Method and apparatus for displaying zones in a multi-zone system

摘要

A system is described for maintaining synchrony of operations among a plurality of devices having independent clocking arrangements. A task distribution device is to distribute tasks to a synchrony group comprising a plurality of devices to perform tasks distributed by the task distribution device in synchrony. The task distribution device distributes each task to synchrony group members over a network. Each task is associated with a time stamp that indicates a time, relative to a clock maintained by the task distribution device, at which synchrony group members are to execute the task. Each synchrony group member periodically obtains from the task distribution device an indication of current time indicated by its clock, determines a time differential between the task distribution device's clock and its respective clock and determines there from a time at which, according to its respective clock, the time stamp indicates that it is to execute the task.

主权项

1. A method comprising:
receiving, at a controller, information identifying a plurality of zones on a local area network (LAN) on which the controller is connected, each zone comprising a zone player that includes a digital to analog converter and amplifier and configured to form, under control of the controller, a group of two or more zones that play audio content in synchrony with each other, wherein the controller communicates with the plurality of zone players via the LAN; displaying the plurality of zones on a screen of the controller; the controller receiving a command to form a first group of two or more zones of the plurality of zones; in response to receiving the command to form the first group of two or more zones, the controller configuring the first group, wherein configuring the first group comprises the controller configuring, over the LAN, a first zone player in the first group to (a) transmit audio content, playback timing for the audio content, and device clock information to every other zone player in the first group, and (b) play back the audio content in synchrony with every other zone player in the first group according to the playback timing and the device clock information, wherein the zone players in the first group remain independently clocked while playing the audio content in synchrony, and wherein the controller is not a member of the first group; and after configuring the first group of two or more zones, the controller receiving status information over the LAN from at least one zone player of the first group.