Abstract: An associative media architecture and platform that enables communication of media objects between participants using a variety of communication infrastructures and media presentation devices as determined by the users and owners of the media assets. Media assets formatted as media representations are associated with a globally unique identifier to form a media object. The media object can contain any media representation irrespective of format. The media object is an elemental entity having characteristics that are preferably retained throughout the life of the media object. The media object may be owned by one or more participants. The media object may be associated with owner preferences that can influence the context in which the media object is presented. The media object may exist in multiple storage locations, although each stored instance of the media object retains its unique identification and remains associated with the owner preferences.

Abstract: A method for time-based synchronization of multiple media streams transmitted over a communications network, such as the Internet, by multiple, independent streaming media sources. First and second media streams of data packets are received from first and second media sources. Timing data is parsed from the two media streams, and first and second transmission delay values are determined by comparing the timing data with a reference time. A synchronized media stream is created by combining the first and second media streams into a time-synchronized media stream with adjustments to correct for calculated transmission delay values. Feedback signals are sent to the media sources to control transmission variables such as stream length, transmission rate, and transmittal time to manage the variable delay at the media source. The first and second media streams are decoded into intermediate media streams compatibly formatted to allow mixing of the streams and data packets.