Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing a multimedia digital bitstream is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a processing chain made up of a plurality of media processors. Each media processor processes a portion of the multimedia digital bitstream in real time. Each portion of the multimedia digital bitstream is split into a primary bitstream and a secondary bitstream. The primary bitstream is processed and merged with the unprocessed secondary bitstream. The parallel processing method of the present invention enables the processing chain to output a fully processed bitstream in real time. The processing chain may be used to transcode a high definition (HD) video bitstream in real time using a plurality of bitrate transcoder units.

Abstract: A system, (i.e., a method, an apparatus, and computer-executable process steps), providing sharpness enhancement for coded video, in which a usefulness metric, calculates how much a pixel can be enhanced without increasing coding artifacts. The usefulness metric is separate from the enhancement algorithm such that a variety of different enhancement algorithms can be used in conjunction with the metric.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus for performing segmentation-based enhancements of a video image. The apparatus comprises: 1) an input buffer for storing video frames of an incoming video signal; 2) a segmentation controller capable of segmenting a first stored frame into a plurality of segments, each of the plurality of segments comprising a plurality of pixels having at least one common property; 3) an image processor capable of calculating a probability function associated with at least one pixel in the first stored frame, the probability function indicating a probability that the at least one pixel belongs within a first selected one of the plurality of segments; and 4) an enhancement controller capable of enhancing a parameter of the at least one pixel as a function of the probability function of the at least one pixel.

Abstract: The two dimensional sample rate conversion capabilities of a video display system are used to produce three-dimensional effects. Linear and non-linear scaling is applied to a video image to convey a sense of depth. The three dimensional effects are used to increase the visual appeal of existing and new feature sets in display systems. A multi-faceted object representation, such as a representation of a cube or a pyramid, can be used to display different video images on each facet of the representation. By appropriately scaling each image on each facet, an impression of depth is achieved. The images on the different facets can be selected to represent different aspects of a common theme, such as datacast information related to a primary source of information. Channel changing on a television can be presented as a rotation of the multifaceted object.

Abstract: A contrast control and clipping device is configured to determine a maximum range of enhancement that may be applied to each pixel for picture sharpness enhancement. This maximum range is used to limit the enhancement that is determined by the conventional convolution kernel and gain control modules. Preferably, the maximum range is independent of the determined convolution value, thereby minimizing the bandwidth requirements among the modules used for picture sharpness enhancement. The reduced bandwidth requirement allows for an efficient partitioning of tasks between hardware and software embodiments, and eases the overall system design task. In a multi-media application, the amount of data that is transferred between the processor and sub-components is substantially reduced, and the efficient partitioning facilitates parallel processing.

Abstract: A filter structure is provided that facilitates the use of the filter as either a continuous delay Farrow filter or a selectable delay polyphase filter. The less complex polyphase filter is used when the desired scale substantially corresponds to a defined phase of the polyphase filter, or when time or power is not available to achieve the desired scale exactly; otherwise, the continuous delay Farrow filter is used. By providing an ability to switch to a continuous delay, the number of stages of the polyphase filter can be reduced. Additionally, an inversion of a Farrow filter is presented that provides for a continuous delay decimation filter with substantially reduced computational complexity compared to a direct embodiment of a Farrow filter. This inverted filter is also configurable as a polyphase filter, to provide selectable scale-resolution capabilities.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing a multimedia digital bitstream is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a processing chain made up of a plurality of media processors. Each media processor processes a portion of the multimedia digital bitstream in real time. Each portion of the multimedia digital bitstream is split into a primary bitstream and a secondary bitstream. The primary bitstream is processed and merged with the unprocessed secondary bitstream. The parallel processing method of the present invention enables the processing chain to output a fully processed bitstream in real time. The processing chain may be used to transcode a high definition (HD) video bitstream in real time using a plurality of bitrate transcoder units.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus for performing segmentation-based enhancements of a video image. The apparatus comprises: 1) an input buffer for storing video frames of an incoming video signal; 2) a segmentation controller capable of segmenting a first stored frame into a plurality of segments, each of the plurality of segments comprising a plurality of pixels having at least one common property; 3) an image processor capable of calculating a probability function associated with at least one pixel in the first stored frame, the probability function indicating a probability that the at least one pixel belongs within a first selected one of the plurality of segments; and 4) an enhancement controller capable of enhancing a parameter of the at least one pixel as a function of the probability function of the at least one pixel.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for viewing a secondary television program simultaneously with a primary program. The apparatus includes a receiver for receiving a primary program and one or more secondary programs transmitted by a transmission source; a monitor adapted to display at least one of the primary program and the secondary programs; and a handheld device adapted to display at least a portion of one of the primary program and the secondary programs, wherein the program displayed on the handheld device is that which is not displayed on the monitor.

Abstract: A system, (i.e., a method, an apparatus, and computer-executable process steps), providing sharpness enhancement for a coded video, in which a usefulness metric, calculates how much a pixel can be enhanced without increasing coding artifacts. The usefulness metric is separate from the enhancement algorithm such that a variety of different enhancement algorithms can be used in conjunction with the metric.