To provide a distribution/recording server which avoids concentration of loads to the distribution/recording server, and a system which manages and distributes a content whose copyright is protected while keeping content protection rules, and provides good user convenience.
The distribution/recording server, which includes a recording block and a distribution block which have separate functions, functions as a single apparatus, whereby concentrated loads of the distribution/recording server can be distributed to both of the blocks. Moreover, the system is configured so that a constraint which is imposed when a content whose copyright is protected is distributed on an IP network is handled by the distribution block and a function for improving user convenience is handled by the distribution block.
Akitaka Kimura
Toshio Asai