Audio-Video Synchronization via Dynamic Time Delay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users experience a noticeable mismatch between video streams and audio-only streams from different media content producers due to time delays, leading to unsynchronized presentation, which is distracting and cannot be corrected by the user.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that synchronize video streams from one media content producer with audio streams from another by introducing a suitable time delay in the audio stream, allowing users to concurrently view the video and listen to the audio while maintaining synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the video stream from the first media content producer is received and presented, then the video content can be viewed, but the presentation is delayed due to processing and broadcasting time delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by receiving and buffering the video stream before presentation, allowing the system to prepare and synchronize content in advance. The media device receives the video stream from the first media content producer and stores it temporarily, enabling subsequent synchronization with the audio stream from the second media content producer without compromising presentation quality.
2Loss of time
If the audio-only stream from the second media content producer is received, then the audio content can be heard with minimal delay, but the audio and video become unsynchronized
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies dynamic time delay adjustment to the audio stream from the second media content producer. The media device calculates the appropriate delay amount based on the video stream's processing time and applies it dynamically to the audio stream, ensuring that the audio and video remain synchronized while preserving the low-latency advantage of the audio-only transmission.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the user attempts to concurrently view video from the first producer and listen to audio from the second producer, then both content sources can be utilized, but a noticeable mismatch occurs between video and audio timing
Solution Approach 1:
The media device acts as an intermediary between the video stream from the first media content producer and the audio stream from the second media content producer. It receives both streams, processes them separately, applies the calculated time delay to the audio stream, and then presents them in a synchronized manner, eliminating the noticeable mismatch while preserving the user's ability to select different content sources.
4Quantity of substance
If the video stream is processed through the broadcast system, then comprehensive video content is delivered, but processing and propagation delays are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The media device performs preliminary buffering and processing of the video stream from the first media content producer before presentation. By receiving and storing the video content in advance, the system can analyze the processing time introduced by the broadcast system and use this information to calculate the appropriate delay for the audio stream, thereby compensating for the processing delay while maintaining complete video content delivery.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are operable to synchronize presentation between video streams and separately received audio streams. An exemplary embodiment receives a first media content stream at a media device, wherein the first media content stream comprises at least a video stream portion; receives a second media content stream at the media device, wherein the second media content stream comprises at least an audio stream portion; delays the audio stream portion of the second media content stream by a duration corresponding to at least one synchronization time delay; communicates the video stream portion of the first media content stream to a visual display device; and communicates the delayed audio stream portion of the second media content stream to an audio presentation device, wherein a visual scene of the video stream portion of the first media content stream is substantially synchronized with sounds of the audio stream portion of the second media content stream.