A method for playing a movie asset in several playback devices. The method receives a request to play a movie asset and synchronizes clocks between a first device and a second device, which is a portable device. The method signals a start of the playback of the asset through the first and second playback devices, where playback on the second device is synchronized with playback on the first device. The method wirelessly transmits an alert message that identifies the asset through the first and second devices and includes a description of an upcoming or future segment of the asset, where a first version of the segment is played back through the first device. In response to receiving the alert message, the second device becomes configured to select a second version of the segment in accordance with i) user settings of the portable device and ii) the description of the segment.