WO2001080039A2

WO2001080039A2 - System and method for self-publishing webcast content over a computer network

Info

Publication number: WO2001080039A2
Application number: PCT/CA2001/000538
Authority: WO
Inventors: William Mutual
Original assignee: William Mutual
Priority date: 2000-04-13
Filing date: 2001-04-12
Publication date: 2001-10-25
Also published as: AU5207901A; CA2311057A1; WO2001080039A8

Abstract

A system, apparatus, and method in which an online publishing service for streaming media including audio and video content is offered directly to consumers through a website on a server. The system integrates all aspects of the media publishing process, including encoding, publishing, notifying, distributing, reporting, searching, viewing, and listening of media content over a global network. The website thus makes it possible, easy, convenient, and economical for consumers to publish their own audio and video content and for listeners and viewers from a tremendous variety of locations to access that material. The system and method provides for free trial memberships and the generation of revenue by membership fees for enhanced services for one or more of the following: password protection for control of member's audio and video material, an increase in the number of viewers who can watch or listen simultaneously, an increase in the amount of content published, viewer usage and tracking reports, the ability to charge viewers to watch or listen to media, advanced use of an audio and video database to track libraries of content, and the selling of advertising such as banner advertisements integrated into the member's media content.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SELF-PUBLISHING WEBCAST CONTENT OVER A COMPUTER NETWORK

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to communication networks, and specifically, to publishing, integrating, and streaming of media over a global computer network.

Background Information

Mass publication of textual or graphic material has been feasible to some extent ever since the invention of the printing press, which enabled multiple copies of a work to be generated without the drudgery of variability inherent in the hand-copying of individual copies by beneficent monks or paid scriveners. After the print revolution, a publishing industry arose, in which content and copyright was typically purchased by a publisher who reproduced and distributed the material, whether by newspaper, magazine, paperback novel, hardcover textbook, or coffee table tome. It was also possible for the person who generated the content to publish it himself, either by following the steps used by a publisher or by paying a publisher to publish the work. This process continues in the print industry in a variety of forms, from classified advertisements in newspapers to the vanity press publication of entire novels. An analogous self-publishing process exists in a rudimentary way for audio-video content, for example, where a video of a wedding is copied and distributed not only to the bride and groom, but also to their proud parents, jealous siblings, and even distant friends and relatives.

The emergence of the Internet, with fast computer servers providing material to an enormous number of users accessing the Internet with personal computers having excellent graphics and audio capabilities, enables a system and method as in the present invention to be viable. However, none of the prior technology, systems or methods provides the system and method of the within invention. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes an apparatus, system, and method for self-publishing of audio or video content, and retrieval thereof over a computer network. In one embodiment, the invention takes advantage of increasing global access to the Internet. It offers solutions to a person who wishes to publish not just textual and static graphic material, but also streaming audio and video content over a computer network such as the Internet.

The webcast content previously uploaded may be retrieved for playback by file download (for later play) or by real time streaming, both of which can generally be described as downstreaming.

In one embodiment, a system for self-publishing of streaming video and/or audio content (collectively known as "webcast content") over a computer network includes:

at least one network server with digital data storage;

a plurality of remote computers having digital data display;

a communication link coupled between the network server and the remote computers;

an upload control module that controls requests and permissions to upload webcast content based on identification of upload members and their membership status;

an upload module that uploads members' selected webcast content from the remote computers to the network server, processes identification data relating to the webcast content into a database, qualifies and authenticates the files for acceptance or non-acceptance and, if the webcast content falls within the rules of the sender's current account status, passes the identification data and webcast content to the digital data storage;

a display module that lists the webcast content in the digital data storage for selection and playback; a downstream control module that controls requests and permissions to downstream selections of the webcast content, and

a downstream module that downstreams selected webcast content from the digital data storage to remote computers.

In another embodiment, a method for self-publishing of webcast content over a computer network, includes a plurality of the following:

establishing a data communication link between a remote computer and a network server;

transmitting to a permissions control module a request to upload webcast content to the network server from the remote computer;

receiving permission signals from the permissions control module to upload the webcast content, based on identification and membership status of a member at a remote computer;

uploading the webcast content and identification data relating to the webcast content from a remote computer to the network server;

processing identification data relating to the webcast content into a database, and passing the identification data and webcast content to digital data storage;

listing the webcast content that is in the digital data storage and available for selection and playback by users of the system;

processing requests and permissions to downstream selections of the webcast content, based on qualifications of the users and criteria set by the member;

automatically analyzing a user's connection speed and determining whether a requested file of webcast content can be optimally real-time streamed or alternatively downloaded from the digital data storage to the user's remote computer via the network server and the data communications link, in accordance with requests matching pre-set permission conditions. The present invention optionally provides for a business method for generating income from the self-publishing of webcast content over the computer network including providing free memberships for limited webcast self-publishing services of a system and charging fees for enhanced webcast self-publishing services of the system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary network system for implementing embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram of a server computer system, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a logical block diagram illustrating an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 illustrates a logical flow diagram for uploading webcast content, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a logical block diagram of an encoding module or applet downloaded on a member's computer system for encoding the webcast content into a streaming media format and uploading, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 illustrates a logical block diagram of upload and downstreaming of webcast content, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7 illustrates a logical block diagram of a downstreaming technique, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8 illustrates a logical block diagram of various server components, providing a membership system and services organized via a website, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 9 through 12 are sample webpages illustrating and describing some self-publishing features enabled by the system.

Figure 13 is a chart showing a business system and method, according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed herein, a "computer system" is a product including circuitry capable of processing data. The computer system may include, but is not limited to, general purpose computer systems (e.g., server, laptop, desktop, palmtop, personal electronic devices, etc.), personal computers (PCs), hard copy equipment (e.g., printer, plotter, fax machine, etc.), banking equipment (e.g., an automated teller machine), electronic devices (e.g., CD/DVD player, receiver/tuner, television, etc.), appliances, and the like. "Media" or "media stream" is generally defined as a stream of digital bits that represent data, audio, video, facsimile, multimedia, and combinations thereof. A "communication link" is generally defined as any medium over which information may be transferred such as, for example, electrical wire, optical fiber, cable, plain old telephone system (POTS) lines, wireless (e.g., satellite, radio frequency "RF", infrared, etc.) and the like. A "module", as described herein may be implemented in software and/or hardware.

Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary network system 100 for implementing embodiments of the present invention. The network system 100 includes one or more server computer systems 110,-1 10_s (where "S" is a positive whole number) coupled to a network cloud 120 via respective one or more communication links 115,-115_s. In one embodiment, the network cloud 120 includes a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), Internet, Intranet, or combinations thereof. The one or more servers 110,-110_s may optionally be coupled directly to each other, as shown by dashed lines 135. Additionally, each server 110,-1 10_s may represent a cluster of servers coupled together via a separate network.

Also coupled to the network cloud 120 are a plurality of computer systems 130,-130_N (where "N" is a positive whole number) via respective communication links 125,-125_N. For sake of clarity, the network system 100 will be described with respect to a single server 110, representing one or more servers coupled via a network, that hosts one or more web sites (pages) for access by users of the plurality of computer systems 130,-130_N.

