IMPROVED METHOD, SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR SYNCHRONIZING SIGNALS

摘要

A system is disclosed herein whereby the current 'genlock' reference signals and distribution architectures used in media and broadcasting are replaced by use of an IP network and distributed timekeeping service, such as ISO/IEC 61588 / IEEE1588. In such a system, one master and multiple slave devices are used to distribute precision time and phase information to synchronize equipment and systems. Traditionally this is done through the hard-wired distribution of a specialized timing waveform. Due to the number of audio and video formats and standards in use, multiple distribution systems and equipment are often required. The method described herein allows the generation of any signal standard and format with a single distribution system. In addition, the method allows this distribution to be accomplished over an IP network despite the non-deterministic performance of such networks. The method also allows the deterministic generation of signals at slave devices.