Robust MPEG-2 multiplexing system and method using an adjustable time stamp

A system for transmitting Motion Picture Experts Group (MPEG-2) information using an adjustable time stamp, the system comprising:

• an encoder having an input to accept a plurality of digital programs and an output to supply each program encoded into frames;
• a packetizer having an input to accept the frames, the packetizer generating a decoding time stamp (DTS) and a corresponding presentation time stamp (PTS), measured with respect to a program clock reference (PCR) for each frame, and supplying a packetized elementary stream (PES) packet, with a PES header including the PCR, DTS, and PTS at an output, for each frame;
• a timer having an output to supply PES packet transmission times;
• a time stamp modifier having an input to accept the PES packet transmission times and an input to accept the PES packets, the time stamp modifier comparing the DTS and PTS values to the PCR value in each header at transmission time and supplying PES packets with modified DTS values at an output;
• and,
• a time division multiplexing (TDM) unit having an input to accept the DTS modified PES packets and an output to transmit the PES packets in a MPEG-2 transport stream.

A system for communicating Motion Picture Experts Group (MPEG-2) information using an adjustable time stamp, the system comprising:

• a transmitter including:
• an encoder having an input to accept a plurality of digital programs and an output to supply each program encoded into frames;
• a packetizer having an input to accept the frames, the packetizer generating a decoding time stamp (DTS) and a corresponding presentation time stamp (PTS), measured with respect to a program clock reference (PCR) for each frame, and supplying a packetized elementary stream (PES) packet, with a PES header including the PCR, DTS, and PTS, for each frame, at an output;
• a timer having an output to supply PES packet transmission times;
• a time stamp modifier having an input to accept the PES packet transmission times and an input to accept the PES packets, the time stamp modifier comparing the DTS and PTS values to the PCR value in each header at transmission time and supplying PES packets with modified DTS values at an output;
• and,
• a time division multiplexing (TDM) unit having an input to accept the DTS modified PES packets and a network-connected output to transmit the PES packets in a MPEG-2 transport stream;
• and,
• a receiver including:
• a decoder having a network-connected input to accept the MPEG-2 transport stream, the decoder supplying decoded frames at an output decoded in response to the DTS;
• and,
• a presentation interface having an input to accept the decoded frames, the presentation interface presenting the decoded frames in response to the PTS.