JP2002108354A - Method for selling digital compressed music data and karaoke system implementing the same method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and a device for distribution sale which enable even a general consumer to easily purchase digital compressed music data such as MP3 data. SOLUTION: When a user 12 requests data in MP3, etc., specified with a switch 94 from a host 11 via a server 7, the host downloads music data in specific compression format to a communication KARAOKE device 1, which converts the data into compressed data that the user requests and transfers the data to various memories, so that even the general consumer can easily purchase the digital compressed music data such as MP3 data.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a digital compressed music data selling method capable of selling compressed music data in the MP3 format or the like and a karaoke system for implementing the selling method, and is particularly necessary for users. The present invention relates to a digital compressed music data selling method and a karaoke system for implementing the selling method, by which compressed music data can be obtained and a fee can be easily collected by a music data distributor.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, along with the rapid development of personal computers, as a device that allows a user to carry and listen to music, a conventional recording medium such as a magnetic tape / CD / MD is reproduced. Instead, a digital music player for compressing music data, storing it in a semiconductor memory, and playing back the compressed music data, for example, M
P3 players are becoming popular.

[0003] This MP3 player uses MPEG (Mo
wing Picture Experts Grou
MP3 technology, which is a part of the technology for compressing and reproducing audio / data / image called p), formally MPEG-1A
Utilizing the audio Layer 3 technology, a semiconductor memory is used to achieve a small-size function without sound skipping.

There are various types of semiconductor memories, such as compact flash (registered trademark) memory (CF) / multimedia card (MMC) / smart media (SM) / SD memory card / memory stick, depending on the form and performance. The data compression format is MP3
In addition, in order to record and reproduce music data with higher quality or to improve the compression ratio or protect copyright, ATRAC
Various formats such as 3 / AAC / TwinVQ / WMA are known.

As a method of storing the MP3 data in the semiconductor memory of the MP3 player, analog music data such as a CD owned by a user is read into a personal computer, converted into MP3 data using data conversion software, and converted. A method of transferring data to a semiconductor memory and a method of downloading desired MP3 data from a music distribution site via a public line and transferring the data to the semiconductor memory with the spread of the Internet in recent years are known.

[0006]

The above-mentioned method for storing MP3 data desired by a user in a semiconductor memory of an MP3 player is based on a method in which a user converts analog data of a CD into a MP3 using a personal computer and conversion software.
3 data conversion / transfer work is required. Also, in the method of downloading from the Internet, once MP3 is downloaded to a personal computer.
It is necessary to transfer the data to the semiconductor memory of the MP3 player, and there is a problem that the operation becomes complicated.

[0007] In particular, in the case of downloading MP3 data, a method using a prepaid card or a method using a general credit card is adopted as a method of paying the fee. There is a problem that it must be done, and that there is a possibility that a credit number or the like may be leaked to a third party due to the presence of the Internet with relatively low security.

Accordingly, the MP3 data according to the prior art is
The method of making the P3 player memorize the work is complicated, and also causes inconvenience and anxiety for the user in the method of paying the fee, which makes it difficult to spread the use of the MP3 data to general consumers. . That is, the conventional MP3
Data sales methods are actively downloaded /
Work such as transfer / payment must be performed, and it has been difficult to spread the use of MP3 data to ordinary consumers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to eliminate the disadvantages of the prior art, and to provide a digital compressed music data selling method and a digital compressed music data such as MP3 data which can be easily purchased by ordinary consumers. An object of the present invention is to provide a karaoke system for implementing the selling method.

[0010]

According to the present invention, there is provided a digital compressed music data selling method according to the present invention, comprising: a host computer for storing a large number of digital compressed music data compressed in a specific compression format; A music title of digital compressed music data is designated, digital compressed music data corresponding to the music name is downloaded from the host and stored, and when the arbitrary compression format is different from the specific compression format, the stored digital data is stored. A client computer for converting the compressed music data into digital compressed music data of an arbitrary compression format and transferring the digital music data to a digital music player for reproducing the digital compressed music data; If the song name of the data is specified, the host Downloading and storing digital compressed music data corresponding to the specified music title from a computer, and when the arbitrary compression format is different from the specific compression format, converting the stored digital compressed music data to an arbitrary compression format; A first feature is that the digital compressed music data is converted into digital compressed music data and the digital compressed music data is transferred to a digital music reproducing device. Compressed music data is MP
3 or ATRAC3 or ACC or TwinQV or W
MA or WAV format, wherein the client computer is a communication karaoke device, and the communication karaoke device erases and charges the stored digital compressed music data after transferring the digital compressed music data to the digital music player. Is a second feature.

