Music file recording/reproducing module

A music file recording/reproducing module which can be inserted into a module rack formed in an audio/video (AV) system mounting a base module, capable of reproducing audio data and, the music file recording/reproducing module comprising:

• a communications interface means for receiving audio data, which is encoded by a predetermined encoding method, from the AV system;
• a decoder means for decoding the audio data, which is encoded by the encoding method;
• and
• a control means programmed and configured to send control information for controlling the music file recording/reproducing module to the base module when the music file recording/reproducing module is inserted into the module rack, the control means also being programmed and configured to send the audio data, which is decoded by the decoder, to the AV system, according to instructions from the base module based on the sent control information.

A method of reproducing digital music in a modular, integrated audio/visual system and a modular music module, said method comprising the steps of:

• inserting said modular music module into a base module of the audio/visual system to establish an electrical connection between the music module and the audio/visual system;
• transferring control information from the music module to the audio/visual system causing said audio/visual system to control the music module according to the transferred control information sent from the music module to the audio/visual system;
• transferring encoded digital music data from said audio/visual system into said music module;
• decoding the received encoded digital music data in said music module;
• transferring the decoded digital music data from the music module to the audio/visual system according to the control information transferred from the music module to the audio/visual system;
• and
• converting said transferred decoded music data into audible signals that are played on speakers attached to said audio/visual system.