Abstract: Methods and apparatus directed to reducing blockiness resulting from encoding digital video data using, e.g., DCTs are disclosed. An encoder which encodes video signals into a digital video bitstream including information identifying blocky video and instructions for processing the blocky video is also disclosed. A plurality of methods of identifying blocky video in an encoded bitstream by analyzing the encoded bitstream are also disclosed. In addition, various methods of filtering both non-blocky and blocky video, without adversely affecting the non-blocky video, are described.

Abstract: A digital video tape recorder ("VTR") that selects data useful for generating images during trick playback operation and records the data in trick play tape segments arranged on a tape to form fast scan tracks and multi-speed playback tracks. Each fast scan track comprises trick play tape segments located on a diagonal, relative to the length of the tape, of the same angle as the angle at which the heads of a VTR are expected to pass over the tape during trick play operation at a specific speed and direction of operation. Each multi-speed playback track comprises a plurality of trick play tape segments arranged parallel to the length of the tape. Data which is used for at least one mode of trick play operation is recorded in each trick play tape segment. Each fast scan track and multi-speed track crosses multiple normal play tracks.

Abstract: A procedure for selecting and storing data elements communicated from a common database to users of the database utilizing a communication link between each transmitter and a concomitant receiver accessible by the user. The transmitted information is augmented with attributes which are used at the receiver to select and then store locally only that information of interest to each receiver's user, wherein the attributes and the user selection pattern determine the criteria for storing information locally. Attributes include: utility of each data element in time; interest categories and level of interest for each of the categories determined for the collective users; repeat time to the data element; and a hyperlink to associated data elements.

Abstract: An architecture for a memory with a wide word, e.g. n-byte, width particularly suited for use as a high definition video frame store memory (80), and an accompanying organization for storing pixel data therein to facilitate efficient block and raster access therefrom. Specifically, the memory relies on storing n-byte wide words (n=(m.sub.1 .times.m.sub.2)) across m.sub.2 independent m.sub.1 -byte wide memory segments, with pre-defined positional offsets between respective m.sub.1 -byte words (203)("nibbles") stored in successive memory segments. All these segments are simultaneously accessed on a read or write basis. During a memory write operation, all the nibbles in an n-byte wide input word are appropriately shuffled to yield the proper inter-segment offsets prior to being written into the memory as a collective n-byte memory write word. During a read operation, all the nibbles read from memory in a collective n-byte memory read word are appropriately shuffled to yield an n-byte output word.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the display of progressively refreshed decoded compressed image representative data is disclosed. Subframes of intracoded video signals, and subframes of intercoded video signals based on the intracoded video signals of successive video frames are used to construct a reference video frame. Refresh descriptor data is provided indicating the number of video frames necessary for acquiring intracoded video signals to form the reference video frame. The display of video frames is inhibited based on the refresh descriptor data until a suitable video frame of intracoded video signals and intercoded video signals based thereon is constructed. In another embodiment of the invention, at least one array of memory elements is provided for storing data corresponding to the subframes of a video frame. Each subframe of a video frame corresponds to one element of the memory array.

Abstract: Method for increasing the recording time of a digital video tape recorder ("VTR") and for supporting multiple normal play modes of digital VTR operation, e.g., a standard play mode of operation and one or more long play modes of operation. To achieve long play mode operation data reduction is performed on a received full rate video data stream to generate a reduced rate video data stream. Data reduction is performed using data prioritization and selection, requantization of full rate data stream, and/or by selecting data to be included in the reduced rate data stream as a function of what portion of a video frame the data represents. The reduced rate data stream is generated to be compliant with the data format of the full rate data stream. During long play mode recording operation the data in the reduced rate data stream is recorded on a tape at the same tape data density as used during standard mode VTR operation.

Abstract: Method for increasing the recording time of a digital video tape recorder ("VTR") and for supporting multiple normal play modes of digital VTR operation, e.g., a standard play mode of operation and one or more long play modes of operation. To achieve long play mode operation data reduction is performed on a received full rate video data stream to generate a reduced rate video data stream. Data reduction is performed using data prioritization and selection, requantization of full rate data stream, and/or by selecting data to be included in the reduced rate data stream as a function of what portion of a video frame the data represents. The reduced rate data stream is generated to be compliant with the data format of the full rate data stream. During long play mode recording operation the data in the reduced rate data stream is recorded on a tape at the same tape data density as used during standard mode VTR operation.