A digital content distribution system comprises a high definition television broadcaster and a consumer media unit. The high definition television broadcaster comprises a high definition television transmitter configured for multicasting, on a repeating periodic basis, an encrypted terrestrial high definition television signal of a plurality of encrypted digital content selections for purchase. The consumer media unit comprises a high definition television tuner, a memory, and an encryption and content manager. The high definition television tuner is configured for receiving the encrypted terrestrial high definition television signal. The memory is configured for storing the encrypted digital content selections from the signal for selective purchase at the consumer media unit. The encryption and content manager is configured for receipt of a decryption key from the broadcaster via a return communication link, upon electronic payment to the broadcaster for purchase of at least one of the plurality of digital content selections, to permit access to the purchased at least one encrypted digital content selection stored in the memory of the consumer media unit.