Abstract: First-in-first-out (FIFO) memory system and method for providing the same is described. In one example, a dual-port memory circuit includes first storage locations for defining a plurality of FIFOs, second storage locations for storing status information for each of the FIFOs, a first port, and a second port. The first port includes a write data terminal for receiving write data and a write address terminal for receiving write addresses. Each of the write addresses includes a first portion for selecting a FIFO of the FIFOs and a second portion for selecting a storage location in the dual-port memory circuit. The second port includes a read data terminal for providing read data and a read address terminal for receiving read addresses. Each of the read addresses includes a first portion for selecting a FIFO of the FIFOs and a second portion for selecting a storage location in the dual-port memory circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling contrast for a liquid crystal display (“LCD”), especially active-matrix LCDs, while receiving large dynamic range video data to be displayed to the user by the LCD. Contrast settings of the LCD correspond to a single look-up table from a set of different and multiple look-up tables rather than using the contrast setting of the LCD to select different voltage values from a single look-up table. The values of the reference voltages of the LCD are varied so that all shades of gray are available with each contrast selection resulting in a high image quality and a high contrast.

Abstract: A method and circuit to strip the composite synchronization (sync) from a composite video signal is disclosed. This invention utilizes a phase-locked loop and a switchable input operational amplifier to remove the sync portion of the video signal without bandlimiting or introducing non-linearities to the video signal. The phase-locked loop creates a high frequency clock from which a signal can be created that fully encompasses the sync portion of the composite video signal. This signal controls the switchable input operational amplifier to select blank level voltage during sync or allow the video to pass when sync is not present.

Abstract: A circuit and method for optimizing the display of a video signal on a display. Control of the display's brightness and contrast is based on aspects of a video signal, such as the average amplitude of the signal and the standard deviation. These aspects of the video signal are determined and the video signal manipulated based on the determined characteristics such that the resultant video signal is optimized to the dynamic range of the display.