The server 110 provides for on-line publishing of media by a member from a remote computer system (e.g., computer systems 130,-130_N), integrating of media services, and streaming of media to users of the plurality of computer systems 130,-130_N coupled to the network cloud 120. The server 110 hosting the web sites integrates media publishing by encoding, notifying, distributing, and reporting, of media, and allowing searching, viewing, listening, etc. of the media. The server 110 allows for a convenient and economical way Tor members to publish media content, and for users to globally access and/or receive via email the media content. The server 110 generates revenues by fees for enhanced services including, among other things, password protection for control of the member's media content, an increase in the number of user who can watch or listen simultaneously, an increase in the amount of content published, viewer usage and tracking reports, the ability to charge viewers to watch or listen to media, advanced use of an audio and video database to track libraries of content, and the selling of advertising such as banner advertisements integrated into the member's content.

Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram of a server computer system 110, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The server computer system 1 10 includes a processor 210 that is coupled to a bus structure 215. The processor 210 may include a microprocessor such as a Pentium™ microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor, reduced instruction set computer, application specific integrated circuit, and any other of one or more devices that process data. Alternatively, the server 110 may include more than one processor.

The processor 210 is coupled to a system memory 220 such as a random access memory, a non-volatile memory 245 such as an electrically erasable programmable read only memory and/or flash memory, and a mass storage device 240. The mass storage device 240 includes (but is not limited to) a hard disk, floppy disk, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, tape, high density floppy, high capacity removable media, low capacity removable media, solid state memory device, etc., and combinations thereof. The mass storage 240 is used to store media including video, audio, text, data, etc., account information, and the like. The non-volatile memory 245 includes system firmware such as system BIOS for controlling, among other things, hardware devices in the server computer system 110.

The server 110 includes an operating system 225, one or more databases 230, and one or more modules 235 that may be loaded into system memory 220 from mass storage 240 at system startup. The operating system 225 includes a set of one or more programs that control the computer system's operation and allocation of resources. In one embodiment, the operating system 225 includes any type of operating system including, but not limited or restricted to, disc operating system (DOS), Windows™, Linux™, etc. The one or more modules 235 are application programs, drivers, subroutines, and combinations thereof, for, among other things, publishing, integrating, and streaming of media content over the network cloud 120, as will be described in more detail below. Optionally, one or more of the databases 230 may be accessed directly from mass storage 240 without loading into the system memory 220.

The server 110 further includes a communication interface device 250 such as a network card for communicating over the network cloud 120 (Figure 1), a video controller 255 for driving a display 260, and an audio device 265 for driving speakers 270 and receiving a microphone input from a microphone 275. The bus structure 215 includes one or more buses that couple together the devices in the server computer system 110. In one embodiment, each of the plurality of computer systems 130,-130_N (Figure 1) may comprise a similar architecture as the server computer system 110.

In a further embodiment, the system would use server support for a website that is more extensive: a multiplicity of multimedia servers that support multiple streaming technologies, linked through direct high-speed connections (e.g., 45 Mbps "millions of bits per second" connections, 155 Mbps connections, or higher rate connections) to major Internet backbone providers such as Concentric, which, in turn, currently connect to over 80% of the downstream ISPs. A network infrastructure of several dozen such servers in conjunction with smart server architecture would permit the website to control and provide high-quality streaming of thousands of live and on-demand audio and video programs and files over the Internet simultaneously to hundreds of thousands of users.

As a non-restrictive example, members may upload media content to the website for broadcast on demand to users over the Internet, using a 28.8 baud modem line or faster, a multimedia enabled computer system (e.g., with a 75 MHz Pentium™ processor or faster), Windows 95™ operating system, service provider connection to the Internet, 9 Mb of random access memory, 5 Mb of hard disk space for audio/video software, and 256 or higher color VGA or higher resolution display.

Figure 3 is a logical block diagram illustrating an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 3, at Block 301, a member encodes and/or optimizes video and/or audio. This may be achieved locally by a software module or applet (e.g., one of modules 235, Figure 2) downloaded on the member's computer system or remotely from the website. The member is allowed to convert files from various media formats (e.g., AVI, WAV, etc.) to a streaming media format (e.g., QuickTime, Real, or Windows Media). At block 302, the member manages and requests uploading of content with permission, edits media titles and descriptions, create ideo albums and video greetings, and organizes other webcast content previously uploaded.

At block 303, the member requests upload of content (e.g., video), as shown by arrow 312 from block 302 to block 303. A media management module (e.g., one of modules 235 in Figure 2) on the server computer system, as shown in Block 304, controls the uploading of webcast content from the member's computer system. (The media management module also controls the downstreaming, as explained later.) The upload involves uploading a meta-file from the member's computer system to a database 330 on the server computer system, such as for example database 230 (Figure 2), as shown by arrow 314. The meta-file includes information about the webcast content such as subject matter, dates and locations, links to related files, member identification, copyright notices, and so on. The meta-data contained in the meta-file, if any, of the webcast content gets parsed out of the local file and input into the appropriate field either as part of the encoding process or as part of the media management process. The required parsing and conversion to streaming video format could be implemented in part by software on the member's computer system. The meta-data can then be edited (if desired) by the member. In one embodiment, when the file is uploaded to the server, the meta-data resides in a SQL database, disparate from the actual media file of webcast or webcastabie content. If the upload is done without such software on the member's computer, for example, when a member uploads direct from an Internet browser, then a Java module or applet residing on the server does the parsing out of the meta-data. The meta-data thus can be split out or entered on the member's computer, or directly onto the server via a server run module or applet. In either case, the metadata ends at the server for storage as directed. Updates to the meta-data are made through a web page. None of the meta-data need be stored on the client computer.

The upload also involves uploading the webcast content (e.g., video, audio, etc.) to a media database 332 on the server computer system, as shown by arrow 316. The media database 332 may be part of mass storage 240, or may be located on a separate, dedicated server in a cluster of servers.

Before uploading of the webcast content, the media management module in Block 304 performs filtering and verification. This involves verifying the member's account status, determining the media format of the webcast content (e.g., for compliance), determining the disk space quota of the member, verifying the streaming bit rate of the upload, among other t-hings. This verification process may be performed prior to or contemporaneous with the uploading of the meta-file, as shown by arrow 314. A record is created in the database 330 identifying information about the member, the size of the file, etc., and a pointer is embedded in the record pointing to the media file uploaded into the Ad and Video server 332, as shown by arrow 318. The media management module confirms the upload of the webcast content, as shown by arrow 320, allowing the member to playback the webcast content immediately, if desired.

