A Synchronization Model

This paper presents a model for describing the synchronization between several media delivered over a network in a Web-based environment. Synchronization concerns the download and the activation of coordinated media files according to the structure of the whole hypermedia document, the playback status of the media objects, and the user interaction. The model defines five synchronization primitives some of which can be automatically deducted from the document structure and the media-related events. The model is oriented to describe applications based on a main video or audio narration to which static or dynamic documents are attached. The model is suited for applications like distance education, professional training, Web advertising and selling, and news-on-demand