Abstract: A method and system for accessing image data in a plurality of different color formats. The image data are stored in a system memory (120) in one of the color formats. The method and system enable an access or request to load image data in a different color format from an address in a color conversion address space, which comprises an alternate memory space. Pixel color data in the color conversion address space have a corresponding address for data in the other color format that is stored in system memory. The corresponding address is determined by subtracting a predefined offset from the conversion memory address. Differences in the size of the color format data for the requested pixels are accommodated by applying an appropriate factor to determine the system memory address.

Abstract: A method and system for producing a composite image of two or more graphic objects. In a set top box (44) designed to be used with a television receiver or video monitor (40), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) (76) is provided that includes a dynamic composition engine (DCE) (84), which generates a composite image for display on the screen of the television receiver. The composite image is based upon Screen Descriptor data that include a Line Descriptor defining each scan line using Span Descriptors. A Span Descriptor defines the portion of a line occupied by one of the objects that will comprise the composite image and specifies how that object will be combined with other objects on the line. A line buffer is filled with the pixels for the scan line next to be displayed while data in a second line buffer are written to the display screen.

Abstract: Aqueous solutions of naphthalene sulfonic acid/formaldehyde salts of at least two alkali metal ions remain substantially free of precipitate at temperatures of 0.degree.-5.degree. C.