A secure media player system for communicating media content information D1 from an encoder 10 to at least one decoder 20. The encoder is operable to process and encode the media content information into one or more first sections of un-encrypted data E2(A) and one or more second sections of encrypted data E2(B). The sections of media content information that are encrypted include one or more parameters, such as headers and stream flags, which enable the original media content information to be regenerated from the unencrypted data. The one or more first sections of un-encrypted data and one or more second sections of encrypted data are communicated to the at least one decoder, to process and render the media content information (D3) to one or more users. Encryption may be carried out using a key which identifies the encoder and encryption may be customised uniquely for each decoder. Keys may be provided by a validating authority, certifying authority or verification authority. This system of encrypting only the critical media content allows for a relatively light and efficient data processing and distribution operation.