Patent ID: 7023488
Filing Date: 2006-04-04
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. A method of providing an audio output stream in response to a digital video input stream containing embedded audio samples, the method comprising: (a) receiving a first program in the input stream wherein the first program includes a series of first program audio samples; (b) storing the first program audio samples in a main audio data buffer; (c) reading the first program audio samples from the main audio data buffer and transmitting them as part of the audio output stream; (d) detecting a transition in the input stream wherein said transition indicates the beginning of a second program, and wherein the second program includes a series of second program audio samples; (e) receiving the second program audio samples; (f) storing the second program audio samples in a second audio data buffer; (g) when the number of first program audio samples in the main audio data buffer reaches a fade-out threshold, transmitting each of the remaining first audio program samples in the audio output stream at progressively lower audio levels; and (h) when the number of second program audio samples in the second audio data buffer reaches a fade-in threshold, reading a set of fade-in samples from the second audio buffer and transmitting the fade-in samples as part of the audio output stream at progressively higher audio levels.