Abstract: Exemplary venues allow for members of an audience at different locations within these venues to simultaneously interact with an interactive content. The interactive content can convey one or more requisite actions to be performed by the members of the audience. However, the one or more requisite actions can reach members of the audience at different instances in time. These exemplary venues can effectively compensate for these different instances in time such that the accuracy and/or the synchronization of one or more response actions, which are performed by the members of the audience in response to the one or more requisite actions, can be characterized as no longer being dependent upon their distance from the interactive content. Rather, the accuracy and/or the synchronization of the one or more response actions by the members of the audience to the one or more requisite actions can be considered as being related to the performance, for example, timing, of the one or more response actions themselves.

Abstract: In a distance measurement apparatus, a light emitter emits pulse-like light. A light receiver receives reflected light of the emitted light and converts the received light to an electrical signal. An AD converter converts the electrical signal to a digital value at a predetermined sampling rate to generate a conversion data series. An interpolation processor upsamples the outputted conversion data series by inserting interpolation data therein to generate an up-data series. A distance calculator calculates a distance to an object that reflects light using a signal waveform indicated by the up-data series. The interpolation processor inserts the interpolation data having an interpolation value between pieces of data belonging to the conversion data series, and smooths the data series in which the interpolation data is inserted using a low-pass filter that has characteristics in which waveform distortion caused by ringing does not occur.

Abstract: An example electronic device according to various embodiments of this document may include: at least one auxiliary processor; and a main processor operably connected to the at least one auxiliary processor, wherein the main processor may be configured to: obtain moving image data; separate the moving image data into image data including plural consecutive image frames, first audio data including plural consecutive audio frames, and plural timestamps corresponding respectively to the plural consecutive audio frames; generate second audio data using the first audio data by adding header data to each of the plural audio frames; transmit the second audio data to the at least one auxiliary processor; generate, based on first time information successively received from the at least one auxiliary processor, second time information; and play back the image data based on the second time information, and wherein the at least one auxiliary processor may be configured to: play back an audio signal based on the received s

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are provided herein to provide simultaneous delivery of output communications to a client device and a secondary client device are discussed herein. Some embodiments may include an apparatus including processing circuitry configured to: receive one or more electronic communications; configure the one or more electronic communications for presentation to the client device and the secondary client device based on the delivery identifier; and provide the one or more electronic communications to the client device via a wide area network to facilitate simultaneous delivery of the one or more output communications corresponding to the one or more electronic communications on the client device and the secondary client device. The one or more output communications may be provided to the secondary client device via the client device and a personal area network that is separate from the wide area network.

Abstract: An image processing method and device, an electronic apparatus, and a computer-readable storage medium are provided. The method includes: acquiring a first image captured by a first camera, and determining a first timestamp according to the first image, wherein the first timestamp is configured to represent a time point on which the first image is captured; acquiring at least two second images captured by a second camera, and determining a second timestamp according to the at least two second images; and processing the first image and the at least two second images when a time interval between the first timestamp and the second timestamp is smaller than a first interval threshold.

Abstract: A computing device may receive video content along with first audio content that is synchronized with the video content. The computing device may also receive second audio content that is not synchronized with the video content. The computing device may, in turn, transmit output content that includes the video content and the second audio content. A second portion of the second audio content may be identified that has second audio characteristics that are within a selected range of similarity to first audio characteristics of a first portion of the first audio content. A temporal offset may be calculated between the first portion and the second portion. The video content and the second audio content may be synchronized within the output content by delaying, by an amount of the temporal offset, a transmission of the second audio content relative to a transmission of video content.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recording audio information are provided. The method may include: receiving the first audio information from an external source; communicating with a device that is configured to record video information of the object; generating an audio backup data by storing the first audio information in memory as the device starts recording the video information; receiving the second audio information when the device stops recording the video information; determining whether the first audio information matches the second audio information at a predetermined point of time by comparing a first amount of audio data included in the first audio information with a second amount of audio data included in the second audio information; generating synchronized audio information by aligning the first audio information with the second audio information based on the stored first audio information; and transmitting the synchronized audio information.

Abstract: Provided is a non-transitory computer readable medium including computer readable instruction, which when executed by a computer processor cause the computer to read image data extracted from a moving image file stored in the storage medium, a frame rate of the image data, and speed control data of the image data, determine a reproduction speed of a first section of the moving image file by analyzing the speed control data, calculate a change rate of the first section based on the reproduction speed of the first section; and reproduce the moving image file by increasing a reproduction time or removing some of a plurality of frames included in the first section based on the calculated change rate.

