Structure and method for selecting, controlling and sending internet-based or local digital audio to an am/fm radio or analog amplifier

Abstract

A system and method that allows digital audio files, either streaming or stored to be controlled and selected and provides an analog audio signal for broadcast by a radio or amplifier without interfering with the operation of the host PC. A remote device is provided which facilitates control of the system.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A base station for enabling content to be played on a remote playback device, comprising:
 at least one interface configured to be connected, directly or indirectly, to a separate host and to a remote component;   a receiver configured to receive digital data from the host;   a converter configured to convert the digital data to a predetermined format compatible with the remote component; and   a transmitter configured to transmit the converted data to the remote component.   
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the remote component includes at least one of the remote playback device and a repeater. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the remote component is a repeater configured to receive the transmitted data via a wireless communications channel and to rebroadcast the received data onto an FM channel. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the remote component is an FM radio. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the digital data includes audio content. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the received digital data is audio content streamed via the Internet. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the base station further comprises:
 a digital signal processor configured to decode the received digital data and to provide the decoded digital data to a digital to analog converter; and   a digital to analog converter configured to convert the decoded digital data into an analog signal, wherein the transmitter is further configured to transmit the analog signal as the converted data.   
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the base station further comprises:
 an identifier; and   a real-time clock, and wherein the base station is further configured to selectively control access to the content based on the identifier, a current time value of the real-time clock, and access control data encoded in the digital data.   
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the base station is further configured to be interfaced to the host via a universal serial bus interface. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 2 , further comprising:
 a remote control device configured to be wirelessly interfaced to the base station, the remote control device including:
 a display configured to display information, provided by the base station, that relates to the content; and 
 at least one control configured to receive an input and to operate the base station based on the received input. 
   
     
     
         12 . A method of playing content on a remote playback device, comprising:
 receiving, at an adapter device, digital data, including the content, from a host;   converting, by the adapter device, the content into a predetermined analog data format compatible with the remote playback device; and   transmitting, by the adaptor device, the converted data to the playback device.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein transmitting the converted data includes:
 transmitting the converted data from the adapter device to a repeater; and   rebroadcasting the converted data from the repeater to an FM radio.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the content includes streamed audio content. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein receiving the digital data from the host includes:
 receiving the digital data from the host via a universal serial bus interface.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein converting the content includes:
 decoding the content; and   converting the decoded content into an analog signal.   
     
     
         17 . A computer-readable storage medium with an executable program stored thereon, wherein the program instructs a device to perform steps enabling playback of content on a remote playback device, comprising:
 receiving digital data, including the content, from a host;   converting the content into a predetermined analog data format compatible with the remote playback device; and   transmitting the converted data to the playback device.   
     
     
         18 . The computer-readable storage medium of  claim 17 , wherein the content includes streamed audio content. 
     
     
         19 . The computer-readable storage medium of  claim 17 , wherein converting the content comprises:
 decoding the content; and   converting the decoded content into an analog signal.   
     
     
         20 . An apparatus for enabling content to be played on a remote playback device, comprising:
 means for receiving digital data, including the content, from a host;   means for converting the content into a predetermined analog data format compatible with the remote playback device; and   means for transmitting the converted data to the playback device.   
     
     
         21 . A system for enabling content to be played on a remote playback device, comprising:
 an adapter configured to communicate with a host, the adapter also configured to be connected to a remote analog device, the adapter including:
 means for receiving the digital audio data from the host and converting the digital audio data to analog audio data for playback by the remote analog device without interfering with the operation of the host; and 
 means for receiving signals from a remote control device and controlling the host to play digital audio content selected from the remote control device; and 
   the remote control device including:   means for receiving the digital content information from the adapter;   means for displaying the digital content information;   means for receiving a selection of digital audio content; and   means for transmitting signals representative of the selected digital audio content to the adapter.