Viewers, as shown in Block 306, who may or may not be members for upload and other purposes, can also access webcast content previously uploaded for download or streaming, as desired or as the case may be. Viewers may access the media delivery module by connecting to a web page or via an email link. This involves accessing the media management module via a media delivery module, as shown in block 305, which may be located on the same server as the media management module or on a separate server. The media delivery module receives requests from and communicates with viewers, as shown by arrow 322, requests media files from the database 330 through the video management module, as shown by arrow 324, and receives media from the media server 332, as shown by arrow 326. During the process of retrieving media from media management module for delivery to the viewer, the media delivery module performs verification of access dynamically, determining whether the viewer has permission to view the material, the bandwidth allows for downloading or streaming of media, and the like. Alternatively, for sake of efficiency, as the case may be, the media delivery module may be broken up into two modules, namely, a download delivery module dedicated for downloading media files (e.g., in the case where the viewers bandwidth is not sufficient for streaming) and a streaming delivery module dedicated for delivery of streaming media content. The modules may be located on the same server or on separate servers.

Figure 4 illustrates a logical flow diagram for uploading webcast content, according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, the member may perform any number of webcast content preparation prior to uploading to the server.

For a member to upload video/image to the media server 332 (Figure 3), the member records original audio / video content, as shown in Block 401 using an analog camcorder 411, a PC or web camera 412, a DV camcorder 413, a digital MPEG1 video camera 414, a digital MPEG4 streaming camera 415, and a digital still camera 416, among others. In the case of the analog camcorder 411, PC or web camera 412 or DV camcorder 413, the video is captured by respective devices 420, 421, and 422 (Block 402), on a computer system. The member may optionally edit, add titles, insert special effects and voiceovers, among other things, as shown in Block 403, before uploading to the server. The media is then encoded and optimized into a streaming media format, if applicable, using a downloaded module or applet from the server (Block 404). Alternatively, the webcast content may be uploaded directly to the server, where the webcast content would be encoded and optimized into a streaming media format or otherwise by the media management module. In either case, the uploaded and encoded webcast content is archived for subsequent downstreaming to members/viewers (e.g., by connecting to the web page, email, etc.), as shown in Block 406.

Figure 5 is a logical block diagram of an encoding module or applet downloaded on a member's computer system for encoding the webcast content into a streaming media format, according to one embodiment of the present invention. At block 501, the member opens or otherwise selects the encoding module, and at block 502, selects the media to be converted. In the case of saved video files, the module browses for the file name (block 504), or, in the case of live video, the member selects the capture device and time of capture (block 505). The member may also select the resolution and bit rate of the media (block 506). The member then selects the conversion of the webcast content to the streaming media format (block 507). For example, the module can covert a video from a video media format such as .AVI or .WAV to a streaming media format such as QT, Real or Windows Media (.asf format). Consequently, the module creates the file profile, and converts the media into the streaming media format (block 508).

The member, if online, can provide account information (block 509). The module then connects to the server, checks the member's credentials, and ensures storage capacity and bit rate matches member's level of service (block 509). Once verified, the member can request uploading of the media to the server (block 511), and module performs the uploading (block 512). Once completed, the module notifies the member that the media is uploaded, at block 513 (e.g., via email). The member may preview the converted media located on the server (block 514).

Figure 6 illustrates a logical block diagram of upload and downstreaming of webcast content, according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown therein, a member or user, at a remote computer system 601, may view and/or listen to media files downloaded or streamed from the server. The member can also provide account information and request upload of media content (block 602). The server authenticates the member, and authenticates the webcast content through the member's log-in. Once authenticated, the member may access the member's account and upload media files. Contemporaneous with uploading, the encoding module on the member's computer captures information regarding the content of the media file along with header information (e.g., meta-file), at block 603. The header information may be captured separately from the media file.

In one embodiment, the uploading process involves verifying that the member has sufficient storage space allocated for the media file, and that the bit rate is acceptable. After verification, the media file is assigned a unique identifier and stored separately on a database. The media storage may be on a remote server on another network. Upon successful storage, an entry is written in the database linking the media file to the storage location. The header information or meta-file is stored in a database where the member may edit the information (block 604). A site administrator may view all media files uploaded to the server. Individual users may also view lists of media files from their account page (block 605).

In one embodiment, three servers are involved in accessing and viewing media content. A request to view the media is made from a main or web server 607. The web server 607 interrogates a database server 608, which contains the link to the media file. The link points to a media server 609 which includes the media file. The user's account is interrogated to determine user access level and other relevant information (block 610). The media file may be viewed by downloading or streaming. If the client computer system does not match the bit rate for a streaming file, the media file is downloaded (block 611).

The system thus provides for self-publishing of streaming video or audio content (also collectively referred to herein as "webcast content") over a computer network. In one embodiment, with reference to Figure 6, the system would include: at least one network server including a data storage; a plurality of remote computer systems each having a display for displaying multimedia content; a communication link coupled between the network server and the remote computer systems; an upload control module administered by the server that controls requests and permissions to upload webcast content based on identification of upload members and their membership status; an upload module coupled to the upload control module tha -. uploads a member's selected webcast content from a remote computer to the network server, processes identification data relating to the webcast content into a database, qualifies and authenticates the files for acceptance or non-acceptance and, if the webcast content falls within the rules of the member's current account status, passes the identification data and webcast content to the data storage; a display module that lists the webcast content in the data storage for selection and playback; a downstream control module that controls requests and permissions to downstream selections of the webcast content, connected to the server; and a downstream module that downstreams selected webcast content from the data storage to the remote computer systems.

Figure 7 illustrates a logical block diagram of a downstreaming technique, according to one embodiment of the present invention. Downstreaming generally involves downloading or real-time streaming of media. A member or user browses the website for downstreaming, as shown in block 701. If a request for downstreaming is made, a request is made to a server 702 to determine if the viewer meets the permission control to receive a media file. In one embodiment, the server 702 is dedicated for downstreaming, and is thus referred to as a downstreaming server. If allowed, the server and module running thereon, dynamically builds the appropriate link, which directs the viewer to be able to watch the video.

Depending on the content member's account type, this link may or may not be an advertising based model. If advertisement revenue is a business concern, then the meta-data analysis defines the relational advertisement for each "free" video (blocks 703 and 704). If the video is a metered service, the advertisement attachment portion is bypassed and the status of the member's transmission ability (how much transmission capability remains available under the member's service arrangement) becomes the determining factor.

Further enhancements to the usefulness of this technique additionally includes: a) providing a meta-data analysis module for coordinating specific advertisements to attach to specifically related webcast content, and to users whose characteristics, as stated or as inferred from their downstreaming choices, match various advertising criteria; b) monitoring and managing data input to a system from the membership update module, enhanced services permissions module, password module, e-commerce module, downstream data monitor module, advertising module, and meta-data analysis module; c) monitoring downstream demand for various webcast content.

Still referring to Figure 7, further enhancements to the efficiency and quality of downstreaming would include: a) monitoring location, availability, and capability of various servers and the location of respective remote computer systems requesting downstreams of webcast content from the system; b) analyzing data returned from a); and c) routing downstreams of the webcast content to dispersed network servers to optimize downstream time for the webcast content requested and predicted.

Downstreaming optimization is performed (block 705), which involves analyzing the requester's connection speed, and the appropriate streaming link is automatically created. If the requested video cannot be streamed to a particular viewer because the connection speed is inadequate, a downloadable file link is created instead. In either case, the media file is downloaded or streamed to the viewer (blocks 706, 707, and 708). Downstreaming logs are created and maintained in the database for standard log tracking for advertisement-based or fee- based transmission models (block 709).

