Method and apparatus for integrating server based media content and LAN based media content to enable efficient retrieval

摘要

A method and apparatus for aggregating server based and LAN based media content and information for enabling an efficient search include discovering local and external content directory service instances, storing at least one of content of the discovered content directory service instances and metadata identifying content available via the discovered content directory service instances in a common database and providing a user interface such that a user is able to search for content across the discovered content directory service instances. In one embodiment a common database comprises a de-serialized database which provides use of indexes for enabling searches.