Abstract: An Internet Video Recording system and method, for enabling recording and management of dynamic Web content, such that changed content can be automatically captured and viewed at the user's convenience. Accordingly, the user navigates to the desired destination, presses the recording button, fills in, confirms and configures the recording parameters. The software monitors elected content for changes, and records the chosen Web site content each time the elected content changes. The user can subsequently use the application of the present invention to view and manage the tracked content at his/her convenience. Content changes from a plurality of sources can similarly be detected and recorded in parallel.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for modifying a television broadcast signal. In one embodiment, the system includes a memory that stores an alternate commercial signal, and a controller that is coupled to the memory and receives the broadcast signal. The broadcast signal includes a program signal and commercial signals. The controller substitutes the alternate commercial signal for one of the commercial signals upon determining that a first condition has been met, for example, upon the sensing two video/audio blank periods in the broadcast signal separated by a predetermined time period. In another embodiment, a broadcast signal including a series of screen signals alternating with a series of blanking signals is embedded, at an upstream location, with additional information relating to alternate commercials or commands during the blanking signals. At a downstream location, a controller processes the additional information and modifies the broadcast signal in response.

Abstract: A method of detecting frozen fields in a video signal that has undergone analog encoding at some point along a transmission path acquires the video signal as a digital video signal. Every field of the digital video signal and its nth subsequent field are selected as a pair, where n is an integer multiple of the number of fields required for one cycle of color phasing in the analog encoding. The pairs of the selected fields are compared and, if the difference is essentially zero, a frozen field error is indicated.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for distributing content associated with an event venue in and about the event venue. The systems include one or more media inputs that comprise information associated with the event venue, an editing system communicably coupled to the one or more media inputs. The editing system can manipulate the information received from the one or more media inputs. Further, a distribution system is communicably coupled to the editing system, and a portable access device is communicably coupled to the distribution system. The methods involve a variety of approaches related to providing media streams to the portable access devices and for receiving and servicing requests from such portable access devices.

Abstract: An improved method for enhanced puppetry or similar types of performances utilizing a virtual set having a key-color screen behind the set to do live action filming. All objects on the set, except for the performing puppet, or other objects which are to appear in the final product, are wrapped in a material which matches the color of the key-color screen. A virtual background is generated and combined with the live action whereby only the puppet (or other object) appears on the virtual background in real time, with all other objects on the live set, including puppeteers, for example, being eliminated from the final product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for creating video programs in a virtual studio, ensuring the interactive interaction of actors with objects of virtual reality, and also simplification and acceleration of the procedure of creating animated programs. During the filming of an actor 2 in a virtual studio, an image of the actor is superimposed with the image of virtual space formed at the angle of view of a virtual camera with parameters, which correspond to the parameters of the television camera 3. Wherein in order ensure interactive interaction of the actor with the objects of virtual space with the aid of a means 10, the angle of view of the actor is determined and the image of virtual space formed in the unit 8 in accordance with the angle of view of the actor is displayed to him by means of the means 11.

Abstract: A system for performing closed captioning enables a caption prepared remotely by a captioner to be repositioned by someone other than the captioner, such as by a program originator. This capability is particularly useful when, for example, the program originator wishes to include a banner in a video but also wishes to avoid having a closed caption interfere with the banner. In one illustrative system, the program originator is a broadcast station that includes a conventional encoder and a broadcast station computer. In one arrangement, control data generated at the station computer is incorporated into the caption data by the station computer. In another arrangement, the control data is sent from the station computer to the captioner computer, which incorporates the control data into the caption data.

Abstract: A command and control architecture for a compressed digital television broadcast studio. The architecture includes provisions for session management, real-time control of studio activities, the use of proxy objects to establish communications with objects not providing a high level of control, control of studio filter devices and stream management. The invention includes an object architecture particularly suited to a digital studio.

Abstract: A digital radio frequency transmitter system having an input circuit for receiving digital signals to be amplified and transmitted. A digital-to-analog converter converts the digital signals into analog signals. A series circuit is provided including a radio frequency filter and a radio frequency amplifier located downstream from the converter and wherein the filter and the amplifier respectively introduce linear and non-linear distortions into the analog signals for transmission by the transmitter. A digital pre-correction circuit is located upstream from the digital-to-analog converter for pre-correcting the digital signals in a manner to compensate for at least some of the distortions. An analog pre-correction circuit is interposed between the digital-to-analog converter and the series circuit for pre-correcting the analog signals to additionally compensate for at least some of the distortions prior to application to the series circuit.