Other aspects of the system useful for the downstreaming optimization are having a multiplicity of network servers 130,-130_N (where "N" is a positive whole number), to which webcast content that is in high demand can be dispersed for downstreaming. The downstream optimization block 705 therefore also routs downstreams of the webcast content based on information about the location, availability, and capability of various servers in relation to the location of respective remote computers requesting downstreams of webcast content from the system; the capability and mode requests from the users remote computer are taken into account in determining whether real time streaming or file download is used.

Figure 8 illustrates a logical block diagram of various server components, according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 8, the server includes an audio and video destination website (module 801), where consumers can register and submit audio and video files for Internet delivery, as well as search for, retrieve and play relevant audio and video online, displaying and implementing through hardware and software. The website can thus coordinate and provide:

1. A web-based media publishing system with capability to:

a) upload audio and video files from remote computers over the Internet;

b) automate entry of audio and video information into a database and give e-mail access information to the user;

c) play / display selected audio /video content on demand from remote users connected to the website over the Internet;

2. Enhanced services for registered members/users, such as:

a) security features, including password protection;

b) e-commerce, including advanced billing services (by number of views, amount of data, memberships, time increments);

c) logging and tracking of access to the audio / video content;

d) content, database and menu revisions;

3. Smart server architecture that optimizes the audio /video stream delivery route from the server to the viewer through automatic network monitoring and analysis-based algorithms;

4. An easy-to-use graphical interface, whereby the user can move quickly through all the areas of the website as directed in order to publish the member's own music, voice and videos for others to experience in a matter of minutes;

5. A variety of pages and subpages in the website, including:

a) a "self-service" upload page of instructions and functions for uploading to the website's servers, audio and visual content direct from a user's computer termϊhal connected to the Internet;

b) instructions for using mail-in or kiosk media services for uploading audio and visual material;

c) audio and video workshop, including

i) demonstrations and training sessions;

ii) tips and hints for preparing content for Internet delivery;

iii) free software downloads;

iv) links to other related Internet resources;

d) search services, including;

i) the member's personal audio and video database;

ii) other members' audio and video database;

iii) other multimedia on the Internet;

e) shopping services for:

i) branded merchandise;

ii) a variety of audio and video related equipment and software;

iii) e-commerce partners (e.g. Amazon, CDNow, and others);

f) composition and sending of video Greeting Cards, including those suitable for: i) personal events;

ii) holiday and seasonal salutations;

g) special events, including:

i) contests with prizes;

ii) links to audio and video streaming of high-profile events from various locations;

iii) simulcasts and tie-ins with other audio or video broadcasts;

iv) celebrity guests in a studio for live broadcast and interactive chat;

h) special interest club and community club pages, including:

i) kids;

ii) family;

iii) sports;

iv) life skills;

v) travel;

vi) social announcements;

vii) personal ads;

viii) entertainment; ix) amateur film;

x) professional film showcase;

xi) Hollywood, California; and

xii) other geographical locations.

A website implementing this system and method would be divided and indexed into major categories of interest, so viewers can find the audio and video they want quickly. These areas of interest are organized into clubs. It is possible to have club membership in addition to membership at large or enhanced membership at large in the website services. Club members can interact and through such interaction build a sense of community by sharing their experiences and creative content. Particularly active members could be designated as club leaders. The website would support club members and leaders in organizing such activities as: online film festivals, contests, newsletters, interviews and event broadcasts.

The system and method thus provides for front-end management of the video by the member. For example, the video can be organized, edited and given access permissions that are chosen by the member while he is on-line with the system and method's website. Other value- added features for the member's front end selection and use would be video albums, video greetings, and channels. A member could create an album of pages using still images (e.g. jpg format) grabbed by the server's software from the member's streaming media file, for display along with editable information. The member could send a video greeting by a email that links a greeting or greeting card with still image that features poetry, humorous sayings and their own personal message along with his streaming video. The member could also create a "playlist" of his videos that he could then share with other users through a password and username.

Referring again to Figure 8, in one embodiment of the system, where computer network is the Internet and the system also comprises a website module 801 with a home page and links to multiple sub-webpages, that provides and coordinates the following:

a) a website interactivity block 802 that handles internet links for data communications between remote computers and the system's server or servers;

b) a membership block 803 that enables users of the remote computers to become members in the system by signing up, choosing passwords, and selecting or updating any enhanced services or permissions;

c) an instructions block 804 that interacts with users of the remote computers to list FAQs and answers, and give indexed and "smart" (related to webpages and functions immediately previously accessed by the user) help on how to become members, how to upgrade their membership services and permissions, and how to upload and downstream webcast content to and from the system;

d) an encoding, compression, and upload block 805 that converts video content from a member into streaming video format, compresses text, graphics, audio and video content, uploads the resulting data through the website to the system's server or servers, where the data is split into a member-controlled information block 806 about the webcast content and into a webcast content block 807 containing only the webcast content, the information being handled differently, as part of the meta-data, from the content data as described.

e) an anonymity filter block 808, by which the member who uploaded some webcast content can set restrictions on disclosure of his personal data in conjunction with a downstreaming of the webcast content, the anonymity restrictions being implemented by the system at the time of a request to downstream;

f) a downstreaming permissions block 809, by which the member who uploaded some webcast content can set restrictions on who is allowed to download or view by real-time streaming webcast content previously uploaded to the server by the member, the downstreaming restrictions being implemented by the system at the time of a request to downstream;

New members may thus create a new account by proceeding to an the membership block from the website's home page. They can also request to have minimal storage requirements and bit rate of their current account increased from an account page (See Figure 9 for a sample webpage.) The encoding portion of block 805 converts media files to .asf format for uploading. This can be done by a utility on the system's server or on the remote computer. It is to be noted that other file types and formats, in addition to .asf format, can be uploaded. This format is suited for both methods of downstreaming (e.g., downloading and real-time streaming). It simplifies the administration of the uploaded content to have them all in the same format, suited for downstreaming. The member controlled information block 806 allows members to add, change, and delete webcast content and information relating to webcast content that the members have uploaded, allowing them in conjunction with the anonymity filter block 808 and the downstreaming permissions block 809 to elect whether they want to keep their files private (or choose a limited and qualified viewership) or to assign them to a show-case category for public viewing. The anonymity filter block 808 could thus be used to screen a member's identification from downstreams of that member's webcast content by other users of the system in accordance with permissions and restrictions selected by the member, and in accordance with any legal requirements regarding copyright terms for the webcast material.

Referring again to Figure 8, additional enhancements to the system would include:

a) an audio and video workshop block 810 module that provides interactive demonstrations, tutorials, tips, software downloads, and Internet links to related resources and services;

b) a shopping block 811 that enables a user to select and purchase webcast related hardware and software;

c) a search block 812 that enables a user of the system to find member's webcast content and other webcast sites on the Internet;

d) a special events and interests block 813 for linking members and users of the system with contests, audio and video streaming of high-profile events, simulcasts and tie with other audio and video broadcasts, and interactive chats with celebrity guests; and for organizing club memberships according to areas of declared interests and related webcast content that has been uploaded to the system.