Abstract: Features described herein relate to providing the capability to playback audiovisual content in a comprehensible manner at a rate adjustable by the viewer. For example, if a viewer wishes to watch a one hour news program, but the viewer only has thirty minutes to view the program, playback of the program at twice the rate, but in a comprehensible manner is provided. To provide the playback of the video at the adjustable rate, substitute audio is generated by adding or removing audio content without changing the playback rate of the audio. The video at the adjusted playback rate and the substitute audio at the normal playback rate may have the same duration and in some embodiments, may be presented synchronously.

Abstract: There is provided a reproduction device that outputs a video signal to a display device via predetermined communication, the video signal including a video having pictures and corresponding pieces of image characteristic information. The reproduction device includes: an obtaining unit that obtains a first time difference between a timing at which the display device displays one picture among the pictures and a timing used by the display device to display one of the pieces of image characteristic information corresponding to the one picture; an adjuster that adjusts at least one of a timing at which the pictures are outputted and a timing at which the pieces of image characteristic information are outputted to reduce the first time difference; and an output unit that outputs the pictures and the pieces of image characteristic information via the predetermined communication at the time adjusted by the adjuster.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a method, device and system for recording information, a storage medium and a processing unit. The method for recording information includes that: non-Audio/Video (AV) information forming a preset association relationship with a first target file is acquired, wherein the first target file includes AV information; and the AV information and the non-AV information are synchronously recorded according to an information synchronization condition.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide systems and methods for establishing one or more Distributed Gateways located close to a location of a UE to facilitate faster packet delivery to said UE during transitions. Such transitions can include the UE transitioning its state, for example from being idle to connected to the network, but also includes operations in which the serving AP(s) for the UE changes. The method includes establishing at least two virtual network function (VNF) components (VFNCs) of a distributed gateway (D-GW), each VNFC associated with an access point (AP). Each VNFC buffers packets directed to the wireless device. The method further includes selecting at least one AP for serving the wireless device, and forwarding the buffered packets from the VNFC associated with the selected APs to the selected APs for forwarding to the wireless device. Packets buffered at the VNFCs of non-selected APs are discarded.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for selective audio segment compression for accelerated playback of media assets. A playback speed of the video segment of a media asset is calculated based on the duration of the video segment and a received playback time period. A priority weight for each of the various audio segments is then determined. The audio segments with the lowest priority weight are removed from the group of various audio segments. The system then determines whether the duration of the remaining audio segments exceeds the received playback time period. If so, the system modifies the remaining audio segments by removing another audio segment with the lowest priority weight from the remaining audio segments. The system then rechecks whether the received playback time period is exceeded. If not, the system generates for playback the video segment based on the video playback speed and the remaining audio segments.

Abstract: A method for synchronizing playback of a program including a video and associated first audio at a first electronic device with playback of a second audio associated with the program at a second electronic device that also receives the first audio, the method comprising: decoding, by a first audio decoder in the second electronic device, the first audio, and outputting the decoded first audio; decoding, by a second audio decoder in the second electronic device, the second audio and outputting the decoded second audio for playing back by the second electronic device; receiving a user command to synchronize the playback of the video at the first electronic device and playback of the second audio at the second electronic device; responsive to the user command, the method further comprising capturing, by a capturing device in the second electronic device, the playback of the first audio at the first electronic device; determining, by the second electronic device, an offset between the outputted decoded first audi

Abstract: The audio outputs 29 of each of a plurality of telecommunications terminals in a packet switched system are synchronized by having each terminal transmit a stream of packets whose rate, and therefore duration is determined according to a clock generator 25, and is thus indicative of the rate at which the terminal is generating its audio output. The signals from each terminal are transmitted to a common server. For each terminal, the server uses a master dock to compare the duration of the packet stream with an expected duration, and calculates an offset value which is returned to the respective terminal. Each terminal stores the offset value it receives (20) and uses it to adjust the output of its clock generator 25 so that its operations can be synchronized to the server. This allows all the terminals' digital-to-analog conversion processes to be synchronized such that all their analog outputs are coordinated, allowing co-located acoustic outputs to be synchronous.

