Timer and system

The timer (100) is suitable for indicating the progress of an activity, such as a movie or a download, in an intuitive fashion. Time bars (103, 104) are provided for indicating the total time of the activity in hours and minutes, in hour and minute hands (101, 102) indicate the current time, either relative to the start time or absolute. In case the total time exceeds sixty minutes, the minute time bar (104) can be filled completely up to the last hour, after which it is filled with the remaining time in minutes. The system, which may be a television set or a computer, uses the timer (100) to indicate the duration of programs. A rotary input element (210; 510) may be used to manipulate the position of the hands (101, 102) so as to provide an intuitive way of selecting a time.