Abstract: [Problem] To reduce user's workload when preparing a playlist. [Solution] A playlist preparation terminal 2 carries out face recognition processes on the image data of listeners captured for each room from a room A to a room C, and generates listener information including the atmosphere, age group, and a male-to-female ratio of a listener group made up of the listeners captured in the image data. The playlist preparation terminal 2 then prepares a playlist by selecting music data from among music data belonging to the genre information preliminarily associated with the listener information, and multicasts the playlist together with the designation data for the wireless speakers 1-1 to 1-3 from which to output music. As a result, the playlist preparation terminal 2 allows the wireless speakers 1-1 to 1-3 from which to output the music to reproduce the music data according to the playlist and output the music.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide an audio device with which it is possible to efficiently utilize the storage capacity of a storage device for storing audio data. [Solution] In this audio device 1, in accordance with user profile information stored in a profile information storage unit 102, audio data inputted to an audio data input unit 103 is subjected by a filter unit 104 to a process of cutting a frequency band higher than the highest frequency audible to the user) and/or a frequency band lower than the lowest frequency audible to the user, and the data is then encoded by a codec unit 105, and stored to an audio storage device 100. Audio data can thereby be stored in the audio storage device 100 in compressed form with no noticeable decline in sound quality to the user, making it possible to store more audio data, such as music, in the audio storage device 100.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for generating a media playlist by a media rendering device having a proximity detector. The proximity detector detects a first identification device, receives a first identification associated with the first identification device, and selects a first preference list associated with the first identification. The proximity detector detects a second identification device, receives a second identification associated with the second identification device, and selects a second preference list associated with the second identification. The media player generates a combined preference list based upon the first preference list and the second preference list and generates a playlist of songs based on the combined preference list.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for synchronization in a networked environment. For example, some embodiments provide methods for synchronizing a client device having a client media time reference with a server device having a server media time reference. In some cases such methods are embodied in computer readable code that is executable on one or more processors. Furthermore, some embodiments provide hardware, such as networked media devices that are configured to perform such methods. In overview, in some embodiments a client obtains timing information from a server and, on the basis of this timing information, applies an adjustment to a client control time reference, thereby to synchronize the client media time reference with the server media time reference. Some embodiments are particularly directed to the situation where there is a desire to synchronize networked media devices across a combination of wired and wireless networks.

Abstract: Provided is an audio system in which an audio signal to be heard can be automatically set to an appropriate volume or sound quality. The audio system is provided with: a mobile terminal device provided with a microphone unit that collects surrounding sound waves, and a transmission unit that, on the basis of the sound waves collected by the microphone unit, sets the volume or sound quality of an audio signal to be amplified by an audio device, and transmits the set audio signal volume or sound quality information to the audio device; and an audio device provided with an amplification unit that amplifies the audio signal, a control unit that adjusts the audio signal volume or sound quality by means of the amplifier, and a receiving unit that receives the audio signal volume or sound quality setting information from the mobile terminal device.

Abstract: A method for connecting an audio device to a wireless network is provided. A first audio device on a wireless network receives notice that a second audio device not on the network is available to join the wireless network. The first audio device provides a bridge network apart from the wireless network. A bridge channel is established between the first audio device and the second audio device via the bridge network. The first audio device provides network credentials to the second audio device over the bridge channel. The second audio device uses the credentials to establish a connection with the wireless network.

Abstract: A media rendering system includes a proximity detecting device configured to detect a user identification device and receive a user identity from a user identification device when the user identification device is located within a proximity detecting region of the proximity detecting device. A media rendering device is in communication with the proximity detecting device. The media rendering device is configured to receive one or more user identities from the proximity detecting device and render media according to an operating manner determined at least in part by the received one or more user identities.

Abstract: [Problem]To provide an audio device with which it is possible to efficiently utilize the storage capacity of a storage device for storing audio data. [Solution] In this audio device 1, in accordance with user profile information stored in a profile information storage unit 102, audio data inputted to an audio data input unit 103 is subjected by a filter unit 104 to a process of cutting a frequency band higher than the highest frequency audible to the user) and/or a frequency band lower than the lowest frequency audible to the user, and the data is then encoded by a codec unit 105, and stored to an audio storage device 100. Audio data can thereby be stored in the audio storage device 100 in compressed form with no noticeable decline in sound quality to the user, making it possible to store more audio data, such as music, in the audio storage device 100.

Abstract: [Problem] To improve the operability of a sound level operation performed with respect to a plurality of audio devices. [Solution] A control screen 25 is displayed, said control screen 25 comprising: channel faders 26-1 to 26-4 which individually accept sound volume level operations for wireless network compliant speakers 1-1 to 1-4; and a master fader 27 which accepts a sound volume level operation collectively for the wireless network compliant speakers 1-1 to 1-4. In the master fader 27, a minimum value end portion 271 is displayed in a position indicating a scale value that is the same as the minimum value from among the scale values indicated by each of the channel faders 26-1 to 26-4, and a maximum value end portion 272 is displayed in a position indicating the scale value that is the same as the maximum value from among said scale values. The master fader 27 thus has a width W corresponding to the minimum value and the maximum value of said scale values.

