Abstract: A dynamic playout algorithm is proposed in order to keep multimedia playing smoothly, which deals with the problem from the perspective of an end system. In the algorithm playout rates of multimedia are variable according to the occupied buffer level with an intention of eliminating buffer underflow or overflow. The playout rates are chosen based on the requirement of the intra-media synchronization. To determine the thresholds of the occupied burrfer level, a queuing model is established. Based on the analytical results, suitable thresholds can be determined according to the system parameters, including the probability of buffer underflow, the probability of buffer overflow, the verage playout rate and the average occupied buffer level.

Key words: dynamic playout, intramedia synchronization, threshold of buffer level