Abstract: A method for synchronising a first audio stream, reproduced in the form of a sound signal by a reproduction device near a terminal, with an alternative audio stream received by the terminal. The terminal also receives a control stream representing the first audio stream reproduced on the reproduction device, the control stream and the alternative audio stream being synchronised according to a single time reference. the method includes: capturing a portion of the sound signal; transmitting to the reproduction device a command to suspend the reading of the first stream; obtaining a first data item representing at least one portion of the captured sound signal; detecting the first data item in the control stream and, when the first data item is detected in the control stream, transmitting to the reproduction device a command to resume reading the first stream; and reproducing the alternative audio stream received by the terminal.

Abstract: A method for synchronising a first audio stream, reproduced in the form of a sound signal by a reproduction device near a terminal, with an alternative audio stream received by the terminal. The terminal also receives a control stream representing the first audio stream reproduced on the reproduction device, the control stream and the alternative audio stream being synchronised according to a single time reference. the method includes: capturing a portion of the sound signal; transmitting to the reproduction device a command to suspend the reading of the first stream; obtaining a first data item representing at least one portion of the captured sound signal; detecting the first data item in the control stream and, when the first data item is detected in the control stream, transmitting to the reproduction device a command to resume reading the first stream; and reproducing the alternative audio stream received by the terminal.

Abstract: A facsimile interface apparatus (12) is connected between facsimile terminals (10, 24) communicating via a satellite (16). The interface apparatus converts a conventional facsimile signal (66, 68) to a signal (70, 72, 74) suitable for transmission to the satellite (16). However, the interface apparatus and the satellite may incur a long delay such that the calling facsimile terminal (10) repeats a transmitted signal while the response to that signal is being received over the satellite (16). To overcome this problem, the facsimile interface apparatus (12) connected to the calling terminal (10) sends, after a period t1, a holding signal (90) to the calling terminal (10), to prevent the calling terminal from repeating the transmitted signal (66, 68). After a further period t2, the interface apparatus (12) sends a command repeat signal (93) to the calling terminal (10), so that the transmitted signal (66, 68) is repeated if the called terminal (24) has not transmitted a response.