Audio playback apparatus

An audio playback apparatus comprising:

• an audio data source (1) adapted to provide an input data stream (d0) in a first standardized data format (F1);
• an input decoder (2) coupled to said audio data source (1) and adapted to provide at least a first data stream (d1) including a data field (D1) from said input data stream (d0) and a second data stream (d2) from said data field (D1);
• an output decoder (5) coupled to said input decoder (2) and adapted to generate a plurality of audio channels from said first data stream (d1);
• an additional decoder (3) coupled to said input decoder (2) and output decoder (5) and adapted to receive said second data stream (d2) and detect a second standardized data format (F2) therein, and upon detection thereof to generate a third data stream (d3) to said output decoder (5);
• and,
• a control unit (4) coupled to said input decoder (2), output decoder (5) and additional decoder (3) and adapted to selectively set the output decoder (5) to the processing of the first or third data stream (d1, d3) responsively to said additional decoder (3) detecting said second standardized format (F2).

A method for playing back digitally encoded data indicative of audio signals comprising the steps of:

• forming a first data stream in a first format and including a first data field;
• and,
• in a first mode, generating at least one audio signal from said first data stream;
• and,
• in a second mode, automatically detecting a second data format in said first data field and including a second data field, and generating said at least one audio signal from said second data field.