Abstract: A random access audio/video processor having multiple outputs is disclosed. The processor includes a main control unit with analog video and audio back panels, an analog input/output board, audio and video processing boards, video effects board, synchronization board, and a system board (containing the main CPU). The video processing board includes a compressor for compressing input video signals, and triple transfer buffers for intermediate storage of digital video path. The video processing board further includes decompression circuits coupled to each of two triple transfer buffers for decompressing compressed stored video, and providing the decompressed video channels to an effects board for the addition of special effects. The audio processing board contains processors for compression, decompression, and effects, as well as triple transfer buffers. The triple transfer buffers include present, past, and future buffers which jointly operate to minimize discontinuities in the output channels.

Abstract: A random access audio/video processor having multiple outputs is disclosed. The random access audio/video processor includes a main control unit having an analog video back panel, an analog audio back panel, an analog input/output (I/O) board. An audio processing board, a video processing board, a video effects board, a syncronization board, and a system board (containing the main CPU). The video processing board includes a compressor for compressing input video signals, and a triple transfer buffer, for intermediate storage of digital video path. The video processing board further includes decompression circuits coupled to each of two triple transfer buffers for decompressing compressed stored video, and providing the decompressed video channels to an effects board for the addition of special effects. The audio processing board contains four digital signal processors for audio compression, decompression, and effects processor.

Abstract: A virtual memory system for a video editor is disclosed which permits edited material from discrete takes to be electronically spliced in real time to form edited scenes. Typically, a plurality of cameras take film of originally acted scenes, either simultaneously from different angles or sequentially of differing takes of the same scene material replayed by skilled film actors. The film material is thereafter recorded from all uncut takes to a random access memory, preferably a DRAW laser video disk. An intelligent interface--preferably a microprocessor--connects at least two and preferably three laser disk heads for reading the video frames of the same uncut takes. Each disk head is provided with and reads the identical disk material containing identical unedited takes. An intelligent interface addresses a video disk head to randomly access the uncut takes and cause playing at controlled speeds forwardly, backwardly or still frame.