Abstract: A Zone Control service is disclosed which provides for hierarchically managing a plurality of networked media subsystems. This can provide a layer of abstraction for the collection in the form of a single Renderer zone interface represented by a delegated zone controller. This hierarchy establishes a virtual super-system. Although a Zone Control services can be advertised on all networked media devices, the services will typically be unavailable while a device is subservient to, or equivalently under the control of, a zone controller. A single instance of the Zone Control service can reside in a Services Device, co-existing with a Group Control service.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide, at a lower cost, a microphone stand the height of which can be adjusted by an easy operation. [Solution] A support strut (5) of an acoustic characteristic measurement microphone comprises two rectangular-tube-shaped attachment parts (1, 2) that are attached to each other in the axis direction by inserting one of the attachment parts into the other such that the one can slide within the other in the axis direction. A plurality of height adjustment slits (19) that are aligned in the height direction of the microphone stand are formed in a corner portion of the one attachment part (1). In the other attachment part (2), an attachment slit (22) is formed at a position where the plurality of height adjustment slits (19) pass due to the sliding of the two attachment parts (1, 2) in the height direction of the microphone stand.

Abstract: A selectively coordinated audio playback system is disclosed. The audio playback system includes multiple audio players serving, receiving and rendering audio content audio content. A controller is in communication with the audio players and controls the audio content provided on each audio player. The controller includes a touchscreen user interface to receive user inputs and is configured to selectively coordinate the audio content from the multiple audio players according to gestures detected via the touchscreen interface.

Abstract: A media rendering system includes a controller device and a media rendering device in communication via a communication network. The media rendering device is configured to render a media recording. The controller device includes a sensor configured to detect and receive an audio portion of the rendered media recording. The controller device is configured to identify the rendered media recording, and to determine a location of the controller device within a proximity of the media rendering device.

Abstract: Provided is an audio system in which an audio signal to be heard can be automatically set to an appropriate volume or sound quality. The audio system is provided with: a mobile terminal device provided with a microphone unit that collects surrounding sound waves, and a transmission unit that, on the basis of the sound waves collected by the microphone unit, sets the volume or sound quality of an audio signal to be amplified by an audio device, and transmits the set audio signal volume or sound quality information to the audio device; and an audio device provided with an amplification unit that amplifies the audio signal, a control unit that adjusts the audio signal volume or sound quality by means of the amplifier, and a receiving unit that receives the audio signal volume or sound quality setting information from the mobile terminal device.

Abstract: [Problem] To prevent sound leakage through gaps between the wearing surface side of ear pads and areas around the ears when headphones are worn and used by a user. [Solution] For headphones that have ear pads which are attached to the surfaces of housing sections, each having a built-in speaker driver for outputting an audio signal as sound, which come in contact with the ears of a listener, convex sections in the form of gradually curved surfaces are provided in the wearing surface regions of the ear pads that come in contact with an upper anterior side of the head of the listener and a lower posterior side of the head of the listener, whereby the ear pads are shaped to fit well to the areas around the ears of the user without forming any gaps when the ear pads are worn.

Abstract: A device, method, and system for managing authorization for rendering of digital media recordings by a networked rendering device are disclosed. The device includes a processor and a memory. The device receives metadata identifying a recording of a specific audio performance, and searches for a source providing the recording. The device obtains a token authorizing the source to deliver the recording to the rendering device. The device provides the token to the source, receives the recording from the source, and renders the recording. An agent may serve as an intermediary between the rendering device and the source.

Abstract: [Problem] To achieve compatibility between push-type and screw-type terminals of mounted printed circuit substrates. [Solution] A speaker terminal attachment base (1) allows both push- and screw-type connectors (2, 3) to be attached thereto. A connector anchoring boss part (111), whereby a terminal part (121) with a through hole (1211) is anchored, is formed upon an attachment base (1), and a through hole (1112), which connects to the through hole (1211) of the terminal part (121), is formed upon the connector anchoring boss part (111). The through hole (1112) comprises a large diameter part (11121), and a small diameter part (11122). When the screw-type connector (3) is attached, a nut (5) which sends a male screw part (312) of the connector (3) in the axial direction is non-rotatably housed in the large diameter part (11121) before a terminal plate (12) is attached.

Abstract: [Problem] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a neckband-type earphone that can be worn for a long time without subjecting the wearer to discomfort of wearing a neckband-type earphone, and in which the extent of hazard to the wearer when worn is lowered and locations that break are reduced. [Solution] A neckband-type earphone provided with: earphone parts which are inserted into the pinnae of the wearer and which output an audio signal; ear holder parts which connect to the earphone parts and which abut the upper side of the pinnae of the wearer; holder bodies provided with the ear holder parts; earphone drivers provided with the holder bodies; and a neck band connecting the two earphone drivers; the holder bodies being provided with a cushion part at a portion that comes into contact with the head of the wearer in the vicinity of the pinnae.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a headphone device that outputs an audio signal output from a playback device, such that the headphone device has a more compact housing while being capable of highly sensitive acoustic output of an audio signal having high sound quality, and is capable of consuming less power during highly sensitive acoustic output of an audio signal having high sound quality. [Solution] In a headphone device that outputs an input audio signal, the headphone device is provided with: a housing shaped with a hollow interior, said housing being provided with a projection on the front thereof, said projection being provided with a hole passing therethrough in the front-to-back direction; and a first driver unit and second driver unit each affixed to the inner wall of the housing, and each having a diaphragm that acoustically outputs the input audio signal. The first driver unit and the second driver unit have been given a parallel arrangement, such that the diaphragms thereof are in mutual opposition.