A data output apparatus includes a reproducing unit for reproducing data from a recording medium, and output means which outputs the data reproduced from the recording medium. If the data output apparatus received a first command, the data output apparatus sets the output means to a state locked to one format; if the data output apparatus received a second command, the data output apparatus sets the output means to a state not locked to one format; and if the data output apparatus received a third command, the data output apparatus sets the format of the output means to a format designated by the third command, irrespective of whether the output means is in the state locked to one format.