The present invention employs a cache for storing a large repository of digital media files (i.e., content) in a local hard drive of individual users, whereby a slower delivery mechanism can be used to add potentially wanted files to each cache in advance of any request for viewing the files. Combining a large cache size along with user and content profiling allows a target file desired by a user to be found in the cache for a great majority of file requests. Cached files are encrypted. To view a file, the user must first provide payment information to a content server in order to obtain authorization and a decryption key.