Achieving multimedia synchronization between live video and live audio streams using QoS controls

Recent developments of high-speed networking technologies and transmission media make it feasible to have diverse multimedia applications over integrated service networks. In order to guarantee Quality Of Presentation (QOP) to users, it is necessary to negotiate QOP parameters at the networking connection setup time, and it is also necessary to maintain service qualities during the time of presenting multimedia information. In this paper, we propose using a multimedia synchronization method for supporting smooth presentation of live multimedia information in ATM-based networking environments. The mathematic relationships among the buffer size, the maximum jitter, the presentation and transmission rates, the maximum intra-and inter-media asynchrony anomalies, etc., are presented in detail. We perform a bounded buffer allocation scheme, and forward synchronization policies for synchronizing live video and live audio streams. Since the transmission rate of live media cannot be adjusted, we perform the forward synchronization policies to overcome the asynchrony anomalies. The presentation processes at the receiver site monitor the presentation asynchrony anomalies. Once the anomalies of presentation are detected, the forward re-synchronization policy is triggered to eliminate the asynchrony anomalies. Neither a global clock nor a feedback mechanism is needed using our method.