Abstract: In order to predictively time stamp isochronous data packets transmitted over an IEEE 1394-1995 serial bus network, an application, which is to send a stream of isochronous data packets to a receiving node, first transmits a number of dummy frames each consisting of a number of packets. Preferably, these isochronous data packets make up frames of video data. From these dummy packets, the application obtains the time stamp values within the common isochronous packet (CIP) header of each packet. Using these obtained time stamp values, the application calculates a presentation time value for each data frame to be transmitted. The obtained time stamp value from a transmitted video frame is used to calculate the presentation time for a video frame which is a number of frames ahead within the transmit queue.

Abstract: In a first embodiment, an applications programming interface (API) implements and manages isochronous and asynchronous data transfer operations between an application and a bus structure. During an synchronous transfer the API includes the ability to transfer any amount of data between one or more local data buffers within the application and a range of addresses over the bus structure using one or more asynchronous transactions. An automatic transaction generator may be used to automatically generate the transactions necessary to complete the data transfer. The API also includes the ability to transfer data between the application and another node on the bus structure isochronously over a dedicated channel. During an isochronous data transfer, a buffer management scheme is used to manage a linked list of data buffer descriptors.

Abstract: An application which automatically routes digital content to secondary devices overcomes the traditional problems present with downloading content to secondary devices. The digital content preferably includes file types such as movies, music, images, or anything else that might be stored on a secondary device like an MP3 player or a video recorder. Initially the user must download digital content from a server to the user's computer or set-top box. The routing application compares the file types or alternatively, meta data, of the downloaded content with set values that determine where the content is routed. When the secondary devices are coupled to the computer, the application determines, based on its current settings, which file type is routed to which secondary device and then distributes the files to the appropriate device.

Abstract: A network of devices includes a home media server and a mobile media server. The mobile media server preferably resides within an automobile. A wireless hub couples the home media server to the mobile media server via wireless connections. In operation, when the automobile carrying the mobile media server comes within an operational range of the wireless hub, a first set of media residing on the home media server and a second set of media residing on the mobile media server are synchronized. Preferably, synchronization occurs automatically once the mobile media server is within range of the wireless hub. In this manner, two-way synchronization provides the same media on both the home media server and the mobile media server. Alternatively, media is synchronized one-way.

Abstract: A system for packet parsing and data reconstruction in an IEEE 1394-1995 serial bus network includes a network interface unit, a processing unit, and a memory wherein an operating system resides. The operating system includes a streaming services module and a multimedia Application Program Interface (API) module. The network interface unit receives a stream of packets from a transmission device. Each packet includes a header portion, and may also include a data portion. The data portion, if present, stores data content generated from source data organized in accordance with a predetermined format. The streaming services module stores and then parses the received packets. A method for packet parsing and data reconstruction includes the steps of receiving a packet stream; storing a first and a second packet; locating a header portion within the first packet; and determining whether a header portion within the second packet immediately follows the header portion within the first packet.