On satisfying timing and resource constraints in distributed multimedia systems

We present a new synchronization strategy for multimedia applications executed in a distributed environment. This strategy makes the timing properties of the system and the quality of the media presentations predictable since one is able to determine analytically whether the timing requirements of each multimedia application will be met, and if not, which timing requirements will fail. The proposed synchronization protocol provides deterministic guarantees and service reliability that cannot be compromised by resource contention. Thus, the application can maintain the initial quality of service (QoS) level without encountering unpredictable delays and blocking due to synchronization.