Systems, and methods disclosed herein include systems and methods for providing alternative content playlists for locked media content. Media content may be locked according to certain pre-conditions, such as a release date. Prior to the pre-conditions being met, e.g., on a date earlier than the release date, the content may be locked to prevent user access. During such locked period, a user may be presented with an alternative content playlist with media content that is available to be accessed by the user.
TECHNICAL FIELD(1) The present disclosure relates generally to features of locked media content, and, more particularly, to providing an alternate content playlist when a user attempts to access locked media content.DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART(2) Media content can be delivered to users in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to, physical delivery methods, e.g., compact discs, DVDs, Blu-ray discs, and USB flash drives, hard drives, or electronic delivery methods, e.g., electronic file transfers, streaming media, or downloads. File encryption and decryption methods allow for content providers to distribute content securely and only allow authorized users to access the content.BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE(3) According to various embodiments, the systems and methods described herein describes systems and methods for providing alternate content playlists for locked media content.(4) The present disclosure may be embodied in a method of handling condition-locked media. The method may comprise determining whether one or more conditions has been satisfied for a media content asset to be played by a media player; and, if the one or more playback conditions have been satisfied, playing the media content asset, or, if the one or more playback conditions have not been satisfied, playing an alternative media content playlist.(5) The one or more playback conditions may comprise a time-based condition such that the media content asset cannot be played prior to a specified tim
1. A method of handling condition-locked media, the method comprising: determining whether one or more playback authorization conditions has been satisfied for a primary media content asset to be played by a media player; playing the primary media content asset when the one or more playback authorization conditions have been satisfied; and providing a customized alternative media content playlist to a user when the one or more playback authorization conditions have not been satisfied, wherein the customized alternative media content playlist comprises one or more media content assets accessible by the user immediately in lieu of the primary media content asset, wherein providing the customized alternative media content playlist comprises: gathering information to compile the customized alternative media content playlist, the information gathered comprising information regarding the primary media content asset, information regarding one or more reasons why the one or more playback authorization conditions have not been satisfied, and user viewing preference information; and using the information gathered to compile the customized alternative media content playlist, such that the one or more media content assets of the customized alternative media content playlist are selected based on the information regarding the primary media content asset, the information regarding one or more reasons why the one or more playback authorization conditions have not been satisfied, and the user viewing preference information.
8. A method of handling condition-locked media, the method comprising: sending information about a primary media content asset to be played by a media player to a remote server over a network, the primary media content asset having one or more playback authorization conditions; receiving a playback authorization condition communication from the remote server; playing the primary media content asset when the playback authorization condition communication indicates that the one or more playback authorization conditions have been satisfied; providing a customized alternative media content playlist to a user when the playback authorization condition communication indicates that the one or more playback authorization conditions have not been satisfied, wherein the customized alternative media content playlist comprises one or more media content assets accessible by the user immediately in lieu of the primary media content asset, wherein providing the customized alternative media content playlist comprises: gathering information to compile the customized alternative media content playlist, the information gathered comprising information regarding the primary media content asset, information regarding one or more reasons why the one or more playback authorization conditions have not been satisfied, and user viewing preference information: and using the information gathered to compile the customized alternative media content playlist, such that the one or more media content assets of the customized alternative media content playlist are selected based on the information regarding the primary media content asset, the information regarding one or more reasons why the one or more playback authorization conditions have not been satisfied, and the user viewing preference information.