Audio Playback Device Auxiliary HDMI Input for Reliable Audio Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Many televisions do not properly transmit home theater audio due to lack of requisite hardware or non-compliant implementation of standards, leading to user frustration, especially when they claim to support features like Dolby Atmos but fail to deliver them correctly.
Innovation Solution
An audio playback device, such as a soundbar, is configured with an auxiliary HDMI port to receive audiovisual content directly from a media source, tagging the audio data with a detectable indicator to ensure it plays the correct audio format without relying on the television's return channel, and adjusts latency or video delay to maintain synchrony with audio playback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If television transmits audio through return channel (eARC), then audio can be played through TV speakers, but audio quality and format compliance are not guaranteed due to hardware limitations or non-compliant implementation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an auxiliary HDMI input as an intermediary device that directly receives audio from the media source, bypassing the television's unreliable return channel. This mediator ensures proper audio format transmission (including Dolby Atmos) by establishing a dedicated communication path between the media source and audio playback device, eliminating the need to traverse the television's potentially non-compliant eARC implementation.
2Reliability
If auxiliary HDMI input is added to receive audio directly from media source, then audio quality and format compliance improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling the audio playback device to operate through multiple input paths: the primary return channel (eARC) for backward compatibility and the auxiliary HDMI input for direct audio reception. This universal design allows the device to adapt to different connection scenarios and television capabilities, maintaining reliability across various configurations without requiring separate dedicated devices.
3Reliability
If audio is received directly from media source bypassing TV, then audio quality improves, but synchronization with video may be compromised due to latency differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic latency adjustment mechanisms that automatically detect and compensate for timing differences between audio and video paths. The system dynamically modifies audio buffer delays or video processing delays based on the selected input path, ensuring synchronization is maintained whether audio comes through the return channel or the auxiliary HDMI input. This dynamic adaptation resolves the timing mismatch issue inherent in multi-path audio reception.
4Ease of operation
If TV claims to support Dolby Atmos but fails to deliver correct audio format, then user expectation is set high, but actual audio experience is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates detection and feedback mechanisms that verify whether the television is properly transmitting audio formats through the return channel. The system monitors audio format compliance and provides feedback to the user interface, alerting users when the TV fails to deliver expected formats despite claiming support. This feedback loop enables informed decision-making about whether to use the auxiliary HDMI input, transforming a hidden technical issue into an actionable user notification.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are computing devices, including playback devices, that are configured to operate in several media distribution modes and play back audio data in several playback modes based at least in part on the source of audio/video data for playback. IN one example, a playback device receives, via a first hardware interface, an input stream of audiovisual content comprising first audio data and video data. The playback device tags the first audio data and transmits the tagged audio data along with the video data to a video display device. The playback device then receives, via second hardware interface from the video display device, a second audio data stream. The second stream is evaluated to identify a tag, after which the playback device plays back the first audio data in substantial synchrony with the video data while suppressing playback of the second audio data.