NetStreams, which was recently acquired by audio conferencing manufacturer ClearOne, has been granted a U.S. patent for its audio network distribution system. The patent is for streaming synchronized time-sensitive audio and video over Local Area Networks.
Patent #7,643,894, which was issued on January 5, is the second patent on StreamNet for NetStreams. Patent #2003-241405 in Australia is for Streaming AV over Local Area Networks.
According to NetStreams, when StreamNet endpoints are plugged into the IP network, automatic device discovery and configuration takes place. Endpoints immediately advertise their capabilities, reducing the need to configure the entire audio video network system from scratch.
StreamNet IP-based distributed audio, video, and control systems leverage TCP/IP to deliver rich media digitally via a meshed IP network. Each StreamNet product on the network has its own network intelligence, eliminating the need for centralized matrix switches, controllers, and supporting infrastructure. StreamNet systems scale as large as a network can grow, and imposes no constraints on the number of sources, audio playback zones, or video displays.
“A fundamental problem with using TCP/IP to distribute digital audio to multiple zones is the synchronization of this time sensitive data,” said Michael Braithwaite, senior vice president of technology for ClearOne. “Without this synchronization, audio can cut out, crackle, and echo. StreamNet technology provides a simple and elegant solution by removing the effect of network delays.”
All products that carry the “StreamNet Connected” logo are interoperable, enabling integration of audio-video and control products from multiple manufacturers.
