Systems and methods for synchronizing the presentation of a combined video program

A method of displaying a video program on a first display device in synchronization with the display of the video program on another display device, comprising:

• receiving a video program from a content provider at a first video controller associated with a first display device, wherein synchronization information is encoded or embedded in the video program;
• receiving at least one communications stream at the first video controller;
• combining, with the first video controller, the video program and the at least one communications stream to generate a first combined video program;
• and
• using the synchronization information to cause the first combined video program to be played on the first display device in substantial synchronization with the display of another combined video program on another display device.

A system for synchronizing the presentation of combined video programs on multiple display devices, comprising:

• means for receiving a video program from a content provider;
• means for receiving at least first and second communications streams from first and second users;
• means for combining the video program and the first communications stream to create a first combined video program;
• means for combining the video program and the second communications stream to create a second combined video program;
• and
• means for causing the first and second combined video programs to be displayed on first and second user display devices such that the video program is displayed substantially simultaneously on the first and second user display devices.

A system for displaying a video program on a first display device in synchronization with the display of the video program on another display device, comprising:

• means for receiving a video program from a content provider at a first video controller associated with a first display device, wherein synchronization information is encoded or embedded in the video program;
• means for receiving at least one communications stream from a user at the first video controller;
• means for combining, with the first video controller, the video program and the at least one communications stream to generate a first combined video program;
• and
• means for using the synchronization information to cause the first combined video program to be played on the first display device in substantial synchronization with the display of another combined video program on another display device.