Personal media broadcasting system with output buffer

A method executable by a media device for providing media content to a remote client via a network, the method comprising:

• receiving an input signal that comprises the media content from an audio/visual source;
• constructing a media stream suitable for transmission over the network by encoding the input signal using a bit rate selected at least in part based on an amount of free space remaining in a buffer;
• storing the media stream in the buffer prior to transmission;
• and
• transmitting the media stream from the buffer to a remote client over the network.

A method executable by a media device for providing media content to a remote client via a network, the method comprising:

• receiving an input signal that comprises the media content from an audio/visual source;
• constructing a media stream suitable for transmission over the network by encoding the input signal using a bit rate that is dynamically adjusted based upon a current performance of the media device;
• and
• transmitting the media stream to a remote client over the network.