Further, the present invention provides a karaoke system including a host computer for storing a large number of MIDI digital music data, and a communication karaoke apparatus for downloading, storing, and reproducing a large number of MIDI digital data from the host computer. In the above, the host computer stores a large number of digital compressed music data corresponding to MIDI digital music data and compressed in a specific compression format, and the communication karaoke apparatus transmits digital compressed music data of an arbitrary compression format. Designation means for designating a song name; download means for downloading digital compressed music data corresponding to the song name from the host and temporarily storing the data in a buffer; and the arbitrary compression format is different from the specific compression format. If the stored digital Converting means for converting the compressed music data into digital compressed music data of an arbitrary compression format; transferring means for transferring the digital compressed music data to a digital music player for reproducing the digital compressed music data; Charging means for charging when the data is transferred; and when the music name of the digitally-compressed music data in an arbitrary compression format is designated in the designation means of the communication karaoke apparatus, the download means sends the designated music piece from the host computer. The digital compressed music data corresponding to the name is downloaded and stored in a buffer, and the converting means converts the stored digital compressed music data into digital data of an arbitrary compression format when the arbitrary compression format is different from the specific compression format. The digital compressed music data is converted to compressed music data, And a charging means for charging a fee for music data when the transfer is completed normally. In the communication karaoke system, the specific compression format or Digital compressed music data of any compression format is MP3 or ATRAC3 or ACC or Tw.
A fourth feature is that the format is inQV, WMA, or WAV.

[0012]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A digital compressed music data selling method and a karaoke system for implementing the selling method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. <Description of a communication karaoke box type embodiment> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a digital compressed music data selling method and a karaoke system for implementing the selling method according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a communication suitable for the karaoke system. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a karaoke apparatus and the like, and FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining a processing procedure in the present karaoke system.

<Description of Configuration of Communication Karaoke Box Type> The communication karaoke system shown in FIG. 1 shows a karaoke box for so-called communication karaoke, a karaoke box 9 which is a store, the karaoke box 9 and a public communication extension 10.
The karaoke box 9 includes a communication karaoke apparatus 1 including a microphone 3, a speaker 4, a television 5, a remote controller 6, and the like. Server 7 that is connected to the communication karaoke apparatus 1 and transfers karaoke data and the like to each communication karaoke apparatus 1;
And a settlement machine 8 for adjusting the usage fee and the like to the user 13. The host computer 11 is provided with a MIDI (Music) for normal karaoke.
karaoke data (MIDI instrument digital music data) in addition to a function of storing and updating a large number of image data and lyrics data at the time of karaoke corresponding to the karaoke data in the karaoke instrument format. Specific compression format, eg MP
It has a function of storing and updating a large number of digitally compressed music data compressed in three formats. The communication karaoke apparatus 1 corresponds to a client computer when viewed from the server. Digital compressed music data of a specific compression format stored in the host computer 11 is MP3
A compression format having higher quality and a copyright protection function than the format is preferable.

In a normal use mode of the communication karaoke system, when a desired karaoke song name is inputted by the user 12 operating the remote controller 6, the accompaniment / image data and lyric data of the karaoke song are displayed. . Further, in the present system, for example, when a new song arrives, the host computer 11 distributes the karaoke data and the like of the new song to the host 7 of each store and distributes it to each communication karaoke device 1 to update the new song. Can also.