Abstract: A non-linear editor is connected to video processing equipment through a serial digital video interface to edit high definition (HD) television video data. The non-linear editor includes a randomly accessible, computer-readable and re-writeable storage medium that stores a plurality of sequences of HD digital images representing a frame or field of HD motion video data. The non-linear editor provides a configuration control signal to identify processing to be performed on the HD video data and defines a video program to be rendered using the stored HD digital images. An input serial digital interface and an output serial digital interface in the non-linear editor provide the HD video data to be edited. A multiformat video router controls the HD video data sent between the non-linear editor and the video processing equipment. The router is video interconnected to the video processing equipment and to the serial digital interfaces of the non-linear editor.

Abstract: An interactive video system is provided that includes an input device configured to produce an input signal, and a video-mixing device configured to interpret the input signal and to receive a video-source signal. The video-mixing device includes a video-image processor configured to selectively alter the video-source signal based on the interpreted input signal and transmit a selectively altered-video signal.

Abstract: A system and a method for avoiding unwanted objects e.g. a microphone in a field of vision wherein a search field and an alarm field defined in the filed of vision is used to detect the object. Detectable means is attached to the unwanted object so as to make detection of the object easier. A suspension for microphones comprising an internal microphone holder interconnected to a plurality of bars by means of elastic members. A wind hood for a microphone comprising at least an outer, a middle and an inner layer of wind absorbing material stretchable arranged with interspaces around the microphone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for distributing time and frequency information to a plurality of studios such that the studios can then use the time and frequency information frequency and timelock their studio components to the global reference. The apparatus includes various embodiments for facilitating the distribution of time and frequency depending upon the type of digital network that is used for distributing the television signals.

Abstract: In a MPEG or other video coding system, regions of each frame may be independently coded for later, independent extraction or processing directly from a compressed bit stream. An encoder/transcoder receives raw video, standard compressed video or compressed video already having independently coded regions (“ICRs”) that are to be edited in some manner. The encoder/transcoder permits user creation of regions, and provides automatic tracking features to identify and select those objects or regions through multiple frames (notwithstanding object movement). The encoder/transcoder re-uses as much compressed input data as is available in generating an output, and so, may be used for real-time encoding and editing processes. To this effect, the encoder/transcoder re-uses original bit stream data as well as original or new motion vector data in compiling an output, or any mix of them as appropriate.

Abstract: A method for generating a personalized presentation, comprising providing an Internet browser user interlace for selecting an image and a surrounding context; receiving the selected image and surrounding context by an Internet web server; accounting for the user activity in a financial accounting system; and delivering the selected image and surrounding context to the user. The surrounding context may comprises a physical frame for a picture, with a printed version of the selected image framed therein. The accounting step may provide consideration to a rightsholder of the selected image, or provide for receipt of consideration from a commercial advertiser. A plurality of images may be selected, wherein the context defines a sequence of display of the plurality of images.

Abstract: A television system is provided wherein a target region in successive video images is replaced by a matching pattern adapted to be inserted into the target region, using a virtual insertion unit located downstream of the originating site. The system includes television cameras for, when active, producing a sequence of video images of a scene, and a switcher or multiplexer for switching between camera images. A broadcast image processor located with the multiplexer in an outside broadcast van receives the video images and adds layers of graphics and special effects to the video images to produce a broadcast feed. The virtual insertion unit, which is located off-site from the van, receives the broadcast feed and modifies the video images of the broadcast feed by replacing the target region of these images with a replacement pattern adapted to be inserted into the target region.

Abstract: A source original HD video signal S1 of 24-frame rate is subjected to 2-3 pull-down process, thereby generating a 30-frame rate SD video signal S5. The 24-frame rate time code added to the source video signal S1 is described in the user area of the VITC data (201) inserted into the 30-frame rate video signal. The sequence number 301 indicating the order of fields in one sequence of the pull-down process is described in the user area of the VITC data (201) inserted in the 30-frame rate video signal. Inverse 2-3 pull-down process is performed on the 30-frame rate video signal recorded on tape, by using the sequence number 301 described in the user area of the VITC data, thereby generating a 24-frame rate video signal. The 24-frame rate video signal is recorded on a hard disc. A nonlinear editing device (19) uses the 24-frame rate time code inserted in the user area of the VITC data, thereby generating an edition list that will be supplied to an on-line editing system.

