Abstract: A run-level coding module can be used in a video encoder that generates a processed video signal from a video input signal. The run-level coding module includes a run-level coder that generates a first plurality of run-level pairs from a first stream of quantized data. A first ring buffer buffers a first number of the first plurality of run-level pairs. The processed video signal is generated based on the buffered first number of run-level pairs.

Abstract: A motion compensation module, that can be used in a video encoder for encoding a video input signal, includes a motion search module that generates a motion search motion vector for each motion search macroblock of a plurality of motion search macroblocks in at least one of a horizontally compressed and vertically uncompressed field of the video input signal and a horizontally compressed and vertically uncompressed frame of the video input signal. A motion refinement module generates a refined motion vector for each motion refinement macroblock of a plurality of macroblocks of at least one of an uncompressed field of the video input signal and an uncompressed frame of the video input signal, based on the motion search motion vector.

Abstract: Encoding a video signal according to a scalable video coding (SVC) technique employs two different encoding paths for the base layer and the enhancement layers respectively, whereby the two encoding paths share common hardware encoding modules. For example, a control module can route received video information associated with the base layer directly to the hardware encoder modules for encoding, while routing video information associated with the enhancement layers to an upscaler. The upscaled video information is then provided to the hardware encoder module for processing in similar fashion to the base layer information. The hardware encoder provides encoded video information to another control module, which determines whether to route the information to a hardware or software entropy encoder, based on whether the encoded video information is associated with the base layer or an enhancement layer, respectively.

Abstract: A video decoder includes an entropy decoding device that generates entropy decoded (EDC) data from an encoded video signal. A multi-format video decoding device includes a plurality of vector processor units that generate a decoded video signal from the EDC data. The plurality of vector processing units are programmed via VPU instructions formatted to include a vector instruction portion, a scalar instruction portion, and a branching instruction portion.

Abstract: A video decoder includes an entropy decoding device that generates entropy decoded (EDC) data from an encoded video signal. A multi-format video decoding device generates a decoded video signal from the EDC data, the multi-format video decoding device having a plurality of modules that are implemented via a plurality of vector processor units.

Abstract: A multi-format video decoder includes an entropy decoding device that generates entropy decoded (EDC) data from an encoded video signal. A multi-format video decoding device includes a memory module that stores format configuration data corresponding to a plurality of video coding formats. A plurality of vector processor units generate a decoded video signal from the EDC data, wherein the plurality of vector processing units are configured, based on the configuration data, to a selected one of the plurality of video coding formats.

Abstract: A multi-pass video encoder includes a video encoding module that encodes a video signal based on an initial configuration data set to generate an initial processed video signal and an initial output data set. An application coding control module generates the initial configuration data set and generates a first updated configuration data set based on both the initial processed video signal and the initial output data set. The video encoding module further encodes the video signal based on the first updated configuration data set to generate a first updated processed video signal and a first updated output data set.

Abstract: A technique for encoding and decoding video information uses a plurality of video processing modules (VPMs), whereby each video processing module is dedicated to a particular video processing function, such as filtering, matrix arithmetic operations, and the like. Information is transferred between the video processing modules using a set of first-in first-out (FIFO) buffers. For example, to transfer pixel information from a first VPM to a second VPM, the first VPM stores the pixel information at the head of a FIFO buffer, while the second VPM retrieves information from the tail of the FIFO buffer. The FIFO buffer thus permits transfer of information between the VPMs without storage of the information to a cache or other techniques that can reduce video processing speed.

Abstract: A motion identification signal is generated, based on a sequence of pictures of a video signal. A motion adaptive filter is adapted based on the motion identification signal. A scene change detection signal is generated based on the motion identification signal. A cadence detection signal can also be generated based on the motion identification signal.

Abstract: A video encoder includes a non-syntax processing engine that processes a video input signal into an intermediate signal in accordance with a first video compression standard. A syntax section transforms and quantizes the intermediate signal in accordance with a second video compression standard to produce a processed video signal, wherein the second video compression standard is different from the first video compression standard.

Abstract: A video encoder includes a forward path section that processes a video input signal in accordance with a video compression standard, based on a plurality of reference pictures, to generate a processed video signal and a plurality of transformed quantized residual pixel values. A decoding engine decodes the plurality of transformed quantized residual pixel values in accordance with the video compression standard to the plurality of reference pictures.