The communication karaoke apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment has a digital karaoke device that the user brings when the user wants to listen to the original tune to sing, for example, in addition to the conventional communication karaoke function described above. For example, a function of easily storing digital compressed music data (for example, MP3 data) of a desired original music in the MP3 player 2 and a charge of the digital compressed music data obtained by the user are performed by the checkout machine 8. A function that allows easy settlement is added, which will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

As shown in detail in FIG. 2, the communication karaoke apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a microphone 3 for inputting the user's voice, a speaker 4 for emitting the user's voice together with the karaoke accompaniment, and A television 5 for displaying lyrics and images of karaoke songs, a remote controller 6 for inputting a song title desired by a user, a storage unit 95 for storing a large number of karaoke data in the MIDI format, , A storage unit 97 for storing karaoke lyrics data and image data, a receiving unit 93 for receiving the song title from the remote controller 6, and a control unit 100 for controlling the circuits. And the control unit 1
00 and an interface circuit 98 for connecting to the host server 7, and further temporarily stores digital compressed music data compressed in a specific compression format, for example, the MP3 format, which is a feature of this embodiment. A buffer 101 for storing, a converter 102 for converting the digital compressed music data stored in the buffer 101 into a data format desired by the user, and a digital compressed music data converted by the converter 102 for the digital music player of the user. And an interface unit 103 for transferring. The interface unit 103 includes a cable interface 103a for transferring data to a digital music player of the user via a cable 103d.
And a memory interface 103b for directly transferring the data to the semiconductor memory 2a of the digital music player via various slots 103c.

The slot 103c comprises a plurality of slots having a plurality of shapes corresponding to the above-described semiconductor memory.
Although it has a plurality of forms of the B cable and the connector, a conversion connector or the like can also be used. Further, the interface unit 103 is not limited to the above configuration, and may be another wireless interface such as infrared communication. In addition, the interface unit 10 according to the present embodiment
3 is equipped with multiple types of cables and slots,
As described above, the interface for transferring data differs depending on the digital music player, and the converter 102 is provided because the data compression format differs depending on the digital music player.

Further, the server 7 according to the present embodiment has a storage unit 7 for storing MIDI format karaoke data / background image data / lyrics data / digital compressed music data (MP3 data) transferred from the host computer.
4 and an interface 7 for connecting to lower and upper levels
1 and 73, and a control unit 72 for controlling these,
It manages and aggregates data such as file names / dates of karaoke data and digital compressed music data for the lower order passing through this server, and tallies up the usage time of karaoke box users and the prices of purchased items such as drinks by the operation of the clerk. It also has a function of outputting to the checkout machine 8.

<Description of Operation of Communication Karaoke Box Type> In a karaoke system configured as described above, in a normal use mode, when a desired karaoke song title is received from the user 12 using the remote controller 6, the control unit 100 Karaoke data in the MIDI format stored in the storage unit 95, background image data and lyrics data corresponding to the karaoke data stored in the storage unit 96, etc., and the karaoke data is amplified by the amplifier 91; It operates so that it is amplified with the user's voice input to the microphone 3 and output from the speaker 4, and the corresponding image data and lyrics data are displayed on the television 5. In the karaoke system, when the designated karaoke data is not stored in the storage unit 95, the control unit 100 requests the host computer 11 via the interface 98, the server 7, and the communication line 10 for the karaoke data. , Download and store them in the storage units 95 to 97 to operate and display a karaoke song desired by the user.

Next, the operation of the karaoke system to which the digital compressed music data selling method according to the present embodiment is applied will be described with reference to FIGS.

First, when the user 12 wants to obtain digital compressed music data (for example, MP3 data) of the original karaoke tune, the user is informed, for example, "I can download the original tune of this tune to the player who has it. Display section 9
2 or the television 5 and the user 12 inputs the original music title or music code, the type of digital music player to be brought (model name / data format, etc.) to the switch 94 which is the designation means,
By designating a transfer method such as cable or direct to the memory (step 300 in FIG. 3), the control unit 100 transmits the designated digital compressed music data to the interface 9.
8. Request is made to the host computer 11 via each circuit of the server 7 and the public communication line 10 (step 301).

The host computer 11 receiving this request
Retrieves digitally-compressed music data in the requested specific compression format, downloads it to the requested communication karaoke apparatus 1 via the public communication line 10 and the server 7, and stores it in the internal buffer 101 (step 302). ). At this time, the server 7 transmits the digital karaoke apparatus 1 via the transferred digital compressed music data but without continuously storing it except for temporary storage for transfer, and identifies (recognizes) the transferred communication karaoke apparatus 1. ) The number / music name and other information necessary for settlement and counting / statistics are stored in the storage unit 74.

