1. A system for distributing subscription and on-demand audio programming, comprising: a high-capacity data storage medium; a base control interface for identifying and accepting program material; a mobile control interface for displaying the identity of recorded material for playback selection; a recording mechanism for accepting very high speed digital data from an external source, at rates faster than real time; a playback mechanism for retrieving stored data from said storage medium and for converting said data into audio signals for playback and: means for detecting program material resolution and for reproducing said program material in accordance therewith.