Referring to Figure 9, a website implementing the system would have webpages to display and facilitate use of and changes to the information within the system. Figure 9 is a sample webpage for "My Account" showing records and fields for a member's Personal Information (name, email address, postal code) which can be edited, Usage Statistics (number of videos, video storage used, video storage available, video storage limit, maximum bitrate), My Channels (Title, Date created, Connection Speed required) which can be added to , and My Videos (listings) which can also be added to. Figure 10 is a sample webpage titled Showcase with Top Video Picks listings and summaries, as well as Live Events listings and summaries. Referring to Figure 11, a sample webpage provides some templates for use as Video Greetings. In Figure 12, a sample webpage provides instructions and forms for the user to email out an internet link by which the user's contacts can access the user's uploaded video.

Referring to Figure 13, in one embodiment, the website of the system would also provide a revenue module 139 coordinated with the applicable system events and features, having the following business features:

a) a free webcast content block 141 that causes a proliferation of uploaded webcast content from members, leading to website browsing (block 138) for the webcast content, and that leads to later fees for enhanced services (block 132);

b) a website browsing block 138 that enables browsing by remote computer users of selections of webcast content previously uploaded by members and available for downstreaming, feeding users to a downstreaming data monitor block 137 and related fees;

c) an enhanced services block 132 that controls fees attached to various enhanced services such as higher storage or transmission rates;

d) a downstreaming subscriber sign-up block 136 to enable subscriptions for downloading and real time streaming (both are "downstreaming"), the subscriptions to bear commissions for the system, for the uploading member to whose webcast content the subscription is attached, or for both,

e) a downstreaming data monitor block 137 that tracks and logs number of views, amount of data, time increments, and member upload identity for webcast content that is downstreamed by a user of a remote computer, the downstreaming to bear commissions for the system, for the uploading member to whose webcast content the subscription is attached, or for both;

f) a meta-data analysis block 133 for coordinating specific ads to attach to specifically related webcast content, and to users whose characteristics, as stated or as inferred from their downstream choices, match various advertising criteria,

g) an advertising block 134 that attaches paid advertisements to downstreaming webcast content in accordance with the choices of a member to the system and with the membership terms between the member and a business operating the system, and tracks the payment due from the advertisements,

h) all connected to an e-commerce block 131 that provides for billing for the various above-noted rights and activities related to the system,

In one embodiment, the present invention's content management and advertisement serving system are cued by demographics, dramatically increasing the chance that advertisements will be relevant to viewers The advertisements may be video advertisements The present invention provides that streaming video advertisements are "book-ended" before and after video content, giving them great stickiness Also, parsing of meta-data and database functionality would enable the present invention to provide a targeted advertisement campaign. At the end of every video advertisement, the system and method would provide a marker, preferably designed to enhance the website's look and convey its nature

The system and method also provide fee-based packages with a limited amount of storage space or transmission bits. The website server would track and log the actual amount of audio/video storage and transmission that takes place When a member reaches his paid limit for a period, the website would either bill extra or decline further transmission, depending on the overall terms with the member.

The system and method also would use advanced search capabilities and editing of metadata. The ability to extract and then edit meta-data allows for the relational advertising but also very granular search of subject matter, title, member's name, and other parameters, separate from the video content itself, that is, kept in database, in addition to the usual meta-data for web content that is stored within the relevant files.

The system and method also provides that when a user accesses the website and plays a video, a call goes to a membership database that identifies and records information as to which member's video is played, the time, date, the content description, a referral tag as to where the user was referred from, and user credential information such as name and password if required by the member's access permissions. The system and method contemplates that some members would wish to charge a fee for access to the video, and the required financial and charge information would be duly logged through Secure Socket Layer technology.

The system and method provides for the video to be played optimally on a 1 to 1 access basis, but in cases of high demand for a particular video such as a current events related video, the video would be dispersed to multiple available servers and the access requests forwarded to those servers in order to accommodate increased demand.

The business system and method also provides control over kilobit downstream rates and the data file types. The identity of the member posting the video is withheld from the access to the content unless allowed by the member. The business system and method thus provides an anonymous webcast system, in which the content is paramount and the publicity of the source details are discretionary for the member.

When a member uploads videos to the system for controlled publication or for downstreaming on demand of the user, the system and method provides for controls to filter out videos not meeting set conditions. For example, videos that are too long for the member's rights can be turned down automatically before uploading, based on preliminary file size information, in order to save valuable server storage and monitoring time. It is best if a plurality of the remote computers have webcast hardware and software allowing for recording and playback of streaming audio and video content.

An important business enhancement for the system is having a licensing block 140 (Figure 13) interacting with the system, in which data relating to licenses to use the system can be collected, stored and retrieved by a manager and by a licensee of the system.

Referring to Figures 6 through 8, in one embodiment, the operation of the system includes a plurality of the following steps:

a) establishing a digital data communication link between a remote computer system and a network server system;

b) transmitting to a permissions control module a request to upload webcast content to the network server from the remote computer;

c) receiving permission signals from the permissions control system to upload the webcast content, based on identification of upload members at the remote computers and the member's membership status;

d) uploading the webcast content and identification data relating to the webcast content from a remote computer over a to a network server;

e) processing identification data relating to the webcast content into a database, and passing the identification data and webcast content to digital data storage;

f) listing the webcast content that is in the digital data storage and available for selection and playback by other users of the system;

g) processing requests and permissions to downstream selections of the webcast content, based on qualifications of the other users and criteria set by a member who uploaded the selected webcast content; h) automatically analyzing a requesting parties connection speed and automatically determining whether a requested file of webcast content can be optimally real-time streamed or alternatively allowed to be downstreamed from the digital data storage to remote computers via the network server and a digital data communications link, in accordance with requests matching pre-set permission conditions.

In another embodiment, with reference to Figures 6 through 8, the system would also be performing the following background operations:

a) converting video content from a member into streaming video format prior to listing the webcast content that is in the digital data storage and available for selection and playback by other users of the system; and

b) compressing text, graphics, media content prior to listing the webcast content that is in the digital data storage and available for selection and playback by other users of the system.

