Method and apparatus for updating zone configurations in a multi-zone system

摘要

In general, techniques of controlling a plurality of multimedia players in groups are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a mechanism is provided to allow a user to group some of the players according to a theme or scene, where each of the players is located in a zone. When the scene is activated, the players in the scene react in a synchronized manner. For example, the players in the scene are all caused to play a multimedia source or music in a playlist, wherein the multimedia source may be located anywhere on a network.

主权项

1. A multimedia controller including a processor, the controller configured to:
receive, via a network interface, a zone configuration from a first independent playback device of a plurality of independent playback devices, wherein the zone configuration is configured via the controller and maintained at the first independent playback device, and wherein the zone configuration characterizes one or more zone scenes, each zone scene identifying a group configuration associated with two or more of the plurality of independent playback devices; and cause a selectable indication of the received zone configuration to be displayed, wherein the displayed selectable indication is selectable to cause one or more of the zone scenes to be invoked by two or more of the plurality of independent playback devices.