System, method, and computer program product for remotely determining the configuration of a multi-media content user

Abstract

A system, method, and computer program product for determining the configuration of an end user's computer system. In particular, the media players and network connection speed of the user are determined. This configuration information is then received by a delivery management server. The configuration information is used to format multi-media content for delivery to the user. Because the content is formatted according to the configuration information, the content is compatible with the user's configuration. The configuration determination process involves server contact code placed in the web page of the content provider. When the web page is loaded by the user, the server contact code directs the browser to retrieve code from the delivery management server. When the code is executed by the user, the media player of the user is determined. This information is saved in cookies at the user and is sent to the delivery management server. If the configuration information is indeterminate or incomplete, the user is presented with a preferences page in which the user can indicate the configuration. The preferences page also contains a mechanism for determining the connection speed of the user. The preferences page can also make specific recommendations to the user, e.g., recommend that the user choose a specific media player. The preferences page contains a block of data having a known size. The time required to transfer the block is measured, and the connection speed is then calculated and provided to the delivery management server.