Method and system for synchronization of digital media playback

摘要

A system and method for synchronizing digital media playback at multiple digital media playback devices interconnected on a network is provided. A digital media playback device comprising a processor, a synchronization component, a timekeeper component and a digital media source performs synchronization processes to arrange for other players to begin playback at a predetermined position and time in the digital media signal. Synchronization is accomplished by processes which approximate the arrival time of a packet containing audio and/or video digital content across the network and instruct the playback devices as to when playback is to begin, and at what point in the streaming media content signal to begin playback. One method uses a time-stamp packet on the network to synchronize all players. Other methods utilize reiterative processes to narrow approximations of packet arrival time at each playback device.

主权项

1. A method for synchronizing digital media playback among multiple digital media playback devices on a network, each digital media playback device on the network being capable of initiating a synchronized playback, the method comprising, at a first digital media playback device:
receiving a user request at the first digital media playback device to synchronously playback digital media content with a second digital media playback device; initiating a time synchronization with the second digital media playback device, said initiating including:
obtaining a time stamp from a time server over a network;adjust an internal time of the first digital media playback device to match the time stamp;enabling the second digital media playback device to obtain the time stamp over the network and to adjust an internal time thereof to match the time stamp based on a first message transmitted from the first digital media playback device; anddetermining a particular time, accounting for one or more network inherent delays, to commence synchronized playback by the first and second media playback devices; providing to the second digital media playback device a particular position point in the digital media content and the determined particular time relative to the time stamp; and enabling playback of the digital media content by the second digital media playback device at the particular position point and at the particular time relative to the time stamp based on a second message transmitted from the first digital media playback device, said playback of the digital media content being synchronized with the playback of the digital media content at the first digital media playback device.