A digital content file distribution, transmission, and protection system
comprises a digital content provider having stored therein a digital
content file such as an audio file, video file, literature, program file,
etc. The digital content provider includes an authentication interface and
a USB port from which the digital content file may be downloaded. The
system also contemplates a portable device to which the digital content
file will be transferred. This portable device includes an authentication
interface and a USB port, and conforms to the USB storage device class.
The portable device communicates with the digital content provider via the
USB interface and, pending the establishment of a trusted relationship,
downloads the digital content file therefrom. The establishment of the
trusted relationship with the portable device is accomplished through
communications between the authentication interfaces over the USB. If the
level of the trusted relationship is high, the digital content provider
may transmit unencrypted digital content to the portable device without
fear of violation of the DRM associated with this content. A medium level
requires some form of encryption, and a low level only allows downloading
of digital content with a low level requirement for DRM. The digital
content provider may be a PC, a kiosk, a server, etc.
