Abstract: Video frame buffers are controlled using a sequence of new-frame-indicators (e.g., FLIP) and no-new-frame-indicators (e.g., NOFLIP) in a frame indicator queue that is accessed with each display refresh. Video samples are loaded into a chain of video frame buffers that is “rotated” during the vertical blanking signal of the display to swap an old frame buffer out for a new frame buffer. The rotations of the frame buffer chain are controlled based on the frame indicators in the frame indicator queue to present new video samples to the display in a regular pattern, thereby providing smooth video playback.

Abstract: Compositing functionality is provided in the form of an application program interface (API) that applications can utilize to composite images on video data that is to be rendered. In at least some embodiments, this functionality is exposed in a multimedia pipeline towards the end of the multimedia pipeline, such as at or by a renderer component. A set of methods exposed by the API permit an application to create and manage image compositing.

Abstract: A method, interface, and medium are provided for causing a computer to respond to input based on the source of the input. The computer responds to identical input according to a device that generated the input. The method includes determining information about a receiving component that received the data and using that information to determine the source of input. The source of data input is coupled with the input to initiate a response by the computer. The response can be tailored to how the data was received.

Abstract: Video frame buffers are controlled using a sequence of new-frame-indicators (e.g., FLIP) and no-new-frame-indicators (e.g., NOFLIP) in a frame indicator queue that is accessed with each display refresh. Video samples are loaded into a chain of video frame buffers that is “rotated” during the vertical blanking signal of the display to swap an old frame buffer out for a new frame buffer. The rotations of the frame buffer chain are controlled based on the frame indicators in the frame indicator queue to present new video samples to the display in a regular pattern, thereby providing smooth video playback.

Abstract: Compositing functionality is provided in the form of an application program interface (API) that applications can utilize to composite images on video data that is to be rendered. In at least some embodiments, this functionality is exposed in a multimedia pipeline towards the end of the multimedia pipeline, such as at or by a renderer component. A set of methods exposed by the API permit an application to create and manage image compositing.

Abstract: An image of a first aspect ratio is modified to be displayed in a display area with a second aspect ratio. In doing so, the aspect ratio of some of the image content is approximately maintained, yet the aspect ratio of other areas of the image content is stretched so that the entire resulting image fills the display area. This may be done by either using texture mapping to map a strip of content (treated as a texture) into a strip of the destination image. It may also be done by modifying the image content to an intermediate image, which is then uniformly stretched to fill the intended aspect ratio. The areas of image content closest to one or more focus areas is approximately maintained, while other areas are allowed more distortion.

Abstract: A manager component for managing input from legacy and non-legacy devices in a similar manner is disclosed. An inventive manager component receives input from both non-legacy input drivers for non-legacy input devices, and legacy input drivers for legacy input devices. The manager component provides the input to application programs that desirably have previously registered to receive input from one or more types of input devices. The application programs receive this input without directly communicating with the drivers.

Abstract: A method for rebalancing bandwidth allocations to peripheral and other devices, particularly for isochronous communications, connected to a computer system via a bus in order to accommodate bandwidth requirements of a newly added device or newly launched application is described. The method is particularly useful in the context of buses such as the Universal Serial Bus (USB) and the IEEE 1394 bus (FireWire) which allow a plurality of devices to be connected to a computer system and even be powered by the bus. The method utilizes a Policy to identify preferred configurations and, furthermore, extends the USB and other standards to specify devices that can dynamically respond to commands to change their bandwidth to another setting.

Abstract: A manager component for managing input from legacy and non-legacy devices in a similar manner is disclosed. An inventive manager component receives input from both non-legacy input drivers for non-legacy input devices, and legacy input drivers for legacy input devices. The manager component provides the input to application programs that desirably have previously registered to receive input from one or more types of input devices. The application programs receive this input without directly communicating with the drivers.

Abstract: An image of a first aspect ratio is modified to be displayed in a display area with a second aspect ratio. In doing so, the aspect ratio of some of the image content is approximately maintained, yet the aspect ratio of other areas of the image content is stretched so that the entire resulting image fills the display area. This may be done by either using texture mapping to map a strip of content (treated as a texture) into a strip of the destination image. It may also be done by modifying the image content to an intermediate image, which is then uniformly stretched to fill the intended aspect ratio. The areas of image content closest to one or more focus areas is approximately maintained, while other areas are allowed more distortion.

Abstract: A method for interfacing a computer with a consumer device by way of a transceiver is disclosed herein. A first signal from a remote control is received at the transceiver. The first signal is encoded and transmitted to the computer by way of a communications link, where the encoded first signal is processed by the computer. An encoded second signal is received at the transceiver from the computer by way of the communications link. The encoded second signal is decoded and transmitted to the consumer device.

Abstract: A method, interface, and medium are provided for causing a computer to respond to input based on the source of the input. The computer responds to identical input according to a device that generated the input. The method includes determining information about a receiving component that received the data and using that information to determine the source of input. The source of data input is coupled with the input to initiate a response by the computer. The response can be tailored to how the data was received.

Abstract: A manager component for managing input from legacy and non-legacy devices in a similar manner is disclosed. An inventive manager component receives input from both non-legacy input drivers for non-legacy input devices, and legacy input drivers for legacy input devices. The manager component provides the input to application programs that desirably have previously registered to receive input from one or more types of input devices. The application programs receive this input without directly communicating with the drivers.