Abstract: A multimedia framework capable of facilitating communication between an application and one or more supported players in accordance with embodiments of the invention is disclosed. One embodiment includes a multimedia framework configured to communicate with at least one application and at least one installed player; where the multimedia framework is configured to receive messages from the at least one application; where the multimedia framework is configured to parse the messages and identify a player and an instruction contained within the message; where the multimedia framework is configured to determine whether the identified player is an installed player; where the multimedia framework is configured to identify at least one player command from a set of common player commands based upon the instruction; where the multimedia framework is configured to provide the at least one player command to the identified installed player.

Abstract: A computer device selected as a media server is connected to a consumer electronic (CE) device over multiple media transfer channels. The multiple media transfer channels together with an improved media transfer protocol allow for efficient, real-time transfer of different types of digital media, in various combinations, for playing on the CE device. Each type of media is transferred over its own dedicated channel according to its individual data rate. The improved media transfer protocol allows the data to be transmitted in either an asynchronous mode or a synchronous stream or timestamp mode depending on whether synchronization is desired. A dedicated control channel allows for the transfer of control information from the CE device to the media server as well as for resynchronizing media position of the server upon a change in play mode of the corresponding media.

Abstract: Multimedia distribution systems are disclosed in which servers communicate with clients via audio, video, overlay and/or control channels. In many instances, the audio, video and/or overlay information is transcoded prior to transmission. In many embodiments, the servers and/or clients can be updated. In several embodiments, the updates can be performed in a manner that preserves the ability of all devices connected to a network to communication. One embodiment of the invention includes a server connected to a client via a network and at least one storage device containing audio, video and/or overlay information formatted in accordance with a first format. In addition, the client includes a storage device that stores information indicative of the audio, video and/or overlay formats that the client is capable of decoding and the server is configured to transmit audio, video, overlay and control information via separate audio, video and overlay and control channels.

Abstract: A computer device selected as a media server is connected to a consumer electronic (CE) device over multiple media transfer channels. The multiple media transfer channels together with an improved media transfer protocol allow for efficient, real-time transfer of different types of digital media, in various combinations, for playing on the CE device. Each type of media is transferred over its own dedicated channel according to its individual data rate. The improved media transfer protocol allows the data to be transmitted in either an asynchronous mode or a synchronous stream or timestamp mode depending on whether synchronization is desired. A dedicated control channel allows for the transfer of control information from the CE device to the media server as well as for resynchronizing media position of the server upon a change in play mode of the corresponding media.

Abstract: Multimedia distribution systems are disclosed in which servers communicate with clients via audio, video, overlay and/or control channels. Information sent between the clients and servers on the audio, video and/or overlay channels includes timestamps. The timestamps coordinate the queuing and processing of information received by the client. Once information has been processed by the client, the client can report information concerning the timestamps associated with the processed information to the server. In one embodiment, the invention includes a server connected to a client via a network.