A system for manipulating digital content includes a storage volume having a non-volatile primary storage device and a non-volatile secondary storage device. The two storage devices are distinct hardware elements. The primary storage device stores the digital content, and the secondary storage device stores user commands. The system also includes one or more appliances, which communicate with thestorage volume. The appliances collectively transmit a user command defining a processing request regarding the digital content and initiate processing of the digital content according to the processing request. A method of operating a content appliance to interact with a storage volume includes sending to the storage volume a user command defining a processing request related to digital content stored in a primary storage device and storing the user command in a secondary storage device.