Abstract: A synchronization method for at least two sensors, which enables synchronized collection of a sensor value of a slave sensor in relation to a predetermined intended value of a master sensor. Time-dependent measured values of the master sensor are used to determine open parameters of a prediction model, on the basis of which a time associated with a master sensor intended value to be predetermined is extrapolated. When this time is reached, a synchronization signal triggering the recording of a slave sensor value, in particular the recording of a measured value, is transmitted to the at least one slave sensor. Master sensor intended value and slave sensor value are provided as connected value tuple. As a result of continuous collection of measured values by the master sensor, it is possible to form updated extrapolation rules continuously. Predetermined intended values of the master sensor can have, in particular, an equidistant spacing.

Abstract: In an embodiment, synchronization of data processing by a first and second receiver is enabled by the first receiver processing data units of a first broadcast stream, with a play-out delay ?tp defining a time interval between transmission of a data unit to the first receiver and the processing of the data unit by the first receiver. Transmission of data units of a second broadcast stream is initiated to the second receiver, a common timeline correlating one or more data unit in the first stream with one or more corresponding data unit in the second stream. One or more data units is selected from stored data units corresponding to the second stream. At least part of the selected data units have corresponding data units of the first stream that have been transmitted to the first receiver but that have not been processed by the first receiver due to the play-out delay.

Abstract: A video playing device, a method of controlling the video playing device, and a video playing system are provided. The video playing device includes a display configured to display a video and a caption, and a controller configured to set a synchronization period in which the video is repeatedly played, and to synchronize a time point of displaying the caption with the video during the synchronization period.

Abstract: Systems for, and methods of, displaying video information comprising: a second screen device obtaining current play position data of a video being played on a primary screen device (e.g., obtaining from the primary screen device an identification of a current play position of the video, or obtaining information to generate an acoustic fingerprint of the video); determining a current play position of the video playing on the primary screen device based upon the current play position data (e.g., identification of the current play position or the acoustic fingerprint); downloading information (e.g., video map, subtitles, moral principles, objectionable content, memorable content, performers, geographical maps, shopping, plot point, item, ratings, and trivia information) over a computer communications network into the memory of the second screen device; and displaying information on the second screen device synchronized with the contemporaneously played video on the primary screen device.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an image output device includes a buffer into which video information input in stream data is written per block, a determination unit configured to determine whether the buffer is in an overflow state due to slow reproduction, and a buffering control unit configured to switch a buffering pattern of the video information based on a determination result of the determination unit.

Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques to improve a user experience in a Wireless Display (WD) system. The WD system includes a source device that provides media data to one or more sink devices. The techniques are directed toward reducing end-to-end latency in the WD system while improving video playback quality at the sink devices. More specifically, the techniques include customized playback at the sink devices based on the type of media data received from the source device. If the media data only includes video data and does not include audio data, a processing pipeline of the sink device is configured to render the video data without waiting to synchronize with non-existent audio data. If the media data includes both video data and audio data, an audio rendering start-up timer is reduced and the processing pipeline renders synchronized audio and video data according to the reduced start-up timer.

Abstract: In a portable terminal apparatus, a CPU determines receiving condition of broadcast data received by a television broadcast receiving unit, while recording the received data, and records information indicating receiving condition according to the determination result. The CPU obtains information indicating recording condition of the recorded broadcast data based on information indicating receiving condition, and displays the obtained information on a main display unit. Specifically, the CPU sequentially receives time stamps synchronous with broadcast data while receiving and recording the broadcast data, and records them in time series as information indicating receiving condition. The CPU determines whether time stamps recorded in time series are temporally continuous, and specifies any error portion where the recorded broadcast data has not been received normally, according to the determination result.

Abstract: A system and process is provided in which original video or dialog content is securely received from the content owner. Subtitle language data is derived, translated, stored and served on a separate database for synchronous playback with the content in video streaming, downloading or online TV following the activation of an option by the end user through a media player.

Abstract: A transmitter (14) of audio, video, or other real-time information reads the information from a persistent store (22) in which the real-time information has been stored in the Real-time-Transport Protocol (“RTP”) format (FIG. 4). A receiver (18) receives the information from the channel (16) through which the transmitter (14) has transmitted it, and the receiver may store the information in a persistent store (24) in RTP format instead of or in addition to playing it by applying it to an appropriate player (20). Parts of this communications circuit may be tested by a tester unit (26) that also employs RTP-format information from a persistent store (22).

Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided a control block including a read control processor for reading designated content, a time information processor for processing time information. A controller returns, to a user terminal, a response signal, and information indicating a second absolute time point when an operation is executed in response to a request signal generated by the user terminal at a first absolute time point. The controller stores time difference information indicating a time difference between the first and the second absolute time points. When responding to a further request signal sent from the requester via the network, the controller sets, as tag time information, time information obtained by correcting, using the time difference information, a current relative time period for which the designated content is read.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, an information processor includes a first decoder, a controller and a display unit. The first decoder decodes the first video encoded data at a first speed to generate a first video. When the first video encoded data is received earlier than the second video encoded data, the controller controls the first speed so as to generate a period in which the first speed becomes lower than a ×1 speed until second time information of the second decoder catches up with first time information of the first decoder. When the first video encoded data is received earlier than the second video encoded data, the first video is displayed at the first speed until the second time information catches up with the first time information.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a detecting unit configured to detect a change in a viewing environment; a storing unit configured to store position information of data displayed on a display unit when the change in the viewing environment is detected by the detecting unit; and a reproducing unit configured to reproduce data corresponding to the position information stored in the storing unit by receiving a re-viewing instruction.

Abstract: An exemplary method for synchronizing audio playback of a plurality of digital media renders. The digital media renders include a digital audio/video (AV) media render and at least one digital audio media render. The method includes: detecting a relative time position difference between the digital AV media render and the at least one digital audio media render; and controlling audio playback of the digital audio media render to synchronize to audio playback of the digital AV media render according to the relative time position difference.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device and a method of generating a first and a second fingerprint (102,104) usable for synchronisation of at least two signals (101,103) and corresponding method and device for synchronising two or more signals. A fingerprint pair is generated on the basis of a segment of a first signal e.g. an audio signal and of a segment of a second signal e.g. a video signal at each synchronisation time point. The generated fingerprint pair(s) are stored in a database (203) and communicated or distributed to a synchronisation device (303). During synchronisation, fingerprint(s) of the audio signal and fingerprint(s) of the video signal to be synchronised are generated and matched against fingerprints in the database. When a match is found, the fingerprints also determine the synchronisation time point, which is used to synchronise the two signals. In this way, a simple, reliable and efficient way of synchronising at least two signals is obtained.

Abstract: Audio-visual synchronization using retrieval of visual data through a network to enhance the content presented to the user and to provide the user with a more meaningful and engaging audio-visual experience. An audio player such as an electronic book reader or stereo plays an audio file. The audio file, whether in analog form as played through a speaker or in digital form, is provided to a controller, which scans the audio file to detect a trigger or cue identifying visual data stored in a data store or database that is local or accessible through a network. The controller accesses the data store or database, downloads the pre-determined visual data, and controls the audio player and display such that playing of audio data and display of the retrieved visual data are synchronized with each other.

Abstract: A verbal description method and system. A computing system broadcasts first audio data and video data associated with the first audio data. The computing system determines that the video data comprises a graphic without a description in the first audio data. The computing system receives audible description data associated with the graphic. The computing system generates second audio data comprising the first audio data and the audible description data. The computing system synchronizes portions of the second audio data with associated portions of the video data. The computing system generates synchronized audio/video data comprising the portions of said second audio data aligned with the associated portions of said video data. The computing system broadcasts the synchronized audio/video data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for video playback includes coordinating a display of a video playback on a first device so as to be synchronized to a display of the video at a second device in response to the first device departing a control territory associated with the second device.

Abstract: A method and system for recording a media file, include a recorder and a player. The recorder receives in real time a first content of the media file; stores the first content in a recorded media file; and determines that the recorded media file includes a hole. The player plays in real time the recorded media file including the hole. The recorder then receives a second file data packet which includes a second content of the media file to fill the hole, and stores the second content in the recorded media file. The recorded media file can be replayed with the filled hole. During the replay, more content of the media file is played than during the first play.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for synchronizing subtitles with a video, the method comprising, upon receipt of a user input indicative of a synchronization error between the video and the subtitles displayed on the display, modifying the relative timing of the subtitle and video displays in accordance with the user input during playback of the video on a video display.

Abstract: A content distribution apparatus includes a receiving section, a correction section, an evaluation section and a summary generation section. The receiving section receives plural pieces of watching information of target content information and stores the received watching information. Each of the watching information includes information indicating a reproduction start position from which it was started to reproduce the target content information. The correction section corrects each of the reproduction start positions to any of a plurality of predetermined positions. The evaluation section generates evaluation information of each corrected reproduction start position based on the corrected reproduction start position and the stored watching information. The summary generation section extracts a part of the target content information based on the generated evaluation information of the respective corrected reproduction start positions to generate summary information of the target content information.

