Roku, Inc.
Audio Synchronization of a Dumb Speaker and a Smart Speaker Using a Spread Code

Abstract:

Disclosed herein are system, apparatus, article of manufacture, method and/or computer program product embodiments, and/or combinations and sub-combinations thereof, for synchronizing playback of audiovisual content with a dumb speaker. In some embodiments, an electronic device transmits a spread spectrum signal to a dumb speaker over a data channel using a spread spectrum code. The electronic device then receives the spread spectrum signal played back auditorily by the dumb speaker. The electronic device despreads the spread spectrum signal based on the spreading code. The electronic device determines a time of receipt of the spread spectrum signal. The electronic device calculates an audiovisual output path delay for the dumb speaker based on the time of receipt and a time of transmission. The electronic device then synchronizes the playback of the audiovisual content at the dumb speaker and another electronic device based on the audiovisual output path delay.