Referring to Figures 6 through 8, on the front end, visible to the consumer, one method of implementing the invention would include:

a) providing a website module that manages a home page and various linked web subpages by which users of remote computers can interact with the system and can browse selections of webcast content previously uploaded by members and available for downstream;

b) providing a permissions module that enables members to set permission requirements for webcasts by other users to webcast content previously uploaded to the server by the member;

c) providing an information module that enables members to add, change, and delete webcast content and information relating to webcast content that the members have uploaded; d) providing a membership module that enables users of the remote computers to become members;

e) monitoring and managing data input to a system from the website module, the permissions module, the information module, and the membership module;

f) providing a membership update module that enables users of the remote computers to make elections about upgrading their membership status;

g) providing an enhanced services permissions module that controls permissions for a member to access enhanced services;

h) providing a password module that provides security for members and checks the identity of members and other users of the system;

i) providing an e-commerce module that provides for billing members for enhanced services and that provides for members to bill users who downstream webcast content previously uploaded by the members;

j) providing a downstream data monitor module, that tracks and logs number of views, amount of data, time increments, and member upload identity for webcast content that is downstreamed by a user of a remote computer;

k) providing an advertising module that attaches advertisements to downstreamed webcast content in accordance with the choices of a member to the system and with the membership terms between the member and a business operating the system;

Referring to Figure 8, of assistance to the end users of the method would further include:

a) providing an instructions module that interacts with users of the remote computers to give instructions about how to upload and downstream webcast content to and from the system; b) providing an audio and video workshop module that provides interactive demonstrations, tips, software downloads, and Internet links to related resources and services;

c) providing a search module that enables a user of the system to find members' webcast content and other webcast sites on the Internet;

d) providing a shopping module that enables a user to select and purchase webcast related hardware and software;

e) providing a special events module for linking members and users of the system with contests, audio and video streaming of high-profile events, simulcasts and tie with other audio and video broadcasts, and interactive chats with celebrity guests; and a special interests module for organizing club memberships according to areas of interest and related webcast content that has been uploaded to the system; and

f) providing an anonymity filter, that screens a member's identification from downstreams of that member's webcast content by other users of the system in accordance with permissions and restrictions selected by the member.

Referring again to Figure 13, the invention provides a way of conducting business including:

a) providing free memberships for limited webcast self-publishing services of a system;

b) charging fees for enhanced webcast self-publishing services of the system; and

c) earning revenue from advertising attachments to webcast content.

The business method can generate income from the self-publishing of webcast content over a computer network by further including: a) charging commissions to users for downstreaming webcast content tha was previously uploaded by members and others;

b) charging commissions based on fees charged by members of the business's webcast self-publishing system for downstreams and attached advertisements of webcast content previously uploaded by the members; and/or

c) licensing rights to administer a self-publishing system and automatically monitoring data to which license fees attach.

The invention includes a system and method of doing business online that earns revenue while fulfilling a consumer's wish to self-publish audio and video content on the Internet, via the integration of aspects of an audio and video publishing process, such as encoding, publishing, notification, distribution, reporting, searching, viewing and listening. As illustrated in the Figures (e.g., Figures 3 and 4), consumers can publish their own audio and video content in a way that is easy, convenient and economical, and listeners and viewers from a tremendous variety of locations can access that material in a way that is easy, convenient, and economical.

The system and method provides for free trial memberships for lesser levels of service in the processes set out in Figures 3 and 4, and the generation of revenue by fees for enhanced services as set out in Figure 13 in one or more of the following areas: password protection for control of the member's audio and video material, an increase in the number of viewers who can watch or listen simultaneously, an increase in the amount of content published, viewer usage and tracking reports, the ability to charge viewers to watch or listen to media, advanced use of an audio and video database to track libraries of content, and the selling of advertising such as banner advertisements integrated into the member's content.

Still referring to Figure 13, the wide variety of content to be available under such a system provides a base for a business method generating advertising attachments revenue with packages targeted to specific audiences and demographics. Additionally, unlike web sites that offer only text and static-graphic based banner advertisements, the audio/video multimedia capabilities of the website will handle custom audio and video applications such as gateway advertisements with guaranteed click-thrus, channel and event sponsorships and multimedia, as well as traditional banner advertisements. The system and the business method thereby provides advertisers the opportunity to incorporate gateway advertisements into their Internet advertising packages. Gateway advertisements are audio or video clips that are inserted at the lead of selected programming, lasting from 15 to 30 seconds, that play prior to the audio or video content that has been selected by the member. A guaranteed click-thru is a pop-down browser window that automatically launches at the beginning of the gateway advertisement displaying an advertiser's Web site or other targeted information. Gateway advertisements are also available without guaranteed click-thrus. The business method also offers advertisers the ability to sponsor one or more of its programming channels or events. A channel or event sponsorship can involve the rotating and permanent placement of buttons, logos, links, integrated gateway ads, multimedia banner advertisements and mention on the website's homepage or primary pages. The website implementing this system can offer advertisers the ability to integrate high-quality streaming audio and video into their text and graphics banner ads. The multimedia portion of the banner plays when the user clicks on the banner. In addition, visitors to the website are able to move to advertisers' websites while continuing to listen to or watch the audio or video programming they have selected from the variety available on the website database of member's content. It is contemplated that in one embodiment, the website would offer free audio/video self-publishing and viewing trials at minimum usage levels. Users who exceed these minimum levels can subscribe to enhanced services, which would allow extended, or multiple viewings, plus the following enhanced services as outlined above.

A typical member of the system's website might be the proud father of a new baby girl. His friends and family are located throughout the world, and he'd like to share a short video introduction of the newest member of the family over the Internet. At this point he has two options, either send the videotape to the website's physical media operation's center for encoding and uploading to the network, or he could encode and upload the video himself using a multimedia PC that allows connection to his VCR or video recorder. The system and method provides for an easy-to-use interface with interactive instructions that enables even a novice member to upload a video file to the system's server. Once the video file is on the website's network, it will send the new Dad a link to his video. He can then place this link on a personal Web page or send it directly to friends and family via e-mail. For privacy, members can choose to not have their video listed in the Website's search database, and only provide the link to a controlled group, such as family and friends. Other features of the system can be shown to the member or prospective members by webpages such as shown in Figures 9 through 12.

Another member of the system website might be an aspiring bandleader who wants to use the most cost-effective way to gain the most exposure possible for his work. He would accomplish this by uploading a song to the Web site. Utilizing all the promotional powers of the Internet, he could very inexpensively promote the band's music and cultivate fans. As the music becomes more popular, he may want to upgrade his level of service to allow for more people to listen, receive statistics, and perhaps eventually charge a fee for listening to or downloading his material.

The central website in one embodiment thus allows a wide range of people and organizations, to reduce costs and improve customer service by outsourcing their online publishing services for audio and video. The use of the website of this system and method provides scalability and reliability without attendant high capital and operating expenses of an in- house audio/video network publishing system. It allows a person or company access to advanced audio/video publication features that would be beyond the financial means of most individual users. The system and business method and attendant methods are fully scalable. They can be implemented in websites offering a range of services from and to entry level users all the way up to commercial media companies.

Larger organizations, such as audio/video equipment suppliers or Internet service providers, can license the business system and method itself and can generate revenue from outside users of the system, thereby providing financial support for equipment and operations that might otherwise not be justified. Use of the system or method by any licensed organization could result in large Internet traffic to the organization's website, which could provide valuable exposure to the organization's homepage, advertising or links, quite apart from actual direct revenue generated from members.

