Content synchronization using micro-seeking
Methods and systems are disclosed maintaining playback of content at a target or desired playback time. A playback device may be configured to compare a current playback time of a content asset to a target playback time of the content asset and to determine, for each comparison, whether a difference between the current playback time and the target playback time has reached a threshold. Based on determining that the difference between the current playback time and the target playback time has reached a threshold, the playback device may seek to the target playback time of the content asset. The playback device may be configured to repeatedly perform the comparing, determining and seeking operations in order to maintain the current playback time of the content within the threshold of the target playback time.
1. A method comprising:
comparing, at one or more intervals and during playback of content, a current playback time of the content to a target playback time of the content;
determining, for each comparison, whether a difference between the current playback time and the target playback time has satisfied a threshold; and
seeking, based on determining that the difference has satisfied the threshold, to the target playback time.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the target playback time of the content is determined based on a timestamp associated with the content.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the timestamp is stored in a manifest associated with the content.
4. The method of claim 2 , wherein comparing the current playback time of the content to the target playback time of the content comprises comparing the timestamp with a network time protocol.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the threshold is less than one hundred milliseconds.
6. The method of claim 1 , further comprising causing playback of the content at a location within the threshold of the target playback time of the content.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the content is stored in a buffer.
8. A method comprising:
receiving, at a device, one or more content fragments of a content asset and a manifest associated with the one or more content fragments, the manifest comprising a timestamp associated with each of the content fragments;
causing playback of one or more of the content fragments;
determining whether a difference between a current playback time of the content asset and a target playback time of the content asset has satisfied a threshold; and
seeking, based on determining that the difference has satisfied the threshold, to the target playback time.
9. The method of claim 8 , wherein the target playback time of the content asset is determined based on a timestamp associated with the content asset.
10. The method of claim 9 , wherein the timestamp is stored in the manifest.
11. The method of claim 9 , wherein the current playback time of the content asset is determined based on a network time protocol.
12. The method of claim 8 , wherein the threshold is less than one hundred milliseconds.
13. The method of claim 8 , further comprising causing playback of the content at a location within the threshold of the target playback time of the content.
14. A method comprising:
comparing, periodically and during playback of content, a current playback time of the content to a target playback time of the content;
determining whether a difference between the current playback time and the target playback time has satisfied a threshold; and
seeking, in response to determining that the difference has satisfied the threshold, to the target playback time.
15. The method of claim 14 , wherein the target playback time of the content is determined based on a timestamp associated with the content.
16. The method of claim 15 , wherein the timestamp is stored in a manifest associated with the content.
17. The method of claim 15 , wherein comparing the current playback time of the content to the target playback time of the content comprises comparing the timestamp with a network time protocol.
18. The method of claim 14 , wherein the threshold is less than one hundred milliseconds.
19. The method of claim 14 , further comprising causing playback of the content at a location within the threshold of the target playback time of the content.
20. The method of claim 14 , wherein the content is stored in a buffer.