Methods and apparatus for searching and accessing multimedia content

A method of synchronizing a multimedia content file with an associated text file includes subdividing the text file into one or more samples, where each sample includes zero or more consecutive characters of the text file. The samples are associated with a corresponding contiguous time interval of the multimedia content file. For each sample, a corresponding consumption rate value is determined, which represents a use ratio of characters of the sample within the associated time interval of the multimedia content file. The consumption rate values are then stored, so that they may subsequently be used to compute time positions within the multimedia content file associated with corresponding text characters within the text file. Additional information, such as time cues and interlude intervals, may also be recorded in order to improve the accuracy of synchronization. A corresponding method for cueing of playback of a multimedia content file to its associated text is also provided, along with computer-implemented and networked apparatus implementing the synchronization, cueing and playback methods.