Method and apparatus for reducing rendering latency for audio streaming applications using internet protocol communications networks

A method and apparatus for reducing rendering latency in a terminal device which receives audio data from a communication network such as, for example, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) communications networks. Received packets are advantageously decoded "immediately" upon receipt, and the decoded data is placed directly in the rendering buffer at a location corresponding to the time appropriate for rendering, without using any intermediate buffer. Then, in accordance with the principles of the present invention and more particularly in accordance with certain illustrative embodiments thereof, packet loss concealment (PLC) routines are advantageously applied preemptively, without first determining whether or not any subsequent packets have or have not been received by any particular time.