Abstract: This invention relates to a data recording and reproduction apparatus, and a method and a system for sending out data for preparing a log file of material codes and a sending time. The video server comprises a storage means utilizing a randomly accessible storage media, and a server controller for controlling the storage means and multiple input and output ports connected to the storage means. The input port includes a multiplexer for inserting the material code to identify video source onto compressed video signals derived from video signals fed to the input ports. Video signals with their material codes superimposed thereon are recorded as video sources on the storage means. A material code is extracted from any video signal that is reproduced, and a log file of the sending data (sending time and data including material code relating to the sent-out material) is generated.

Abstract: An improved method for enhanced puppetry or similar types of performances utilizing a virtual set having a key-color screen behind the set to do live action filming. All objects on the set, except for the performing puppet, or other objects which are to appear in the final product, are wrapped in a material which matches the color of the keycolor screen. A virtual background is generated and combined with the live action whereby only the puppet (or other object) appears on the virtual background in real time, with all other objects on the live set, including puppeteers, for example, being eliminated from the final product.

Abstract: An improved cinematographic system and method for multiple compositing, within a virtual studio, of an image frame or image sequence of a real/action image of an action sequence of a puppet, with another image frame or image sequence of a real/action image of the same or another puppet, within a given virtual studio space. This system and method have application to the compositing of a master camera angle image and a close-up image of the same puppet character; and, to the compositing of a master camera angle image of one action puppet character with a second image from another camera angle of another puppet action character, so as to provide an interactive image sequence of each of the characters of each image within the same image frame.

Abstract: An illumination reproduction apparatus and process for illuminating a subject with the illumination at a location in a scene when the subject is not in the scene. Scene illumination data is generated that specifies the illumination at the location in the scene from a plurality of spatial directions. The subject is then illuminated with the illumination at the location in the scene by driving a plurality of light sources surrounding the subject with the scene illumination data.

Abstract: Motion information for an object and background information are broadcast-transmitted on a transmitting side. On a receiving side, the motion information and the background information are received, and one of a plurality of character models previously stored is selected. A character image is generated using the selected mode and the received motion information. The character image and the received background image are synthesized and displayed on one screen. The viewer can select a character of his or her own liking, and can view the broadcast-transmitted program as a program in which the particular character appears.

Abstract: High efficiency coding method and apparatus of a video data, in which even from video data in a fade-in or fade-out state, coded video data which does not cause a deterioration of a picture quality upon decoding of said video data can be obtained. When the image based on the video data is in the fade-in or fade-out state and many outline components are included in the image, a motion vector is detected from the luminance adjusted video data obtained by adjusting the luminance of the video data. When the number of outline components included in the image is small, the motion vector is directly detected from the video data and the video data is encoded by a motion compensation prediction according to the motion vector.

Abstract: A video signal is processed to identify segments that are likely to be associated with a commercial or other particular type of video content. A signature is extracted from each of the segments so identified, and the extracted signatures are used, possibly in conjunction with additional temporal and contextual information, to determine which of the identified segments are in fact associated with the particular video content. One or more of the extracted signatures may be, e.g., a visual frame signature based at least in part on a visual characteristic of a frame of the video segment, as determined using information based on DC and motion coefficients of the frame, or DC and AC coefficients of the frame. A given extracted signature may alternatively be an audio signature based at least in part on a characteristic of an audio signal associated with a portion of the video segment. Other types of signatures can also be used.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that can be used to enhance a video of an event. Sensors are used at the event to acquire information. For example, the system can include pan, tilt and zoom sensors to acquire camera view information. This information can be added to the video signal from a camera (e.g. in the vertical blanking interval) or otherwise transmitted to a central studio. At the studio, the sensor information is used to enhance the video for broadcast. Example enhancements include drawing lines or other shapes in the video, adding advertisements to the video or adding other graphics to the video.

Abstract: A method of detecting transitions in a video sequence includes inputting a digital video sequence into a video processor; detecting a monotonically varying image intensity profile of the digital video sequence; and tagging the digital video sequence associated with such an intensity profile as a transition event.

