Methods for transporting digital media
First Claim
1. A network device configured to be connected to a data network suitable for transporting media packets, the network device comprising:
- a transmitter configured to send media packets to other network devices;
a receiver configured to receive media packets from other network devices; and
a local clock synchronized to a system time signal for both rate and offset;
wherein the network device is configured to be coupled to a master clock device to generate a system time signal for the network;
wherein the each network device is configured to receive media signals from a media device and transmit media signals to a media device; and
wherein, the network device uses the system time signal and a network time protocol to generate the local clock signal synchronized to the system time signal for both rate and offset, the local clock signal governing both the rate and offset of the received or transmitted media signals.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A networked system is provided for transporting digital media packets, such as audio and video. The network includes network devices interconnected to send and receive packets. Each network device can receive and transmit media signals from media devices. A master clock generates a system time signal that the network devices use, together with a network time protocol to generate a local clock signal synchronized to the system time signal for both rate and offset. The local clock signal governs both the rate and offset of the received or transmitted media signals. The system, which can be implemented using conventional network equipment enables media signals to be transported to meet quality and timing requirements for high quality audio and video reproduction.
62 Citations
16 Claims
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1. A network device configured to be connected to a data network suitable for transporting media packets, the network device comprising:
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a transmitter configured to send media packets to other network devices; a receiver configured to receive media packets from other network devices; and a local clock synchronized to a system time signal for both rate and offset; wherein the network device is configured to be coupled to a master clock device to generate a system time signal for the network; wherein the each network device is configured to receive media signals from a media device and transmit media signals to a media device; and wherein, the network device uses the system time signal and a network time protocol to generate the local clock signal synchronized to the system time signal for both rate and offset, the local clock signal governing both the rate and offset of the received or transmitted media signals. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A network device for connection to other network devices to transport media packets between them, the network device comprising:
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a media port configured to receive media signals from a media device and transmit media signals to a media device; a clock port coupled to receive a system time signal; and a local clock generator coupled to use at least the system time signal and a network time protocol to generate a local clock signal synchronized to the system time signal for both rate and offset, the local clock signal governing both the rate and offset of the received or transmitted media signals.
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16. A method of operating a data network device to transport media packets, comprising the steps of:
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receiving a system time signal for the network; configuring the network device to send packets to other network devices, and receive packets from other network devices; configuring the network device to receive media signals from a media device, and transmit media signals to a media device; connecting the network device to receive the system time signal; and
,operating the network device to use the system time signal and a network time protocol to generate a local clock signal synchronized to the system time signal for both rate and offset, the local clock signal governing the rate and offset of the received or transmitted media signals.
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Specification