The reason that the server 7 temporarily stores the digital compressed music data to be transferred is that when the data is stored in the server 7, it is not possible to manage how many times the data has been transferred to the MP3 player as viewed from the host side. For this reason, for example, the server side permits data transfer up to a predetermined number of times and sets a considerable charge, or the server side reports the number of transfers to the host side accurately and reports the number of transfers to the host side. Alternatively, the server may store digital compressed music data.

The communication karaoke apparatus 1 storing the necessary digital compressed music data in the buffer 101 displays a connection request of the digital music player on the display unit 92 and / or the television 5 (FIG. 3). Step 30 of
3). This display is displayed, for example, by inserting a cable into the connector of your XXX (model name) according to the specified digital music player type (model name) and the transfer method such as cable or direct to memory. Or insert a memory into the corresponding slot ", and voice guidance using the speaker 4 if necessary.

When the connection of the digital music player is recognized, the communication karaoke apparatus 1 changes the interface unit 1
The digitally-compressed music data is transferred to the semiconductor memory 2a of the digital music player via the interface (cable or slot) 03 connected thereto, and when the transfer is completed normally, the data is transferred via the server 7 and the public communication line 10. The completion of data transfer (sales) is reported to the host 11 (steps 305 to 306). If the transfer did not end normally in step 305, for example, if the transfer did not end normally due to data corruption / missing / insufficient memory capacity at the time of transfer, the process returns to step 303 to retry data transfer again. This retry is performed a predetermined number of times. If the error is not resolved, an error is displayed to the user and an error report is made to the server and the host. If the data transfer is normally completed in step 305, the data stored in the buffer 101 is deleted (step 309). The reason for this is to delete the data normally transferred to the user side to prevent unauthorized copying.

The reason why the completion is reported to the host after the transfer is normally completed in step 305 is that even if the data transfer is normally performed up to the server 7 and the communication karaoke apparatus 1, the digital music player of the user is required. If the necessary data is not transferred, the data sales transaction is not established, and the server 7 and the host 10 perform charging processing.

The server 7 that has received the normal data transfer performs a charging process corresponding to the corresponding communication karaoke device 1, for example, a process of adding 300 yen per song to a normal karaoke box usage fee. (Step 307)
When the user pays for the use of the karaoke box, the user transfers the corresponding billing data to the payment machine 8 to perform the payment processing (step 3).
08).

Here, the server 7 operates at regular intervals (for example,
On a monthly basis), the information on the titles / numbers of the songs that have received the data transfer completion report and other information are totaled, the accounting process for the amount to be paid to the host side is totaled (step 310), and transferred to the host 10. The host 10 that has received this, based on the above-mentioned data transfer completion report, totals the song titles / number of songs transferred to the server 7 of the corresponding store and other information. Verify the cashing information on the side (Step 3
12), if they match, the necessary settlement process (step 31)
3: issue a bill to the server, etc.), and if they do not match, perform error processing (step 314).

As described above, the karaoke system to which the digital compressed music data selling method according to the present embodiment is applied has the following structure and operation. Payment can be easily performed, and digital compressed music data can be easily sold using a karaoke box that is widely used by traders as a medium, and illegal copying can be prevented.

(1) The host computer stores digital compressed music data in a specific compression format. (2) The communication karaoke apparatus side can specify a music title of digital compressed music data of an arbitrary compression format and can convert digital compressed music data of a specific compression format downloaded from a host into the specified format.

(3) The received digital compressed music data is temporarily stored in a buffer, and is erased when the transfer to the user is normally completed. (4) Data billing process is triggered by the completion of data transfer to the user side, billed and settled between the user and the store, and billed and settled between the store and the host. Is easy for people to pay.

<Description of Configuration of Communication Karaoke Apparatus by Independent Store> Now, a karaoke system to which the digital compressed music data selling method according to the present invention is applied and which implements the selling method is limited to a karaoke box type having the server described above. For example, the present invention can be applied to a system in which one communication karaoke device is installed in one store, that is, a communication karaoke device in a so-called karaoke snack. This embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a karaoke system, specifically a communication karaoke apparatus, to which the digital compressed music data selling method according to the present embodiment is applied and which implements the selling method. Reference numerals denote the same components and operations, and a description thereof will not be repeated.