Abstract: Program production supporting component, transmission equipment controlling component, material creation managing component, and storing component are interconnected through a network, and managing component and exterior supporting component are connected to the network, thereby making it possible to realize a program production and transmission apparatus capable of efficiently execution creation of program component information with production information produced based on production schedule information, creation of a program progress table formed based on the program component information, and processing for editing and transmission based on the program progress table at timing as required.

Abstract: An integrated, fully automated video production system that provides a video director with total control over all of the video production devices used in producing a show. Such devices include, but are not limited to, cameras, robotic pan/tilt heads, video tape players and recorders (VTRs), video servers and virtual recorders, character generators, still stores, digital video disk players (DVDs), audio mixers, digital video effects (DVE), video switchers, and teleprompting systems. The video production system provides an automation capability that allows the video director to pre-produce a show, review the show in advance of “air time,” and then, with a touch of a button, produce the live show. In one embodiment, the invention provides a video production system having a processing unit in communication with one or more of the video production devices mentioned above.

Abstract: A system and method for editing live television signals. This system includes: a plurality of input connectors for receiving separate input video signals, and an output connector; a mixer for generating at the output connector a real-time output video signal derived from at least one of the input video signals; a single display monitor for simultaneously displaying each of the input video signals and the output video signal; and an imager coupled between the mixer and the display monitor for causing at least three images to be displayed on the display monitor in a split-screen format, the at least three images corresponding to the input video signals and the output video signal. The system in enclosed in a portable suitcase housing.

Abstract: Video picture signals are received via at least three channels. At least three control instructing operators are provided in correspondence with the channels. Each control instructing operator is operable to give a signal control instruction for the corresponding channel in accordance with an operated amount of the operator. Controller performs signal control on the video picture signals of the channels on the basis of the respective signal control instructions given via the control instructing operators. Synthesizer synthesizes the video picture signals of the channels having been subjected to the signal control by the controller. Video picture signals of two desired channels are designated, and a contact-type operator gives signal control instructions, corresponding to a predetermined position of the operator contacted by a human operator, with respect to the video picture signals of the designated two channels.

Abstract: An arrangement for TV broadcasting outdoor events or the like via a mobile unit (34), which is connected via cables (30, 11, 20) to devices (12, 21, 22) for supplying and/or receiving video, audio or control signals and accommodates corresponding apparatuses (34a) for processing these signals, achieves a reduction in the number of cables and realizes new services, by providing at least one coupling station (10) in which separate optical waveguides (11, 20), outgoing from the individual devices (12, 21, 22), are coupled to a light-wave broadband cable (30), the light-wave broadband cable (30) being connected to a docking station (31) for transferring source signals, the devices (12, 21, 22) and the docking station (31) having electro-optical transducer elements (32) for converting the source signals, and the docking station being connectable to the mobile unit (34).

Abstract: A video-audio data processor for editing encoded video-audio data of plural programs to form a serial program and then outputting the same. The processor comprises an encoder for encoding the reproduced video-audio data of each program and recording such data temporarily in a recording means; a play-out section for recording the encoded data temporarily in another recording means and then outputting the encoded data; a recording means selector for calculating the quantity of the encoded data while calculating also the remaining recording capacities of the plural recording means, and selecting one recording means, where the encoded data are to be recorded, in accordance with the data quantity and the remaining recording capacities; and a display unit for displaying the remaining recording capacities of the recording means detected by the recording means selector.

Abstract: The invention overcomes the need to adjust the video level settings of different video capture devices for each source by saving each setting as a difference between the actual setting and a default setting when digitizing source material. These saved differences are called differential settings. An actual setting for another capture device that provides consistent video levels when digitizing the same source may be derived from both the differential setting obtained when digitizing using the first capture device and the default setting of the other capture device. As a result, source material is mapped to consistent internal digital levels when used on the different devices. Accordingly, video characteristics such as gain, black, saturation and hue can be maintained correctly regardless of the unique settings due to manufacturing and calibration tolerances of the different video capture devices.

Abstract: A non-linear video editing system includes a graphical user interface to facilitate editing of video clips in a composition. The system includes the ability to display and edit a video frame on a field-by-field basis. Each field can be edited separately from the other field of the same frame. Additionally, inter-field jitter, present when fields are displayed individually, is removed by determining which field includes the top-most line of the frame and adjusting accordingly.

