System and method for request, delivery and use of multimedia files for audiovisual entertainment in the home environment

摘要

A personal computer connected to the Internet can receive and store audio and audiovisual data or programming from the Internet. This audio and audiovisual programming can be provided by the computer over a digital connection to speakers and/or a monitor located away from the computer at a location convenient for a user. A remote control unit allows the user to send signals back over the digital connection to the computer to control the computer to provide the audio or audiovisual programming that the user desires over the digital connection to the speakers and/or monitor located where the user is. The computer may send a listing of the available programming to the remote control unit from which the user can make selections.