Patent attributes
A method for providing on a Push To Talk (PTT) communication network time-shifting capabilities to a user of a PTT communication device. The method involves progressively receiving time-based media at a node on the PTT communication network from a sending device and progressively storing the received time-based media in a time-shifting buffer located at the node as the time-based media is progressively received. In response to rendering control instructions received from the user of the PTT communication device, the method further includes controlling the rendering of the time-based media at the PTT communication device in either (i) a near real-time mode as the time-based media is progressively received at the node or (ii) in a time shifted mode at an arbitrary later time after the receipt and storage of the time-based media in the time-shifting buffer. If the received rendering control instructions indicate the PTT user would like to review the media in the near real-time mode, the method further involves progressively transmitting the time-based media to the PTT communication device as the time-based media is progressively received at the node. If the received rendering instructions indicate the time-shifted mode, then the time-based media is progressively transmitted from the time-shifting buffer to the PTT communication device at the arbitrary later time.