The difference between the present embodiment and the above-described embodiment is that the present communication karaoke apparatus 1 is connected to a host computer 10 similar to the above-described embodiment via an interface 98 and a public communication line 10. The unit 100 stores the title / number of songs of the digital compressed music data transferred from the host and other information, collects the charges, and displays them on the charge display unit 200.
The charge display section 200 can be shared by another display section 92, for example.

Now, the communication karaoke apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, when the user 12 wants to obtain digital compressed music data of the original karaoke music, as in the above embodiment,
The user 12 specifies a transfer method such as an original music name or music code, a type of digital music player to be brought (model name / data format, etc.), a cable or a memory directly to a switch 94 as a designating means. The control unit 100 requests the designated digital compressed music data to the host computer 11 via the interface 98 and the public communication line 10, and the host computer 11 receiving the request transmits the designated digital compression music data of the specific compression format. The compressed music data is downloaded via the public communication line 10 and stored in the internal buffer 101.

At this time, the control unit 100
In the storage unit (not shown), the title / number of songs of the digital compressed music data stored in the storage unit are stored in a storage unit (not shown). Recognized as a trigger, the digital compressed music data is transferred to the semiconductor memory 2a of the digital music player via the interface (cable or slot) connected to the interface unit 103 after conversion by the converter 102 if necessary. . When the transfer is completed normally, the apparatus notifies the host 11 via the public communication line 10 with the identification number of the apparatus itself, the stored music name / number of music pieces and other information, and the completion of the data transfer (sales). Report to.

When the data transfer is normally completed, the present apparatus displays the charge of the digital compressed music data transferred (sold) to the user on the charge display section 200, and notifies the store clerk of the charge of the user. . For example, when there are a plurality of users, the charge display may be configured to be reset by a remote control operation after the store clerk transcribes the charge or inputs the charge to another payment machine.

The communication karaoke apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment
Since the settlement between the user and the store and the settlement between the store and the host are performed separately, users can easily perform data transfer work and settlement at karaoke snacks that are familiar to ordinary life. It is also possible to easily sell digital compressed music data using karaoke snacks, which are widely used by traders, as well as to prevent unauthorized copying.

In each of the above embodiments, an example has been described in which the communication karaoke apparatus or the like has a circuit configuration such as a plurality of storage units. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A main part of the communication karaoke apparatus may be constituted by a CPU, a memory, a hard disk and other peripheral devices.

In the above embodiment, an example in which digital compressed music data is transferred to a digital music player brought by a user has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, MD / CD-W A recording device for recording digital compressed music data purchased on an optical recording medium, such as a CD / R, is incorporated in a communication karaoke apparatus, and a user can bring the recording medium purchased by a user or purchased at a store in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment. To download, convert, and transfer the desired digital compressed music data, and add a function of expanding (decompressing) the digital compressed music data to the converter and converting it to analog or other uncompressed data.
MD / CD- brought by the user through the audio terminal
It may be configured to transfer and record uncompressed data to a recording / reproducing apparatus for an optical recording medium such as W / CD-R.

A digital compressed music data selling method and a karaoke apparatus for selling digital compressed music data in this case include a host computer storing a large number of digital compressed music data compressed in a specific compression format, a digital compression music data in an arbitrary compression format, Specify the song name of the music data,
Digitally compressed music data corresponding to the song name is downloaded from the host and stored, and when the arbitrary compression format is different from the specific compression format, the stored digitally compressed music data is digitally compressed in an arbitrary compression format. A client computer that converts the data into music data and transfers the digital compressed music data to a digital music player that reproduces the digital compressed music data. Digital compressed music data corresponding to the specified music title is downloaded and stored from a host computer, and the digital compressed music data is expanded (decompressed) by a converter and converted into non-compressed data. Transfer or record to recording / reproducing device of recording medium Than it is. In this embodiment, the method of erasing / charging the data transferred to the user, the method of adjusting the fee between the user, the store and the host, and the like are performed in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment.

