System and Method for Synchronizing Media Presentation at Multiple Recipients

Abstract

A network media delivery system includes client devices and a host device. Each client device has a network interface, an engine for processing media data, and a media interface. The host device, which can be a computer, establishes network communication links with the client devices, which can be networked media stations, and sends media data to the client devices. The media data can be sent wirelessly as packets of media data transmitted at intervals to each client device. In one embodiment, the host device controls processing of media data such that processed media is delivered in a synchronized manner at each of the client devices. In another embodiment, the host device controls processing of media data such that processed media is delivered in a synchronized manner at the host device and at least one client device.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 862,115, filed Jun. 4, 2004 and entitled “Networked Media Station,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and to which priority is claimed.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE [0002] The subject matter of the present disclosure relates to a system and method for synchronizing presentation of media at multiple recipients or devices on a network. BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE [0003] With the increasing capacity and capability of personal computers, as well as improved multimedia interfaces for these computers, it has become popular to use personal computers as a repository for multimedia content, such as songs, movies, etc. Particularly with music, the increased popularity of storing multimedia information on a personal computer has resulted in a variety of products and services to serve this industry. For example, a variety of stand-alone players of e...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] The system uses Network Time Protocol (NTP) to initially synchronize local clocks at the client devices with a reference clock at the host device. The media data is preferably sent as Real-Time Transport Protocol (RTP) packets from the host device to the client device. The system includes mechanisms for periodic synchronization, stretching, and compressing of time at the local clocks to handle clock drift. In addition, the system includes mechanisms for retransmission of lost packets of media data. In one embodiment, the system can be used to deliver audio at multiple sets of speakers in an environment, such as a house, and can reduce effects of presenting the audio out of sync at the multiple sets of speakers to avoid user-perceivable echo.

Problems solved by technology

One drawback to such a system is that although the quality of multimedia playback systems for computers, e.g, displays, speakers, etc. have improved dramatically in the last several years, these systems still lag behind typical entertainment devices, e.g., stereos, televisions, projection systems, etc. in terms of performance, fidelity, and usability for the typical consumer.

For example, audio speaker systems that allow computer-controlled switching of music from one location to another may be purchased as a system from a single vendor, but they may be expensive and / or may limit the consumer's ability to mix and match components of a home network from different vendors according to her own preferences.

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