Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for reducing the overhead required in conventional fault tolerant processing by redundant processors. Commands are received and queued by both the active and standby units but are processed only by the active unit. Short messages, each including a command identifier, are transmitted from the active unit to the standby unit. In addition, periodic handshaking signals are exchanged between the two units. In the event the active unit fails, the standby unit is automatically brought on-line to process the unprocessed commands and transmit responses to the command source. When the failed unit is restored, it can become the standby unit.

Abstract: Several effects are described which are programmable in telecines. Variable aperture correction is described which allows appropriate correction to be applied to different types of film stock. Soft focus and distortion effects are also described. The effects can be selected for whole scenes or for frames or frame portions, to give a range of effects which can be used to improve picture quality or for artistic effect.