Abstract: A system receives streaming media data and stores the received data in a buffer to fill the buffer. The system selectively extracts the received data from the buffer to begin playback of the streaming media data. The system further analyzes remaining media data in the buffer, to identify a location in the buffer that stores an inactive period in the media data, when the buffer is emptied to a certain percentage of its capacity. The system also halts playback and re-fills the buffer with received streaming media data when the buffer reaches the location in the buffer and selectively extracts the received data from the buffer to resume playback of the streaming media data.