Patent ID: 8902995

Claim:
A method comprising: defining an encoding rate for encoding a set of frames of digital multimedia data over a period of time; encoding the set of frames at a reduced encoding rate over the period of time such that encoding the set of frames at the reduced encoding rate defines one or more null intervals when data associated with the set of frames is not present during the period of time, wherein the one or more null intervals are defined to correspond to one or more transmitter quieting intervals during which a transmitter refrains from transmitting any data; transmitting the encoded set of frames via the transmitter; and blanking the transmitter during the transmitter quieting intervals corresponding to the one or more null intervals, wherein blanking the transmitter during the one or more null intervals comprises refraining from transmitting data via the transmitter during the one or more null intervals, wherein the one or more null intervals are not less than six milliseconds to provide a sufficient time for reliable spectrum sensing to be performed.