An emulation device is used to stream media content from a digital media server to a digital media renderer. The emulation system receives a pulse code modulation data stream from the digital media server via a network interface, and stores the data in a buffer. The emulation system is attachable to the digital media renderer, and is recognized as a storage device containing an emulated media file. When the digital media renderer plays the emulated media file, the emulation device reads the PCM data from the buffer to use as sound or video data of the emulated media file.