System, method, and infrastructure for synchronized streaming of content

A method of synchronizing playback of IPTV content between a first content playback device and a second content playback device, comprising:

• a. coupling first and second content playback devices to a controller, the controller configured to control playback of a content item from a service provider on the first and second content playback device;
• b. determining a network lag time associated with the first and second content playback devices, comprising:
• i. transmitting a first signal from each of the first and second content playback devices to a management server;
• ii. receiving a second signal caused by the first signal from the management server at the first and second content playback devices, respectively;
• iii. identifying as a respective network lag time, associated with each of the first and second content playback devices, a time between the transmitting of the first signal and the receiving of the second signal,
• c. sending data about a device lag time associated with at least one of the first and second content playback devices to the controller;
• d. calculating a time differential between a start time associated with the first content playback device and a start time associated with the second content playback device, the time differential at least partially based on the device lag time and on the determined network lag times;
• and
• e. sending signals to the first and second content playback devices to begin playback of the content item, a timing of the sending of the signals based on the calculated time differential, such that the first and second content playback devices begin playback of the content item at substantially the same time.