Abstract: A noise level estimation module includes a pixel block selection module for selecting a plurality of selected pixel blocks over a set of K fields of a video signal, each of the plurality of selected pixel blocks containing a plurality of pixels having corresponding pixel values. A difference calculation module calculates a block difference for each of the plurality of selected pixel blocks based on a pixel difference between the pixel value for each of the plurality of pixels and a pixel value for a corresponding pixel in an adjacent field. A signal generator generates a noise level estimation signal based on a subset of M block differences for the plurality of pixel blocks, wherein M is greater than one.

Abstract: A video encoder includes a receiving module for receiving a video signal, the video signal including a plurality of fields, wherein each of the plurality of fields includes a plurality of pixels. The video encoder further includes a signal processor having a signal processing module for generating a processed video signal and a video encoding module for producing an encoded video signal based on the processed video signal. The signal processing module includes a video filter module that is enabled when a filter enable signal is asserted and disabled when the filter enable signal is deasserted. The video filter module filters at least one of the plurality of pixels of a corresponding one of the plurality of fields when the video filter module is enabled.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for independent video and graphics scaling in a video graphics system is accomplished by receiving a video data stream, wherein the video data stream includes video data in a first format. A graphics data stream is also received, and the graphics data stream includes graphics data in a second format. The video data of the video data stream is scaled based on a ratio between the first format and a selected video format to produce a scaled video stream. Similarly, the graphics data of the graphics data stream is scaled based on a ratio between the second format and a selected graphics format in order to produce a scaled graphics stream. The scaled video stream and the scaled graphics stream are then merged to produce a video graphics output stream.

Abstract: A noise level estimation module includes a pixel block selection module for selecting a plurality of selected pixel blocks over a set of K fields of a video signal, each of the plurality of selected pixel blocks containing a plurality of pixels having corresponding pixel values. A difference calculation module calculates a block difference for each of the plurality of selected pixel blocks based on a pixel difference between the pixel value for each of the plurality of pixels and a pixel value for a corresponding pixel in an adjacent field. A signal generator generates a noise level estimation signal based on a subset of M block differences for the plurality of pixel blocks, wherein M is greater than one.

Abstract: A video encoder includes a receiving module for receiving a video signal, the video signal including a plurality of fields, wherein each of the plurality of fields includes a plurality of pixels. The video encoder further includes a signal processor having a signal processing module for generating a processed video signal and a video encoding module for producing an encoded video signal based on the processed video signal. The signal processing module includes a video filter module that is enabled when a filter enable signal is asserted and disabled when the filter enable signal is deasserted. The video filter module filters at least one of the plurality of pixels of a corresponding one of the plurality of fields when the video filter module is enabled.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is presented for combining multiple data elements to produce resultant data elements, where the data elements used for combination are reused after being loaded into memory on an integrated circuit. The apparatus includes a memory, where the memory stores a plurality of lines of data. The apparatus further includes a circular line buffer operably coupled to the memory, where the circular line buffer stores a plurality of line elements from a portion of the plurality of lines of data. A read addressing block operably coupled to the circular line buffer generates a number of read pointers corresponding to the circular line buffer. Each of the read pointers is used to address the circular line buffer to retrieve one of the data elements from a different line stored in the circular line buffer. A combination block combines the line elements selected by the read pointers to produce a result element.