METHODS FOR MANAGING CONTENT USING INTENTIONAL DEGRADATION AND INSERTION OF STEGANOGRAPHIC CODES

A method of managing media content provides a media signal in which perceptible portions are intentionally degraded in perceptual quality. In response to receiving authorization, the method transforms the media signal into a higher quality media signal in which the intentional degradation is corrected. In addition, the media content is transformed by embedding an identifying code into the higher quality media signal. Media signal processing hardware includes a receiver of the media signal and activation hardware that transforms the media signal content in response to authorization, including embedding the identifying code.