[0042]

As described above, the present invention provides a host computer for storing a large number of digital compressed music data compressed in a specific compression format, and a digital compressed music data designated by a user from a host computer via a server. By providing a client computer that downloads and converts it to an arbitrary compression format if necessary and transfers it to the digital music player of the user, and settles the charges between the user and the server, and between the server and the host computer, Even ordinary consumers can easily purchase digital compressed music data such as MP3 data.
Digital compression music data of a specific compression format or an arbitrary compression format is MP3 or ATRAC3 or ACC or TwinQV or WMA or WAV format, and the client computer is a communication karaoke device;
The communication karaoke apparatus erases and charges the stored digital compressed music data after transferring the digital compressed music data to the digital music player,
Music data of any format required by general consumers can be obtained very easily. If the user only has a device for recording / reproducing uncompressed data, it can be converted into uncompressed data and provided to the user.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a karaoke system to which a digital compressed music data selling method according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining details of a communication karaoke apparatus and the like according to the embodiment;

FIG. 3 is an exemplary view for explaining the operation of the communication karaoke apparatus and the like according to the embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining details of a communication karaoke apparatus and the like according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1: Communication karaoke device (client computer)
2: MP3 player, 3: microphone, 4: speaker,
5: TV, 6: remote control, 100: control unit, 101:
Buffer: 102: converter, 103: interface unit, 10: public communication network, 11: host computer, 95 to 97: storage unit, 94: switch (designating means).

Continued on front page F term (reference) 5B049 BB61 CC05 CC08 CC36 DD03 EE02 EE03 FF03 FF04 FF06 GG04 GG07 5D045 DA20 5D108 BA06 BB03 BB06 BC14 BD02 BE06 BF11 BF15 BG06 5D378 BB12 QQ01 QQ08 QQ38

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A digital compressed music data selling method for selling digital compressed music data, comprising: a host computer storing a large number of digital compressed music data compressed in a specific compression format; , And downloads and stores digital compressed music data corresponding to the music name from the host, and stores the stored digital compressed music data when the arbitrary compression format is different from the specific compression format. A client computer for converting the digital compressed music data into an arbitrary compressed format and transferring the digital compressed music data to a digital music reproducing device for reproducing the digital compressed music data; Is specified, the host computer Download and store digital compressed music data corresponding to the specified music name from the data,
When the arbitrary compression format is different from the specific compression format, the stored digital compressed music data is converted into digital compression music data of an arbitrary compression format, and the digital compressed music data is transferred to a digital music player. A method of selling digital compressed music data, characterized by the following. 2. The digital compressed music data of the specific compression format or an arbitrary compression format is MP3 or ATRAC.
(Registered trademark) 3 or ACC or TwinQV or WMA
Or in WAV format, wherein the client computer is a communication karaoke device, and the communication karaoke device deletes the stored digital compressed music data and charges after transferring the digital compressed music data to the digital music player. 2. The method for selling digital compressed music data according to claim 1, wherein: 3. A karaoke system comprising: a host computer for storing a large number of MIDI music data in a MIDI format; and a communication karaoke apparatus for downloading, storing, and reproducing a large number of MIDI music data in the MIDI format from the host computer. The host computer stores a large number of digital compressed music data corresponding to MIDI digital music data and compressed in a specific compression format; and the communication karaoke apparatus stores music of digital compressed music data in an arbitrary compression format. Specifying means for specifying a name, downloading means for downloading digital compressed music data corresponding to the music name from the host, and temporarily storing the data in a buffer, wherein the arbitrary compression format is different from the specific compression format Digital compressed music data stored in Means for converting the digital compressed music data into digital compressed music data of an arbitrary compression format, transfer means for transferring the digital compressed music data to a digital music player, and transferring the digital compressed music data to the digital music player. When a song name of digital compressed music data in an arbitrary compression format is designated in the designation unit of the communication karaoke apparatus, the download unit responds to the designated song name from the host computer. Digital compressed music data to be downloaded and stored in a buffer, and the converting means converts the stored digital compressed music data to digital compressed music data of an arbitrary compression format when the arbitrary compression format is different from the specific compression format. And the transfer means digitizes the digital compressed music data. Karaoke system transferred to Le music regenerator, charging means, characterized in that charge a price for the music data when the transfer was successful. 4. The digital compressed music data of the specific compression format or an arbitrary compression format is MP3 or ATRAC.
4. The karaoke system according to claim 3, wherein the karaoke system is in the format of ACC or TwinQV or WMA or WAV.