What is used in a Moving Pictures Expert Group Transport Stream (MPEG-TS) to synchronize the decoder video and audio to real-time?

The use of a 27 MHz master clock in a Moving Pictures Expert Group Transport Stream (MPEG-TS) is essential for maintaining synchronization between audio and video streams during playback. This clock frequency is significant in digital broadcasting systems, as it provides a common time reference for various components involved in the video and audio encoding and decoding processes.

In MPEG-TS, streams can be multiplexed, meaning that multiple audio, video, and data streams can be combined into a single stream. The 27 MHz master clock ensures that the decoders can accurately time the playback of these streams, allowing them to be synchronized for seamless viewing. The clock aids in measuring the time intervals for frame rates and audio samples, ensuring that they play back in harmony with one another, preventing issues such as audio lag or video stuttering.

This synchronization is vital for the integrity of the viewing experience, as any discrepancies in timing can lead to disjointed playback, which would diminish the quality of the content being delivered. Thus, employing the 27 MHz master clock is a fundamental solution for maintaining real-time synchronization in MPEG-TS systems.