When implemented in software, the elements of the present invention are essentially the code segments to perform the necessary tasks. The program or code segments can be stored in a processor readable medium or transmitted by a computer data signal embodied in a carrier wave over a transmission medium or communication link. The "processor readable medium" may include any medium that can store or transfer information. Examples of the processor readable medium include an electronic circuit, a semiconductor memory device, a ROM, a flash memory, an erasable ROM (EROM), a floppy diskette, a CD-ROM, an optical disk, a hard disk, a fiber optic medium, a radio frequency (RF) link, etc. The computer data signal may include any signal that can propagate over a transmission medium such as electronic network channels, optical fibers, air, electromagnetic, RF links, etc. The code segments may be downloaded via computer networks such as the Internet, Intranet, etc.

While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad invention, and that this invention not be limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since various other modifications may occur to those ordinarily skilled in the art.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A system for self-publishing streaming media content ("webcast content") over a computer network, comprising: at least one server computer system each including data storage; a plurality of remote computer systems each including a display; a computer network coupled to the network server and the remote computers; an upload control module that controls requests and permissions to upload webcast content based on identification and membership status of a member; an upload module that uploads the member's selected webcast content from a remote computer to the network server, processes identification data relating to the webcast content into a database, qualifies and authenticates the files for acceptance or non-acceptance and, if the webcast content falls within the rules of the member's current account status, passes the identification data and webcast content to the data storage; a display module that lists the webcast content in the data storage for selection and playback; a downstream control module that controls requests and permissions to downstream selections of the webcast content, and a downstream module that downstreams selected webcast content from the data storage to a remote computer.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising an encoding module that parses out a meta-file containing meta-data relating to the webcast content for storage on the server separate from the webcast content.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the encoding module converts a video file of the member into a streaming video format.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the computer network is the Internet, the system further comprising a website module that manages a home page and various linked web subpages of the at least one server by which users of the remote computers can interact with the server.

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a permissions module that enables the member that previously uploaded media content to set permission requirements for downstreaming of the media content by other members and users.

6. The system of claim 1, further comprising an information module that enables the member to add, change, and delete the webcast content and information relating to the webcast content that the members have uploaded.

7. The system of claim 1, further comprising a membership module that enables users of the remote computers to become members.

8 The system of claim 1, further comprising a membership update module that enables users of the remote computers to make elections about upgrading their membership status.

9. The system of claim 1, further comprising a permissions module that controls permissions for a member to access enhanced services.

10. The system of Claim 1, further comprising a password module that provides security for members and checks the identity of members and other users of the system.

11 The system of claim 1, further comprising an e-commerce module that provides for billing members for enhanced services.

12. The system of claim 1, further comprising an e-commerce module that provides for the member to bill users who downstream webcast content previously uploaded by the member.

13. The system of claim 1, further comprising a downstreaming monitor module that tracks and logs the number of views, amount of data, time increments, and member upload identity for webcast content that is downstreamed by a user.

14. The system of claim 1, further comprising a website module that enables browsing and subsequent downstreaming by users of remote computers of selections of webcast content previously uploaded by members.

15. The system of claim 1, further comprising an advertising module that attaches advertisements to downstreamed webcast content.

16. The system of claim 15, further comprising a meta-data analysis module for coordinating specific advertisements to attach to specifically related webcast content, and to users whose characteristics, as stated or as inferred from their downstream choices, match various advertising criteria.

17. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one server further comprises one or more downstreaming servers to which webcast content that is in high demand can be dispersed for downstreaming.

18. The system of claim 17, further comprising a downstream optimization module that routs downstreams of the webcast content based on information about the location, availability, and capability of various servers in relation to the location of respective remote computers requesting downstreams of webcast content from the server.

19. The system of claim 1, further comprising an instructions module that interacts with users of the remote computers to give instructions regarding how to upload and downstream webcast content to and from the system.

20. The system of claim 1, further comprising a media workshop module that provides interactive demonstrations, tips, software downloads, and Internet links to related resources and services.

21. The system of claim 1, further comprising a search module that enables a user to find members' webcast content and other webcast sites on the Internet.

22. The system of claim 1, further comprising a shopping module that enables a user to select and purchase webcast related hardware and software.

23. The system of claim 1, further comprising a special events module for linking members and users with contests, audio and video streaming of high-profile events, simulcasts and tie with other audio and video broadcasts, and interactive chats with celebrity guests.

24. The system of claim 1, further comprising a special interests module for organizing club memberships according to areas of interest and related webcast content that has been uploaded to the server.

25. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of remote computers includes hardware and software to receive, play, and record webcast content including streaming webcast content.

26. The system of claim 1, further comprising a licensing module that collects, stores, and retrieves data relating to licenses to use the server.

27. The system of claim 1, further comprising an anonymity filter, that screens a member's identification from the webcast content of the member that is downstreamed by other users in accordance with permissions and restrictions selected by the member.

28. The system of claim 3, wherein the computer network includes the Internet, the system further comprising: a website module that manages a home page and various linked web subpages by which users of remote computers can interact with the server and browse selections of webcast content previously uploaded by members and available for downstream; a permissions module that enables the member to set permission requirements for downstreams by other users of webcast content previously uploaded to the server by the member; an information module that enables the member to add, change, and delete webcast content and information relating to webcast content that the member has uploaded; and a membership module that enables users of the remote computers to become members.

29. The system of claim 28, further comprising: a membership update module that enables users of the remote computers to make elections about upgrading their membership status; an enhanced services permissions module that controls permissions for the member to access enhanced services; a password module that provides security for the member and checks the identity of the member and other users of the system; an e-commerce module that provides for billing the member for enhanced services and that provides for the member to bill users who downstream webcast content previously uploaded by the member; a downstream data monitor module that tracks and logs a number of views, amount of data, time increments, and member upload identity for webcast content that is downstreamed by a user of a remote computer; an advertising module that attaches advertisements to downstreamed webcast content in accordance with choices of the member and alternatively an agreement between the member and the server; and meta-data analysis module for coordinating specific advertisements to attach to specifically related webcast content, and to users whose characteristics, as stated or as inferred from their downstream choices, match various advertising criteria.

30. The system of claim 28, wherein the at least one server comprises one or more downstream servers to which webcast content that is in high demand can be dispersed for downstreaming, wherein the system further comprises: a downstream optimization module that routs downstreams of the webcast content based on information about the location, availability, and capability of various servers in relation to the location of respective remote computers requesting downstreams of webcast content from the system, and wherein the plurality of the remote computers each includes hardware and software that allows for recording and playback of webcast and streaming audio and video content.

31. The system of claim 29, further comprising: an instructions module that interacts with users of the remote computers to give instructions regarding how to upload and downstream webcast content to and from the server; an audio and video workshop module that provides interactive demonstrations, tips, software downloads, and Internet links to related resources and services; a search module that enables a user of the system to find a member's webcast content and other webcast sites on the Internet; a shopping module that enables a user to select and purchase webcast related hardware and software; a special events module for linking members and users of the system with contests, audio and video streaming of high-profile events, simulcasts and tie with other audio and video broadcasts, and interactive chats with celebrity guests; a special interests module for organizing club memberships according to areas of interest and related webcast content that has been uploaded to the server; and an anonymity filter, that screens a member's identification from downstreams of that member's webcast content by other users of the system in accordance with permissions and restrictions selected by the member.

