Synchronization properties in multimedia systems

Multimedia is defined as the integrated generation, representation, processing, storage, and dissemination of independent machine-processable information expressed in multiple time-dependent and time-independent media such as data, graphics, drawings, voice, audio, and video. The characteristics of synchronization mechanisms desirable for central and distributed multimedia systems are addressed. The concept of multimedia objects as components of an object-based model for a multimedia system is introduced. The essential new synchronization requirement is restricted blocking together with synchronization features covering real-time aspects. Existing synchronization mechanisms can be altered or new ones defined to meet these requirements