Media Transfer Protocol
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The Media Transfer Protocol is a set of custom extensions to the Picture Transfer Protocol (PTP) devised by Microsoft, to allow the protocol to be used for devices other than digital cameras, for example digital audio players such as MP3 players, and other portable media devices, for example portable video players.
The MTP is part of the "Windows Media" framework and thus closely related to Windows Media Player.
General
The protocol is implemented for use across the Universal Serial Bus (USB). The host connecting to an MTP device is called an MTP Initiator whereas the device itself is an MTP Responder.
The main purpose of the protocol is to transfer media files and associated metadata to/from devices, with optional additional support for remote control of the device, reading and setting of device parameters such as special DRM-related device parameters for protected content. The device can also send events to the host.
Synchronization
The protocol itself does not implement synchronization, but with it synchronization of a device to a host computer using mechanisms similar to SyncML and Apple's iSync can be implemented.
Market acceptance
One of the more important Microsoft allies in popularizing this protocol were the companies that manufactured devices based on Microsofts "portable media player specification", including Creative Technology, Samsung, Intel and iRiver.
After an initial period of uncertain reactions several large media player producers such as Creative Technology and iRiver have opted to embrace the MTP protocol and drop their own custom device protocols. The general perception is that these companies are happy that they no longer have to develop their own protocols and device drivers for their products.
The Microsoft certification mark PlaysForSure is commonly used to distinguish devices that support MTP or USB mass storage device class or both, Windows Media Audio, and the Janus DRM.
Implementations
- Microsoft Windows natively implements the MTP and use it from e.g. Windows Media Player.
- The Xbox 360 can connect to MTP devices.
- Linux MTP interoperability can be achieved by using:
- * gPhoto which supports PTP with some MTP extensions with Banshee as a frontend
- * [libmtp] with [gnomad2] or [MTPdude].
- Mac OS X has MTP support by way of [XNJB].
External links
- [Windows Media Development Center downloads] including specifications and porting kits
- [A list of Microsoft's extensions to PTP]
- [Article on Canons adoption]
- [A Media Transport Protocol (MTP) SDK]
- [FotoNation's web site]
- [How to install Banshee with MTP support]
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