Method and apparatus for storage and playback of programs recorded on random access storage media

Abstract

The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for playback of programs and other works recorded on random access storage media. One embodiment of the invention relates to random access storage media such as a DVD ('digital versatile disk' or 'digital video disk') used to distribute motion pictures and other audio/video programs or works. The invention involves a manner of utilizing secondary storage space of the storage media not used by the primary program being distributed to store secondary programs such as movie trailers and product advertisements, and to present the secondary programs to the user in a topical and interesting manner. In one embodiment, storage space of a random access storage medium such as a DVD is allocated to a number of variously sized programs or program portions called “chapters.” In one embodiment, each primary and secondary program constitutes a separate chapter. In this embodiment, each time the primary chapter is played, the DVD playback device plays a limited selection of secondary chapters before and/or after the primary chapter. In one embodiment, the sequence of secondary chapters played back varies each time the DVD is played. In this manner, as a viewer repeatedly views the DVD over time, a large variety of promotional material can be presented to the viewer without overburdening the viewer with overly-long sequences of promotions and trailers. In addition, because the sequence of trailers changes each time the DVD is viewed viewer interest is maintained.