Abstract: An automated video production system having full news integration and automation. The automated video production system enables a producer to create a show rundown by selecting news stories for a live or live-to-tape video show. The system supports real time conversion of the show rundown into computer readable broadcast instructions for executing the news program. After the broadcast instructions are created, the director can instruct the system to execute the broadcast instructions in either a fully or semi-automatic mode. The fully integrated and automated video production system periodically monitors and synchronizes the show rundown with the broadcast instructions. After the show has been broadcasted, the broadcast instructions and a video recording of the show is stored for future use. For instance, the broadcast instructions can be retrieved and used in another show. Similarly, the recording of the show can be retrieved and re-broadcasted, for example, over the Internet.

Abstract: Multiple streams of data are streamed to a user's terminal with images from different cameras. Low resolution thumbnail images tell the user what image streams are available. A focus stream provides high resolution images from a selected camera. A user can switch the focus stream to another stream by clicking on the associated thumbnail. The users can also be provided with a thumbnail of panoramic image. Other data streams sent to the user can contain (a) audio data, (b) interactivity markup data which describes regions of the image which provide interactivity opportunities such as hotspots, (c) presentation markup data which defines how data is presented on the user's screen, (d) a telemetry data stream which can be used for various statistical data. One data stream contains a low quality base image for each data stream which can be enhanced to forma high resolution focus image.

Abstract: To maintain lip-sync when a video signal has been edited or switched at a video frame boundary, the associated audio signal is advanced or retarded to the closest audio frame boundary. Any error introduced by this constraint is accumulated and carried forward to direct a subsequent advance or retard decision. In this way, the cumulative error can be kept within an acceptable tolerance.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the detection of repeated and frozen frames in a video signal obtains the absolute differences between pixels in corresponding fields of consecutive frames and generates a logic bit-map based on a threshold that is related to a maximum absolute difference for the field. The logic “1”s in the logic bit-map are counted to determine a normalized distribution count for the field and to determine an actual count in each of a plurality of segments of the logic bit-map. The actual counts are compared with bounds generated from the normalized distribution count and, if all the actual counts for the field are within the bounds, a repeated frame is reported. Alternatively in the absence of noise the actual counts are compared with a minimum value and, if all of the actual counts are below the minimum value, a repeated frame is reported.

Abstract: A system that relates annotations captured at an event and continuous signal recordings, such as video recordings, of the event in such as way that once the recordings and annotations are distributed to a remote site, an operator does not have to manually identify the time intervals of individual segments that are identified in the annotations. Prior to distribution to the remote sites, the annotations that are collected for the event are processed to identify a series of time segments, including a time interval of the signal recordings. The time reference for these identified time intervals is based on the signal recordings themselves, for example, being relative to a time reference marks that are introduced into the video recordings before they are distributed to the remote site, or being based on an recorded time signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the processing of video data in which the appearance characteristics of picture elements are modified using digital apparatus such as a color processor which provides a plurality of channels having respective processing means, each channel being adapted normally to operate to process a discrete range of characteristics, wherein the method comprises the step of operating the apparatus in an alternative mode in which at least two of the channels are used to carry out identical processing steps, spatial segments of the video data being split between said at least two channels to thereby increase the speed of processing.

Abstract: A multi-format digital video production system enables a user to process an input video program to produce an output version of the program in a final format which may have a different frame rate, pixel dimensions, or both. An internal production format of 24 fps is preferably chosen to provide the greatest compatibility with existing and planned formats associated with HDTV standard 4:3 or widescreen 16:9 high-definition television, and film. Images are re-sized horizontally and vertically by pixel interpolation, thereby producing larger or smaller image dimensions so as to fill the particular needs of individual applications. Frame rates are adapted by inter-frame interpolation or by traditional schemes, including “3:2 pull-down” for 24-to-30 fps conversions. Simple speed-up (for 24-to-25 conversions) or slow-down (for 25-to-24 conversions) for playback, or by manipulating the frame rate itself using a program storage facility with asynchronous reading and writing capabilities.

Abstract: In a video signal distribution device (1) having operating elements (14, 15) and a control device (13) for evaluating the operating state of the operating elements (14, 15) and for forming a video output signal from a multitude of video source signals (7, 19) in dependence upon the operating state, the video output signal being made available at an output (12) of the device, there is provided, for second and third utilizers, that the video signal distribution device (1) includes a storage device (13) for storing an assignment prescription for assigning at least a second operating state to each evaluated operating state, and that the control device (13) generates at least a second video output signal in conformity with the second operating state predetermined by the storage device, and makes this second video output signal available at at least a second output (24).

