Abstract: A technique is provided for aligning and formatting multi-operand pixel data, for example, within a pixel formatter of a graphics engine for a set-top box system. The technique includes, in one embodiment, obtaining pixel data of a first alignment and a first format for conversion to a second alignment and a second format. The pixel data undergoes pre-alignment where the first alignment of the pixel data is changed to a bit zero alignment, after which the pixel data is reformatted from the first format to the second format. The reformatted pixel data is post-aligned to change from bit zero alignment to the second alignment. In one embodiment, the pixel data is source pixel data or pattern pixel data, while the second alignment and the second format are alignment and format of destination pixel data.

Abstract: A method, graphics engine boolean logic unit and digital video system that provide a raster operation unit capable of providing a raster and non-raster operation function(s) is provided. The raster operation may simultaneously conduct a raster function and non-raster operation function(s) by modification of at least one of a rasterop code and a pattern operand. The invention saves considerable logic since different functions are no longer executed separately and then multiplexed.

Abstract: Enhanced blending unit performance in a graphics system is provided by reconfiguring a graphics system blending unit to perform at least two multiplier operations. In one embodiment the blending unit includes a reconfigurer that bit slices multipliers, e.g., such as an 8×8 multiplier, into multiple multipliers. A digital video system using this blending unit can provide many of the desirable graphics features and at a lower cost because it utilizes less silicon.

Abstract: Method, apparatus and computer program product are disclosed for selectively reducing the bandwidth of real-time video data for transmission on a bus having varying bandwidth, while minimizing perceptible loss of picture quality. After detecting an overflow condition within a buffer coupled to a bus, video data to be written to the buffer is discarded until a prior pending request for transmission of a pending block of video data from the buffer is granted and begun. After beginning the transmitting, the discarding of data is discontinued and new video data is written into the buffer. A next bus request is made for transmission of all remaining data in the buffer stored prior to detecting the overflow condition. The amount of discarded data in the line is monitored and used to determine an address for a new block of data stored after the discontinuity in the line of video data.

Abstract: Method, apparatus and computer program product are disclosed for selectively reducing the bandwidth of real-time video data for transmission on a bus having varying bandwidth, while minimizing perceptible loss of picture quality. After detecting an overflow condition within a buffer coupled to a bus, video data to be written to the buffer is discarded until a prior pending request for transmission of a pending block of video data from the buffer is granted and begun. After beginning the transmitting, the discarding of data is discontinued and new video data is written into the buffer. A next bus request is made for transmission of all remaining data in the buffer stored prior to detecting the overflow condition. The amount of discarded data in the line is monitored and used to determine an address for a new block of data stored after the discontinuity in the line of video data.