Abstract: A digital video encode system, method and computer program product are described wherein a picture is divided into multiple active areas that are parallel encoded using multiple encoders. The encoders associated with adjoining active areas of the picture are configured to exchange reference data to facilitate avoiding appearance of a seam between the adjoining active areas of a subsequent picture in a sequence of pictures due to separate encoding thereof by the multiple encoders. The reference data transferred from one encoder to an adjoining encoder is an encoded and decoded section of the picture and is used by the adjoining encoder as an expanded reference area for motion estimation when encoding the subsequent picture.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting and correcting error in an uncompressed digital video image data stream. The method and apparatus identify error or partial picture scenarios. Each of the possible error or partial picture scenarios is identified in a Partial Picture Repair Unit, which causes error processing of the uncompressed video input stream, resulting in the creation of a repaired data stream on the repaired pixel bus. The repair begins upon detection of an erroneous picture, field, or line. Processing for that picture, field or line is stopped upon detection of an error in the synchronization signals, and processing is resumed when the end of line, end of field, or end of picture indicator is detected.

Abstract: Method, system and computer program product are provided for adaptively encoding in hardware, software or a combination thereof a sequence of video frames in real-time. A first encoding subsystem is employed to analyze the sequence of video frames to derive information on at least one characteristic thereof, such as motion statistics, non-motion statistics, scene change statistics, or scene fade statistics. The gathered information may comprise either an intraframe characteristic or an interframe characteristic. A second encoding subsystem, coupled to the first encoding subsystem, encodes the sequence of video frames employing at least one controllable parameter. The second encoding subsystem dynamically adapts intraframe or interframe encoding of the sequence of video frames by adjusting the at least one controllable parameter used in the encoding process in response to the derived information from the first encoding subsystem.

Abstract: A method of encoding a picture in an MPEG2 compliant digital video encoder. The method calculates a contrast function,Contrast=.SIGMA..vertline.P(j)-P(j+1).vertline.and thereafter calculates a quantization adjustment function therefromM(i+1)=?C(i+1)/C(i)!M(i),where C=Contrast, P(j) is the luminance or chrominance of the j.sup.th pixel, and M(i)is the average quantization of the i.sup.th picture. The quantization or picture type is adjusted in response to the contrast function, C.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting and correcting error in an uncompressed digital video image data stream. The method and apparatus identify error or partial picture scenarios. Each of the possible error or partial picture scenarios is identified in a Partial Picture Repair Unit, which causes error processing of the uncompressed video input stream, resulting in the creation of a repaired data stream on the repaired pixel bus. The repair begins upon detection of an erroneous picture, field, or line. Processing for that picture, field or line is stopped upon detection of an error in the synchronization signals, and processing is resumed when the end of line, end of field, or end of picture indicator is detected.