Abstract: A play to air controller station system in a distributed object television broadcast studio. In one embodiment, a play to air control workstation is used to control a variety of resources in a broadcast studio system interconnected by a communications network. The resources of the broadcast studio system include a transmitter unit, various media source devices such as tape decks and file servers, a network routers unit, and various decoders and encoders. The broadcast studio system is managed as a network distributed object system where an all physical devices are attached to the network either by containing appropriate software within themselves, or by attaching themselves to a computer proxy that is on the network and is able to control their functionality. The control system includes one or more device objects configured to store, route and transmit selected video segments to be aired from the television broadcast studio.

Abstract: A method provides for the signaling of a still image capture during video capture, the method including a step of receiving a still image frame capture command in a push model mechanism. The method also includes a step for capturing an image frame; and, modifying a set of bits in an image plane in the image frame; wherein the set of bits in the image plane indicates that the image frame is a still image frame. An apparatus for performing the method is also provided.

Abstract: An encoding method and apparatus in which, in assigning bits to compressed video data recorded across plural recording areas or layers, bit assignment is evaluated as to whether or not non-permissible difference in picture quality is not produced under given encoding conditions, from one recording area or layer to another, and an optimum condition is presented. The bit assignment is done from one encoding unit to another responsive to the encoding difficulty corrected responsive to the as-changed picture type and the number of bits accorded to the entire encoding material ┌SUPPLY_BYTES┘ and the variation in the assigned quantities to respective recording areas is detected to evaluate whether or not the picture quality difference is allowable. If the picture quality difference is not allowable, a warning is displayed.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program for editing recorded information having a format where both a video signal and an audio signal are recorded on a recording medium. When the recorded information is reproduced, a detection is conducted to determine a position where a predetermined condition is produced in the audio signal. Discriminating information indicative of an editing position is produced based on the position where the predetermined condition is detected and displayed on a screen of a display apparatus.

Abstract: Video assist control systems and methods for use in film/video production environments are presented which provide a link between production and post-production by storing and managing both recorded media and production information. Multiple video signals (including audio) may be selectively received and simultaneously digitally recorded and stored, along with time code information, with near instantaneous playback capability for multiple current and past recordings. Database functionality is incorporated to provide for entry and storage of information associated with each recording. The database provides searching capabilities to locate and retrieve past recordings, based on stored information, for playback review, editing and assembly of recordings or portions thereof.

Abstract: Video images and/or audio clips are rapidly and efficiently assembled into a finished program master recording for playback, including subsequent duplication. The images and audio portions may be collected locally or from remote sites in a variety of still video, motion, or multimedia formats. To reduce bandwidth or storage requirements, proprietary or commercially available compression/decompression data algorithms preferably are utilized during transmission and accumulation. Once a complete program is available the images and/or audio portions may be replayed automatically in a predetermined sequence, thereby allowing the program master video tape or disc to be recorded and distributed in a timely manner. As an alternative, the program presentation may be played back directly to a plurality of video recorders to effect duplication.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for editing video which has at least two components: a digital database system and a nonlinear video editor. The digital database system stores source video segments and has the capability to decimate the source video segments into decimated video segments of a selected decimation quality. The nonlinear video editor is connected to selectively access decimated video segments and source video segments from the digital database system. The nonlinear video editor is capable of using the decimated video segments during editing of a video program and accessing the source video segments to produce the program at a different quality than the selected video.

Abstract: An audio/video production system facilitates professional quality image manipulation and editing using an enhanced general-purpose hardware. A program input may be translated into any of a variety of graphics or television formats, including NTSC, PAL, SECAM and HDTV, and stored as data-compressed images, using any of several commercially available methods such as Motion JPEG, MPEG, etc. While being processed, the images may be re-sized to produce a desired aspect ratio or dimensions using conventional techniques such as pixel interpolation. Frame rate conversion to and from conventional formats is performed by using the techniques employed for film-to-NTSC and film-to-PAL transfers, or by inter-frame interpolation, all well known in the art. By judicious selection of the optimal digitizing parameters, the system allows a user to establish an interrelated family of aspect ratios, resolutions, and frame rates, yet remain compatible with currently available and planned graphics and television formats.