Group Synchronization for Multimedia Systems

Group or inter-destination media synchronization (IDMS) addresses the presentation of a stream at all the receivers of a group, simultaneously. To ensure synchronized delivery of multimedia information, intelligent synchronization protocols/techniques are required. This chapter illustrates various issues on intra- and inter-media synchronization and presents the basic schemes for inter-destination media synchronization (IDMS). It presents in short IDMS standardization efforts and novel solutions for new multimedia applications. Finally, it outlines future research directions for multimedia group synchronization.

Group Synchronization for Multimedia Systems

Group or inter-destination media synchronization (IDMS) addresses the presentation of a stream at all the receivers of a group, simultaneously. To ensure synchronized delivery of multimedia information, intelligent synchronization protocols/techniques are required. This article illustrates various issues on intra- and inter-media synchronization and presents the basic schemes for inter-destination media synchronization (IDMS). It presents in short IDMS standardization efforts and novel solutions for new multimedia applications. Finally, it outlines future research directions for multimedia group synchronization.

Media Synchronization Control in Multimedia Communication

In this chapter, first, we explain media synchronization control. Next, we make a survey of media synchronization control techniques and classify the techniques. Also, we compare group synchronization control schemes. Then, we propose new control called the dynamic local lag control in joint musical performance which has severe requirements on high quality of media synchronization and high interactivity. In the performance, multiple users play their respective same or different types of musical instruments together. However, the media synchronization quality and interactivity may seriously be deteriorated owing to the network delay. By Quality of Experience (QoE) assessment, we demonstrate that the new control can achieve high quality of media synchronization and keep the interactivity high. Finally, we discuss the future directions of media synchronization control.