Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide faster user-selected scene switching during playback of a video production. In one embodiment, several channels of video (e.g., several video streams each depicting a different camera angle) are read from interleaved data on a DVD disc. Each channel's data is maintained in a channel buffer that is input to a video decoder via a selector. When a signal from a user input device indicates that a user has selected a new channel, the selector can immediately provide the selected channel's data from the channel buffer to the video decoder, thus providing an increase in switching speed.

Abstract: A video playback device automatically generates transition indications when a user selects a new video stream while a current video stream is playing. Transitions can be any visual and/or audio indication including a wipe, fade, title overlay, graphics overlay, etc. Predetermined default transitions are associated with different transition types or a user can create and associate transitions to be used. Different types of transitions include a scene change, angle change, exit to a control menu, etc.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide faster user-selected scene switching during playback of a video production. In one embodiment, several channels of video (e.g., several video streams each depicting a different camera angle) are read from interleaved data on a DVD disc. Each channel's data is maintained in a channel buffer that is input to a video decoder via a selector. When a signal from a user input device indicates that a user has selected a new channel, the selector can immediately provide the selected channel's data from the channel buffer to the video decoder, thus providing an increase in switching speed.

Abstract: A video playback device automatically generates transition indications when a user selects a new video stream while a current video stream is playing. Transitions can be any visual and/or audio indication including a wipe, fade, title overlay, graphics overlay, etc. Predetermined default transitions are associated with different transition types or a user can create and associate transitions to be used. Different types of transitions include a scene change, angle change, exit to a control menu, etc.

Abstract: A system and method for flexibly blending multiple image planes in a video device comprises a timing controller configured to generate adjusted synchronization signals for pretiming multiple video image planes. The timing controller preferably generates the adjusted synchronization signals in response to programmable delay signals and a master synchronization signal. A blender device then receives and flexibly combines the multiple video image planes to generate a synchronized composite blender output signal. The blender preferably includes a selectable pseudo-output signal that may be routed through an external processing device, and returned as a feedback loop to an external input of the blender device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for efficient memory utilization in an electronic system comprises a memory divided into memory units of equal size, a data source, and an interface between the memory and the data source, which manages storage and retrieval of data in the memory. The data source generates first data components and second data components, each of the first data components being larger than each of the second data components. Each memory unit is sized to contain one of the second data components. The memory units are configured as a continuous memory ring. The interface stores the data components sequentially in the memory ring as the data components are generated by the data source. The interface also retrieves the data components sequentially from the memory ring. A control module sends control signals to the interface to control read and write operations for the data components.

Abstract: Display hardware which manages a plurality, e.g. three, potentially overlapping display windows each having its own pixel values and potentially having its own palette, with no limitation as to the position of the windows relative to each other. This capability is provided at a reduced hardware complexity as compared to a parallel hardware approach, by arranging substantial portions of the hardware in a multiplexed fashion so that the same hardware handles the lookup of palette entries for pixel values, regardless of the currently active window. The hardware is arranged so that it may switch in real time from processing data for one window to processing data for another window, whenever the current display coordinate crosses a window boundary.

Abstract: Display hardware which manages a plurality, e.g. three, potentially overlapping display windows each having its own pixel values and potentially having its own palette, with no limitation as to the position of the windows relative to each other. This capability is provided at a reduced hardware complexity as compared to a parallel hardware approach, by arranging substantial portions of the hardware in a multiplexed fashion so that, for example, the same hardware handles the lookup of palette entries for pixel values, regardless of the currently active window. The hardware is arranged so that it may switch in real time from processing data for one window to processing data for another window, whenever the current display coordinate crosses a window boundary.