Abstract: A media player for playing files of different formats on demand using a plurality of renderer components appropriate for the different formats for a network-connected computer system or electronic device having a visual display includes a media player shell having a viewable stage area displayed on the visual display for playing media and for displaying any controls for controlling playing of media. The shell determines file formats of files to be played by the media player and downloads renderer components capable of playing the file formats. Each renderer component is downloaded by the shell on demand and displayed on the stage area, where it is used to play the file. When more than one file is to be played by the player, the shell determines this fact first downloads a document chooser to be displayed in the stage area for selecting files for playing.