Importance

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Abstract

A method and apparatus of supporting an audio protocol in a network environment. Audio processing and hardware requirements associated with a receiver are minimized by specifying a single audio protocol for transmission of audio data between transmitters on a network and the receiver. The protocol specifies a sampling rate, bit resolution and quantization scheme which allow for high sound quality and further minimize the complexity of the receiver. Transmitters are equipped with drivers to provide for conversion of audio data into the designated protocol as needed. Aspects of the designated protocol are provided to compensate for problems associated with transmitting audio streams over a network. The designated protocol specifies a format for interleaving audio samples within data packets to minimize errors which are the result of consecutive missing audio data samples due to packet loss. The receiver may further compensate for missing audio data samples through interpolation. In accordance with the designated protocol, a sequence size is specified to govern how the audio data is processed. The transmitter controls the sequence size adaptively to maintain audio latency within a limit specified for each audio application. The designated protocol also provides for determination of a mix mode and a number of channels for specifying how audio data with multiple channels is mixed and routed among multiple audio output devices.

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