple control into a variety of information recording apparatuses constituted by recording media having various write times, and the information can be transferred at a high speed by using a simple hardware.