Network apparatus and method for preview of music products and compilation of market data

Abstract

A system for on-line user-interactive multimedia based point-of-preview. The system provides for a network web site and accompanying software and hardware for allowing users to access the web site over a network such as the internet via a computer. The user is uniquely identified to the web site server through an identification name or number. The hardware associated with the web site includes storage of discrete increments of pre-selected portions of music products for user selection and preview. After user selection, a programmable data processor selects the particular pre-recorded music product from data storage and then transmits that chosen music product over the network to the user for preview. Subscriber selection and profile data (i.e. demographic information) can optionally be collected and stored to develop market research data. Since the system provides for multiple embodiments, the system contemplates previewing of audio programs such as music on compact discs, video programs such as movies and text from books and other written documents. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the network web site can be accessed from a publicly accessible kiosk, available, e.g. at a retail store location, or from a desk top computer.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates generally to user controlled preview of a plurality of different pre-recorded products. More particularly, this invention relates to the use of an on-line network web site for interactive preview of a portion of a pre-recorded product by the user. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The 1980s witnessed a tremendous rise in consumer demand for home entertainment products, particularly, the compact disc (CD) player. Wide consumer acceptance has been the result of more affordable ownership costs, superior fidelity (compared with LPs and cassettes) and remarkable ease-of-use. In the United States alone, total sales of CD players skyrocketed from 1.2 million units in 1985 to over 17 million units in 1989 (over three times the growth rate of VCRs). CD players now represent one third of all new audio component sales with projections pointing to total U.S. sales topping 30 million players in the U.S. by 1991—making the CD player the fasted...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

In large part, this is due to the fact that when it comes to purchasing a specific compact disc, the consumer is faced with several constraints and dilemmas.

For example, compact discs are roughly twice the retail price ($14-$16) of LPs and cassettes and as a result, consumers are more reluctant to explore new and / or unproven artists for fear of wasting money.

Moreover, there is the issue of “selection stress,” a common problem for the average music buyer who is confronted with an enormous catalogue from which to choose and few mechanisms to assist her in evaluating these choices.

Unfortunately, the salespeople generally have not kept up with the sophistication of the market.

Hence, consumers are at a clear disadvantage.

Consumers often cannot sample or interact with the product while in the music store and they cannot return products they do not like.

Therefore, although many consumers wish to build larger music collections, purchasing decisions are often risky and mistakes can be costly.

Currently, label executives have no way to test market their respective acts or albums before dollars are committed to the production, promotion and distribution process.

Furthermore, there is no current methodology to provide consumer exposure to a particular artist's work outside of radio and television or concert tours.

The problem of consumer awareness is aggravated by the glut of records on the market which inhibits consumer exposure at the retail level and over the airways.

This strongly limits the potential for success because some artists require longer and more diverse promotion in order to succeed.

Although it permits some in store sampling, its use is severely limited because its primary format is based on a particular hardware configuration which is not easily modifiable.

The consumer cannot make her own selection.

A drawback with this device is that it is expensive to use and time consuming to operate.

Furthermore, exposure to various artists is limited.

Still further, the device is viewed by record production companies as cannibalistic.

Therefore record production companies have been reluctant to permit new songs from their top artists to be presented on these devices.

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