Systems and methods for synchronizing media asset playback on multiple devices
AssigneeRovi Guides, Inc.
InventorGary Sanders
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Systems and methods are described herein for synchronizing media asset playback on multiple devices. A media guidance application may transmit a media asset for simultaneous display to a first device and a second device. During playback of the media asset, the media guidance application may receive indications of the amount of the media asset consumed by the first and second device. In response to determining that one device has fallen behind in playback, the media guidance application may pause playback on other devices. In response to determining that the devices have become synchronized in playback, the media guidance application may resume playback on all devices.
Claims21
A method for transmission of a media asset for simultaneous display, the method comprising:
- transmitting a media asset for simultaneous display to a first device and a second device;
- receiving, at a first time, a first indication of an amount of the media asset consumed by the first device at the first time and a second indication of an amount of the media asset consumed by the second device at the first time;
- comparing, using control circuitry, the first indication and the second indication to determine that the amount of the media asset consumed by the first device at the first time is different than the amount of the media asset consumed by the second device at the first time;
- in response to determining that the amount of the media asset consumed by the first device is different than the amount of the media asset consumed by the second device, pausing playback of the media asset on one of the first device and the second device;
- receiving, at a second time subsequent to the first time, a third indication of an amount of the media asset consumed by the first device at the second time and a fourth indication of an amount of the media asset consumed by the second device at the second time;
- comparing, using the control circuitry, the third indication and the fourth indication to determine that the amount of the media asset consumed by the first device at the second time is the same as the amount of the media asset consumed by the second device at the second time;
- and
- in response to determining that the amount of the media asset consumed by the first device at the second time is the same as the amount of the media asset consumed by the second device at the second time, resuming playback of the media asset on the one of the first device and the second device.
A system for transmission of a media asset for simultaneous display, the system comprising:
- control circuitry configured to:
- transmit a media asset for simultaneous display to a first device and a second device;
- receive, at a first time, a first indication of an amount of the media asset consumed by the first device at the first time and a second indication of an amount of the media asset consumed by the second device at the first time;
- compare, using control circuitry, the first indication and the second indication to determine that the amount of the media asset consumed by the first device at the first time is different than the amount of the media asset consumed by the second device at the first time;
- in response to determining that the amount of the media asset consumed by the first device is different than the amount of the media asset consumed by the second device, pause playback of the media asset on one of the first device and the second device;
- receive, at a second time subsequent to the first time, a third indication of an amount of the media asset consumed by the first device at the second time and a fourth indication of an amount of the media asset consumed by the second device at the second time;
- compare, using the control circuitry, the third indication and the fourth indication to determine that the amount of the media asset consumed by the first device at the second time is the same as the amount of the media asset consumed by the second device at the second time;
- and
- in response to determining that the amount of the media asset consumed by the first device at the second time is the same as the amount of the media asset consumed by the second device at the second time, resume playback of the media asset on the one of the first device and the second device.
21-50. (canceled)
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.