A/V Splitter Synchronization via Downstream Delay Request
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Solution Overview
Problem
Audio and video streams often become desynchronized when rendered on separate devices due to differing processing times, as the A/V splitter may not have the capability to calculate and add the necessary delay to synchronize them.
Innovation Solution
A device communicates a delay request value to downstream devices, which then add the required delay to the A/V stream, allowing for synchronization without the A/V splitter needing to perform this calculation or addition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the A/V splitter adds delay to the audio stream to synchronize audio and video, then the audio-video synchronization is improved, but the device complexity increases because the A/V splitter must have the capability to calculate and add the delay
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary communication mechanism where the A/V splitter communicates delay requirements to the audio device through metadata or control signals. The audio device then autonomously adds the appropriate delay to its output, eliminating the need for the A/V splitter to have delay addition capabilities while maintaining synchronization reliability.
2Device complexity
If the A/V splitter communicates delay requests to downstream devices, then the device complexity of the A/V splitter is reduced, but the loss of information increases due to the need for additional communication protocols and metadata exchange
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages existing universal communication channels and metadata formats already present in A/V systems (such as HDMI CEC, EDID, or audio format tags) to convey delay information. By reusing established communication infrastructure for multiple purposes (device identification, capability exchange, and delay coordination), the system avoids creating new specialized protocols that would increase information overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
A device may communicate a delay request value to downstream devices in order to synchronize A/V streams. For example, rather than adding the delay required to synchronize audio and video streams, an A/V splitter may instead communicate to downstream devices, asking them to add the amount of delay desired.