Abstract: Provided are methods for synchronizing multiple video recordings of the same event using audio signals of the recordings. An algorithm is designed to generate candidate time offsets for pairwise matches of video recordings based on audio signals corresponding to the recordings, and combine the candidate time offsets to obtain the most accurate actual time offset between each pair of recordings. Each candidate time offset for each pairwise match of recordings is assigned a confidence measure indicating how likely it is that the particular time offset is correct for the given pair of recordings. The confidence measure assigned to a particular time offset is based on various components and characteristics of the audio signal pair corresponding to the video recordings.

Abstract: A system and method that provide reduced latency in a video signal processing system. Various aspects of the present invention may comprise generating and receiving a request for a unit of video information. A video transmission system may, for example, receive the request for the unit of video information and communicate the unit of video information to a video receiver. For example, the video transmission system may transmit a first portion of the unit of video information at a rate that is faster than a typical steady-state transmission rate for the unit of video information, and the video transmission system may transmit a second portion of the unit of video information at the typical steady-state transmission rate for the unit of video information. A video receiver may then receive the first and second portions of the unit of video information at respective reception rates.

Abstract: A display device comprising: a reception unit; a display unit; a storage unit; and an acquisition unit. The reception unit receives a stream containing a plurality of video frames and first display timing information specifying a display timing of each video frame. The display unit displays each video frame at a corresponding display timing specified by the first display timing information. The storage unit stores an image and second display timing information specifying a display timing of the image. The acquisition unit acquires correction information specifying a correction amount for correcting the display timing of the image and thereby enabling the image to be displayed in synchronization with the video frames displayed by the display unit. The display unit further displays the image at a corrected display timing determined by correcting the display timing of the image by using the correction amount specified by the correction information.

Abstract: In one method embodiment, providing a multiplex of compressed versions of a first video stream and a first audio stream, each corresponding to an audiovisual (A/V) program, the first video stream and the first audio stream each corresponding to a first playout rate and un-synchronized with each other for an initial playout portion; and providing a compressed version of a second audio stream, the second audio stream corresponding to a pitch-preserving, second playout rate different than the first playout rate, the second audio stream synchronized to the initial playout portion of the first video stream when the first video stream is played out at the second playout rate, the first audio stream replaceable by the second audio stream for the initial playout portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tuning scheme for coordinating schedule information and programs received from multiple sources (26, 28, 30 and 34). In the preferred embodiment, an identifier associated with the program's channel (52) is used to identify a source device (26, 28, 30 or 34). When a user selects a program (60 or 62) listed in displayed schedule information (50), the system (10) reads the source identifier attached to the program's channel (52). The system (10) then carries out an automatic switching/tuning such that the required source device (26, 28, 30 or 34) is input to the destination device (22), and a tuner is then tuned to the selected program's channel (52).

Abstract: The present invention relates to method and apparatus of providing supplementary service information for A/V contents written in a recording medium. This method has a recording medium containing Presentation Language data, which have to be included like as in a digital television signal for supplementary service information in accordance with Advanced TV Enhancement Forum or Digital TV Application Software Environment standard, and reproduces, if a disk reproduction is requested, the Presentation Language data as well as requested A/V data and provides them for a connected external device such as a digital television. As a result, various video information and functions provided with Presentation Language data by a recording medium can be realized at a digital television set being able to accept Presentation Language data.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an image editing apparatus that automatically selects an appropriate frame rate that improves image quality of a new moving image generated by combining a plurality of moving images having different frame rates to prevent a user from working much on the selection, when the user newly creates a moving image. The image editing apparatus of the present invention classifies a plurality of moving images to be combined into groups based on a frame rate, compares an amount of moving images included in each of the groups, and selects the group having the largest amount of moving images belonging thereto. Further, the image editing apparatus compares the amounts of the moving images for respective frame rates included in the selected group to select the frame rate which the largest amount of the moving images has. The image editing apparatus converts moving image to be combined into the selected frame rate and then combines the plurality of converted moving images.

