System and method for downloading content files using a communication network and for automatically reproducing the content files in a predefined sequence

Abstract

Client is connected to a selected program serving site via a communication network. The program serving site includes a database storing plural types of contents having various different characters and can supply a program file defining a reproducing sequence of a plurality of contents including those of different characters. The client includes a plurality of types of reproduction engines which are capable of reproducing the contents of the respective characters. The client receives a program file from the program serving site and also receives, from the database of the site, contents specified by the received program file. For reproduction of a desired program file, the client reproduces the individual contents in a reproducing sequence defined by the program file, using any one of the reproduction engines which corresponds to the type of each content to be reproduced. The program progression can be fast-forwarded or fast-reversed by fast-forwarding or fast-rewinding a currently-reproduced content. Contents meeting a search condition specified by the client are searched for and retrieved from the program serving site, and a new program file including the retrieved contents is created. The client can edit the program file, display information pertaining to the currently-reproduced content and select and purchase any desired content.