Control system for playing a data stream on a receiving device

A control device for a control system for playing a data stream, the control device comprising:

• a display screen;
• user interface means for allowing a user to select a data stream to be played;
• means for, following the selection by the user of the data stream to be played previewing the data stream to be played on the display screen, and subsequent to a command from the user for playing the selected stream on a reproduction device that is capable of playing the stream, transmitting to another device a further command for playing the selected stream, said command containing location data for locating the selected stream;
• and—said user interface means being arranged to allow the user to select said data stream from at least one content stored on a storage device, data of the user interface means being accessible from said storage device.

A control method for playing a data stream, comprising:

• selection by a control device of a data stream to be played using a user interface, said user interface being arranged to allow the user to select said data stream from at least one content stored on a storage device, data of the user interface being accessible from said storage device;
• retrieving by the control device the selected data stream to be played and previewing the data stream to be played on a display screen of the control device;
• following a command from a user for playing the selected stream on the reproduction device, transmitting by the control device to a receiving device a command for playing the selected stream on a reproduction device, said transmitted command containing location data for locating the selected stream, and the receiving device being separate from the control device;
• reception by the receiving device of the data stream to be played;
• transmission by the receiving device of the received data stream to the reproduction device, which is capable of playing the stream.