Abstract: In a system that includes two or more computing systems connected to a computer network, a network control and synchronization (NetSync) application controls the in-sync playback of media files across different computing systems in the network, where each computing system is playing a local version of a media file using a local instance of a Media player. The NetSync application receives status messages from all Media players and controls the playback of all media files by sending them playback commands based on the received status messages, so that video playback among the players is in sync with a Master Media player. Alternatively, media playback across all Media players is based on user-entered playback commands, such as Play, Pause, Stop, and the like, entered using either the NetSync application interface or NetSync command scripts.

Abstract: Techniques are provided to use near-field speakers to add depth information that may be missing, incomplete, or imperceptible in far-field sound waves from far-field speakers, and to remove the multi-channel cross talk and reflected sound waves that otherwise may be inherent in a listening space with the far-field speakers alone. In some possible embodiments, a calibration tone may be monitored at each of a listener's ears. The calibration tone may be emitted by two or more far-field speakers. One or more audio portions from two or more near-field speakers may be outputted based on results of monitoring the calibration tone.

Abstract: In a system that includes two or more computing systems connected to a computer network, a network control and synchronization (NetSync) application controls the in-sync playback of media files across different computing systems in the network, where each computing system is playing a local version of a media file using a local instance of a Media player. The NetSync application receives status messages from all Media players and controls the playback of all media files by sending them playback commands based on the received status messages, so that video playback among the players is in sync with a Master Media player. Alternatively, media playback across all Media players is based on user-entered playback commands, such as Play, Pause, Stop, and the like, entered using either the NetSync application interface or NetSync command scripts.

Abstract: Techniques are provided to use near-field speakers to add depth information that may be missing, incomplete, or imperceptible in far-field sound waves from far-field speakers, and to remove the multi-channel cross talk and reflected sound waves that otherwise may be inherent in a listening space with the far-field speakers alone. In some possible embodiments, a calibration tone may be monitored at each of a listener's ears. The calibration tone may be emitted by two or more far-field speakers. One or more audio portions from two or more near-field speakers may be outputted based on results of monitoring the calibration tone.