Abstract: Various exemplary embodiments relate to method and media devices for synchronizing media playback between a receiving media device and sending media device, including: receiving, at the receiving media device, a plurality of messages from the sending media device, wherein the plurality of messages include a plurality of sender timestamps; generating a plurality of clock offset values based on the plurality of sender timestamps and a clock of the receiving media device; identifying a minimum clock offset value from the plurality of clock offset values; locating first media data for playback and a first presentation time associated with the first media data; and causing the first media data to be rendered at a first time that matches the first presentation time based on the minimum clock offset.

Abstract: A video-audio processing method includes acquiring encoded audio data, decoding the acquired encoded audio data and thereby creating audio data; causing an audio output unit to output the created audio data, capturing a video image of an object in synchronization with an output of the audio data by the audio output unit and thereby creating first video data, encoding the created first video data and thereby creating first encoded video data, holding the first encoded video data, and multiplexing the encoded audio data and the first encoded video data and thereby creating a first stream.

Abstract: A recording playback apparatus includes a video-signal converter performing certain signal processing to a video signal that is externally received and outputting the resulting video signal; a recorder player storing and playing back the video signal; and a controller switching between a normal mode and an edit mode on the basis of control by an editing apparatus controlling the recording playback apparatus. In the normal mode, a video signal played back by the recorder player is supplied to a display where the video signal is displayed as an image. In the edit mode, switching between a first video signal supplied from the video-signal converter and a second video signal resulting from addition of a delay corresponding to a time necessary for the signal processing in the video-signal converter to a video signal played back by the recorder player is performed to display the resulting video signal in the display.

Abstract: A playback method that plays video data and audio data associated with the video data, includes the steps of: calculating, in the video data, a difference between a playback interval and an interval of the audio data; performing first conversion that converts the length of the playback interval in accordance with the difference; and performing second conversion that alternately outputs each frame repeatedly three times and repeatedly two times on the video data and converts the video data at a first frame frequency to the video data at a second frame frequency in a two-to-five relationship with the first frame frequency, wherein the first conversion is configured such that the frame difference after the conversion can be equal to or lower than one between the frame group based on the frame output repeatedly three times and the frame group based on the frame output repeatedly two times.

Abstract: A digital video recording/playback apparatus is provided in which maximum delay can be easily changed in accordance with the bit rate of inputted video data. The digital video recording/playback apparatus includes a memory unit, a playback unit, a synchronization unit, a synchronization signal counter, and a controller. The synchronization signal counter counts a synchronization signal to generate a frame counter value. The controller outputs a reading start instruction for the video data to the memory unit, and a decoding start instruction for the video data to the playback unit. The controller is configured to determine a first process completion time limit represented by the frame counter value as a process completion time limit for the memory unit and to determine a second process completion time limit represented by the frame counter value as a process completion time limit for the playback unit.

Abstract: A transport signal transmitted from a television receiver apparatus 720 through a signal line 708 is subjected to a separation operation by a transport-signal processor 713 and decoded by a video-signal decoding unit 714 and an audio-signal decoding unit 715. A decoded video signal is supplied through a signal line 701 to the television receiver apparatus 720. Video processing time of the television receiver apparatus 720 is obtained by a delay-information obtaining unit 716 through a signal line 703. An audio-signal delaying unit 717 delays an audio signal decoded by the audio-signal decoding unit 715 in accordance with the video processing time obtained by the delay-information obtaining unit 716 and outputs the audio signal to a speaker 750.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided a control block including a read control processor for reading designated content, a time information processor for processing time information. A controller returns, to a user terminal, a response signal, and information indicating a second absolute time point when an operation is executed in response to a request signal generated by the user terminal at a first absolute time point. The controller stores time difference information indicating a time difference between the first and the second absolute time points. When responding to a further request signal sent from the requester via the network, the controller sets, as tag time information, time information obtained by correcting, using the time difference information, a current relative time period for which the designated content is read.

Abstract: A method for sharing at least one annotation between a first user media terminal (102) and a second user media terminal (104) in a communication network (100) is provided. The method includes inputting (404) the at least one annotation on the first user media terminal. Further, the method includes anchoring (406) the at least one annotation to the media stream executed on the first user media terminal at a first start time. The at least one annotation is sent (408) to the second user media terminal. The at least one annotation is received (410) at the second user media terminal. Furthermore, the at least one annotation is synchronized (412) at the second user media terminal based on a relative start time. The at least one synchronized annotation is then rendered (414) to the media stream on the second user media terminal.