Abstract: A scaled motion search section can be used in a video processing device that processes a video input signal that includes a plurality of pictures. The scaled motion search section includes a downscaling module that downscales the plurality of pictures to generate a plurality of downscaled pictures, wherein the downscaling module includes a horizontal downscaling filter and a vertical downscaling filter, and wherein the vertical downscaling filter generates downscaled pixels for a macroblock pair using only pixels from the macroblock pair. A reduced-scale motion search module generates a plurality of motion vector candidates at a downscaled resolution, based on the plurality of downscaled pictures. A full-scale motion search module generates a plurality of motion search motion vectors at a full resolution, based on a plurality of reference pictures and further based on the plurality of motion vector candidates.

Abstract: A noise level estimation module includes a pixel block selection module for selecting a plurality of selected pixel blocks over a set of K fields of a video signal, each of the plurality of selected pixel blocks containing a plurality of pixels having corresponding pixel values. A difference calculation module calculates a block difference for each of the plurality of selected pixel blocks based on a pixel difference between the pixel value for each of the plurality of pixels and a pixel value for a corresponding pixel in an adjacent field. A signal generator generates a noise level estimation signal based on a subset of M block differences for the plurality of pixel blocks, wherein M is greater than one.

Abstract: A system and a method to manage the presentation of video to one or more display clients are disclosed herein. The video can be presented in a fast forward presentation mode, a fast reverse presentation mode, and a reverse presentation mode. Additionally, the presentation of the video can be paused and then resumed, or shifted by a certain time or number of frames. In at least one embodiment, a frame index is utilized when changing the presentation rate or the direction of the presentation. The frame index can be used to identify and/or locate certain frames of the video. Once located and/or identified, the order of the frames can be manipulated and/or a subset of the frames can be selected to generate different presentation modes of the video.

Abstract: A video encoder includes a receiving module for receiving a video signal, the video signal including a plurality of fields, wherein each of the plurality of fields includes a plurality of pixels. The video encoder further includes a signal processor having a signal processing module for generating a processed video signal and a video encoding module for producing an encoded video signal based on the processed video signal. The signal processing module includes a video filter module that is enabled when a filter enable signal is asserted and disabled when the filter enable signal is deasserted. The video filter module filters at least one of the plurality of pixels of a corresponding one of the plurality of fields when the video filter module is enabled.

Abstract: A run-level coding module can be used in a video encoder that generates a processed video signal from a video input signal. The run-level coding module includes a run-level coder that generates a first plurality of run-level pairs from a first stream of quantized data. A first ring buffer buffers a first number of the first plurality of run-level pairs. The processed video signal is generated based on the buffered first number of run-level pairs.

Abstract: A deblocking filter module can be used in a video processing device that processes a video input signal in accordance with a plurality of coding parameters. The deblocking filter module includes an adaptive deblocking filter that receives a plurality of samples and produces a plurality of filtered samples in response thereto, the adaptive deblocking filter having at least one filter parameter that is controllable in response to a filter control signal. A filter control module generates the filter control signal based on the plurality of coding parameters.

Abstract: A video encoder includes a mode decision module that determines a final macroblock cost for each macroblock of the plurality of macroblocks based on costs associated with a plurality of motion vectors. An intra pulse code modulation (IPCM) module, when enabled, selects an IPCM mode when the final macroblock cost compares unfavorably to an IPCM threshold. A reconstruction module generates residual pixel values for each macroblock of the plurality of macroblocks and a transform and quantization module, transforms and quantizes the residual pixel values when the IPCM mode is not selected.

Abstract: A motion compensation module can be used in a video encoder that encodes, into a processed video signal, a video input signal including a sequence of pictures. The motion compensation module includes a motion flag generation module that generates a motion flag for at least one of the plurality of macroblocks of a first picture of the sequence of pictures based on a corresponding macroblock of a plurality of macroblocks of a second picture of the sequence of pictures. A direct mode motion vector module evaluates a direct mode motion vector for the corresponding macroblock of the second picture, based on the motion flag for the at least one of the plurality of macroblocks of the first picture.

Abstract: An encoding system includes a first signal interface for receiving a first video signal in a first format. A second signal interface receives a second video signal in a second format. A first encoding module generates a first processed video signal in a third format. A second encoding module generates a second processed video signal in a fourth format, wherein the second processed signal is generated contemporaneously with the first processed video signal and wherein the first format differs from the third format and the second format differs from the fourth format.