Methods for transporting digital media
First Claim
1. A data network suitable for transporting media packets, the network comprising:
- a master clock device to generate a system time signal for the network;
a plural number of network devices interconnected such that each network device can send media packets to other network devices, and to receive media packets from other network devices;
wherein each network device also being configured to receive media signals from a media device, to transmit media signals to a media device, or to do both and wherein at least one network device is configured to receive and transmit media signals to a media device; and
wherein, each network device is coupled to the master clock device and uses the system time signal and a network time protocol to generate a local clock signal synchronised 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.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A data network suitable for transporting media packets, the network comprising:
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a master clock device to generate a system time signal for the network; a plural number of network devices interconnected such that each network device can send media packets to other network devices, and to receive media packets from other network devices; wherein each network device also being configured to receive media signals from a media device, to transmit media signals to a media device, or to do both and wherein at least one network device is configured to receive and transmit media signals to a media device; and wherein, each network device is coupled to the master clock device and uses the system time signal and a network time protocol to generate a local clock signal synchronised 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 data 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 for receiving media signals from a media device and transmitting media signals to a media device; a clock port coupled to receive a system time signal; and a local clock generator coupled to use the system time signal and a network time protocol to generate a local clock signal synchronised 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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generating or receiving a system time signal for the network; configuring a plural number of the network devices such that each is able to perform at least one of (1) sending packets to other network devices, and (2) receiving packets from other network devices; configuring the network devices to perform receiving media signals from a media device, and transmitting media signals to a media device; connecting each network device to receive the system time signal; and
,operating each network device to use the system time signal and a network time protocol to generate a local clock signal synchronised 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