Reduced latency media distribution system using a server transmission rate that matches an intended client rendering rate

摘要

In a system for distributing audio or video data across a network 14, an input data rate controller (IDRC, 16) at a server controls the data transmission rate to one or more clients 12C-12F such that it matches the intended rendering rate of the data, and time stamps the data using a clock that is synchronized with the clock of the client(s). Each client uses the time stamps and its synchronized clock signal to control the rendering of the data. The system uses a simple send and forget data stream management scheme and does away with the requirement for the client to buffer a relatively large amount of data. An output data rate controller (ODRC) at the client is also configured to monitor the rate at which data is received, compare this rate against the rate at which the data is actually rendered, and to adjust the rendering rate depending on the comparison.