Methods and apparatus for creating, combining, distributing and reproducing program content for groups of participating users
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A system, comprising:
- a transmission station configured to;
deliver a first music stream to a plurality of participating users over one or more program transmission pathways substantially simultaneously, wherein the first music stream is delivered as an ordered sequence of music segments specified by a playlist defined by a first person having a role of selecting music for the first music stream;
concurrently enable spoken conversation between ones of the plurality of participating users over one or more bidirectional communications pathways communicatively coupling the plurality of participating users to the transmission station during or after delivery of the first music stream;
receive a request from the first person to assign the role of selecting music for the first music stream to a second person; and
in response to the request, allow the second person to select music segments specified by the playlist.
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Abstract
A communications system for simulcasting audio or audiovisual program content to a plurality of participating system users via a communication network. Each user operates an access device that reproduces the received program content for the user and also accepts spoken comments from the user concurrently with or immediately following the reproduction of the program content. The spoken comments are transmitted to at least selected ones of the other users so that the selected users can engage in a conversation about the program content as it is simulcast.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A system, comprising:
a transmission station configured to; deliver a first music stream to a plurality of participating users over one or more program transmission pathways substantially simultaneously, wherein the first music stream is delivered as an ordered sequence of music segments specified by a playlist defined by a first person having a role of selecting music for the first music stream; concurrently enable spoken conversation between ones of the plurality of participating users over one or more bidirectional communications pathways communicatively coupling the plurality of participating users to the transmission station during or after delivery of the first music stream; receive a request from the first person to assign the role of selecting music for the first music stream to a second person; and in response to the request, allow the second person to select music segments specified by the playlist. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. A system, comprising:
one or more computers configured to implement a controller operable to; deliver media content substantially simultaneously to a plurality of receiving devices associated with a plurality of users, wherein the media content includes a plurality of media streams including a first media stream, wherein the controller is configured to deliver media segments for the first media stream in accordance with a playlist defined by a first of the plurality of users; receive audio communications from one or more of the plurality of receiving devices; convey the audio communications to one or more others of the plurality of receiving devices as part of delivery of the media content; receive a request from the first user to assign a role of selecting media segments for the first media stream to a second of the plurality of users; and in response to the request, permit the second user to define the playlist. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method, comprising:
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a subscriber device receiving media content broadcasted from a controller system, wherein the controller system substantially simultaneously broadcasts the media content to a plurality of other subscriber devices, wherein the media content is broadcasted in accordance with a playlist defined by a first user of one of the plurality of other subscriber devices; during receiving the media content, the subscriber device recording audio content of a second user of the subscriber device; the subscriber device conveying the recorded audio content to the controller system, wherein the controller system is configured to convey the recorded audio content to one or more of the plurality of other subscriber devices in conjunction with broadcasting the media content; and the subscriber device presenting an interface that allows the second user to define the playlist in response to the first user assigning a role of selecting media content to the second user. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification