Point-to-multipoint high definition multimedia transmitter and receiver

Abstract

A high definition video transmitter and receiver are disclosed. The transmitter provides high definition video to a one-point receiver or to multipoint receivers. The transmission network is asynchronous and the receiver re-synchronizes the video. The transmission can be wired or wireless.

1 . A transmission system with a transmitter and multiple receivers comprising:
 a transmitter communicating common audiovisual information to active ones of the multiple receivers by point to multipoint retransmission sessions between the transmitter and the respective active receivers and awaiting newly receiving ones of the multiple receivers, the receivers generally synchronizing their receipt of the audiovisual information to the transmitter;   the newly receiving ones of the multiple receivers broadcasting an retransmission message probing for the transmitter when each newly receiving one of the multiple receivers is prepared for receipt of the audiovisual information, the transmitter responding to said probe with a point to point message to the respective newly receiving ones of the multiple receivers identifying the presence and properties of the transmitter and thereafter communicating the common audiovisual information to the newly receiving ones of the multiple receivers via a point to multipoint retransmission communication protocol.   
   
   
       2 . A transmission system according to  claim 1 , wherein the newly receiving ones of the multiple receivers send requests to join the point to multipoint retransmission sessions from the transmitter. 
   
   
       3 . A transmission system according to  claim 1 , wherein the transmitter periodically sends a point to point polling message to the active ones of the multiple receivers to query whether the respective active ones remain active.