Patent ID: 7702279

Claim:
A method of using a portable multimedia player arranged to store digital media files to wirelessly access and/or control a media server configured to stream digital media data to a media unit, comprising: configuring the portable multimedia player to operate the portable multimedia player in a first mode or a second mode, wherein when in the first mode, the portable multimedia player performs the operations of: displaying a list of digital media files on a display of the portable multimedia player, the digital media files being stored on the portable multimedia player; receiving a selection signal to play a digital media file; and playing the selected digital media file on the portable multimedia player; wherein when in the second mode, the portable multimedia player performs the operations of: binding the portable multimedia player and the media server; and wirelessly transmitting a media file request from the multimedia player to the media server, and wherein in response to the media file request, the media server performs the operations of: wirelessly forwarding the appropriate media file from the media server to a media unit based on the media file request; determining if a control command is to be forwarded to the media unit to control a function of the media unit; and wirelessly forwarding the control command from the media server to the media unit if it is determined that the control command is to be forwarded to the media unit, whereby the media unit is able to playback the appropriate media file in accordance with the at least one control command.