32. The system of claim 30, further comprising a licensing module wherein data relating to licenses to use the system can be collected, stored and retrieved by a manager and by a licensee of the server.

33. A method of self-publishing of webcast content over a computer network, comprising: establishing a data communication link between a remote computer system and a server computer system; transmitting to a permissions control module a request to upload webcast content to the server from the remote computer; receiving permission signals from the permissions control module to upload the webcast content, based on identification and membership status of a member at the remote computer; uploading the webcast content and identification data relating to the webcast content

I from the remote computer to the server; processing identification data relating to the webcast content into a database, and passing the identification data and webcast content to a data storage; listing the webcast content that is in the data storage for selection and playback by other users; processing a request and permission to downstream selections of the webcast content, based on qualifications of a user and one or more criteria set by the member that uploaded the selected webcast content; automatically analyzing the user's connection speed and determining whether a requested file of the webcast content can be optimally real-time streamed or alternatively downloaded from the data storage to the user at a remote computer, in accordance with requests matching pre-set permission conditions.

34. The method of claim 33, further comprising:

parsing out meta-data about the webcast content from a video file and from input from the member and storing the meta-data in the system separately from the webcast content, with a pointer link between them;

converting video content from the member into streaming video format prior to listing the webcast content that is in the data storage and available for selection and playback by other users; compressing the webcast content prior to listing the webcast content that is in the data storage and available for selection and playback by other users.

35. The method of claim 33, further comprising: providing a website module that manages a home page and various linked web subpages by which users of remote computers can interact with the system and can browse selections of webcast content previously uploaded by members and available for downstream; providing a permissions module that enables members to set permission requirements for downstreams by other users of webcast content previously uploaded to the server by the member; providing an information module that enables members to add, change, and delete webcast content and information relating to webcast content that the members have uploaded; providing a membership module that enables users of the remote computers to become members; and monitoring and managing data input to a system from the website module, the permissions module, the information module, and the membership module.

36. The method of claim 35, further comprising: providing a membership update module that enables users of the remote computers to make elections about upgrading their membership status; providing an enhanced services permissions module that controls permissions for a member to access enhanced services; providing a password module that provides security for members and checks the identity of members and other users of the system; providing an e-commerce module that provides for billing members for enhanced services and that provides for members to bill users who downstream webcast content previously uploaded by the members; providing a downstream data monitor module, that tracks and logs number of views, amount of data, time increments, and member upload identity for webcast content that is downstreamed by a user of a remote computer; providing an advertising module that attaches advertisements to downstreamed webcast content in accordance with the choices of a member to the system and with the membership terms between the member and a business operating the system; providing a meta-data analysis module for coordinating specific ads to attach to specifically related webcast content, and to users whose characteristics, as stated or as inferred from their downstream choices, match various advertising criteria; and monitoring and managing data input to a system from the membership update module enhanced services permissions module, the password module, the e-commerce module, the downstream data monitor module, the advertising module, and the meta-data analysis module.

37. The method of claim 33, further comprising: monitoring downstream demand for various webcast content; monitoring location, availability, and capability of various servers and the location of respective remote computers requesting downstreams of webcast content from the system; analyzing data of the aforementioned acts; and routing downstreams of the webcast content to dispersed network servers to optimize downstream time for the webcast content requested and predicted.

38. The method of claim 36, further comprising: providing an instructions module that interacts with users of the remote computers to give instructions about how to upload and downstream webcast content to and from the system; providing an audio and video workshop module that provides interactive demonstrations, tips, software downloads, and Internet links to related resources and services; providing a search module that enables a user of the system to find members' webcast content and other webcast sites on the Internet; providing a shopping module that enables a user to select and purchase webcast related hardware and software; providing a special events module for linking members and users of the system with contests, audio and video streaming of high-profile events, simulcasts and tie with other audio and video broadcasts, and interactive chats with celebrity guests; providing a special interests module for organizing club memberships according to areas of interest and related webcast content that has been uploaded to the system; providing an anonymity filter, that screens a member's identification from downstreams of that member's webcast content by other users of the system in accordance with permissions and restrictions selected by the member.

39. The method of claim 33, further comprising licensing out rights to the method, providing a license module that monitors and stores data input from the license module.

40. A business method for generating income from the self-publishing of webcast content over a computer network, comprising: providing free memberships for limited webcast self-publishing services of a system; and charging fees for enhanced webcast self-publishing services of the system.

41. The business method of claim 40 further comprising charging commissions to users for downstreaming webcast content previously uploaded by members and others.

42. The business method of claim 40 further comprising charging commissions based on fees charged by members to the business' s webcast self-publishing system for downstreams and attached advertisements of webcast content previously uploaded by the members.

43. The business method of claim 40 further comprising licensing rights to administer a self-publishing system and automatically monitoring data to which license fees attach.

44. The business method of claim 41 further comprising: charging commissions based on fees charged by members to the business' s webcast self-publishing system for downstreams and attached advertisements of webcast content previously uploaded by the members; and licensing rights to administer a self-publishing system and automatically monitoring data to which license fees attach.

45. The system of claim 1, wherein one or more of the upload control module, upload module, display module, downstream control module, and downstream module are contained within the server computer system.

46. A computer program product, comprising: a computer usable medium having computer readable program code embodied therein to control requests and permissions to upload webcast content from a remote computer system over a communication link, based on identification and membership status of a member requesting upload; computer readable program code to upload the member's selected webcast content from the remote computer system, process identification data relating to the webcast content into a database, qualify and authenticate the files for acceptance or non-acceptance and, if the webcast content falls within the rules of the member's current account status, store the identification data and webcast; computer readable program code to download, upon the member's request, a list of the webcast content to the remote computer system for selection and playback; computer readable program code to control requests and permissions to downstream one or more selections of the webcast content, and computer readable program code to downstream selected webcast content from to the remote computer system.

47. The computer program product of claim 46, further comprising computer readable program code to encode and convert the webcast content into a streaming media format.

48. The computer program product of claim 47, further comprising computer readable program code to parse out a meta-file containing meta-data relating to the webcast content for storage separate from the webcast content.

49. The computer program product of claim 46, further comprising: computer readable program code to manage a home page and various linked web subpages to allow users at remote computer systems to browse selections of webcast content previously uploaded by the member; computer readable program code to set permission requirements for downstreams by other users of webcast content previously uploaded to the server by the member; computer readable program code to allow the member to add, change, and delete webcast content and information relating to the webcast content that the member has uploaded; and computer readable program code to allow users to be members.

50. The computer program product of claim 46, further comprising: computer readable program code to allow users to make elections about upgrading their membership status; computer readable program code to allow the member to access enhanced services; computer readable program code to provide security for the member and check the identity of the member and other users of the system; computer readable program code to bill the member for enhanced services and bill users who downstream webcast content previously uploaded by the member; computer readable program code to track and log a number of views, amount of data, time increments, and member upload identity for webcast content that is downstreamed by a user; computer readable program code to attach advertisements to downstreamed webcast content; and computer readable program code to coordinate specific advertisements to attach to specifically related webcast content, and to users whose characteristics, as stated or as inferred from their downstream choices, match various advertising criteria.