Tools

Inside DSP on Digital Video: Growing a digital video ecosystem

A few years ago, it seemed obvious that we were on the verge of a major change in how consumers obtain and view movies at home. There would be no more schlepping out to the video store to rent a DVD; with the increasing availability of digital video content on the Internet, it seemed clear that everyone would shift to streaming video, to video-on-demand, to any-movie-anytime-with-no-late-fees. The video stores all would close down and become Starbucks cafes or yoga studios. This hasn’t Read more...

Jeff Bier’s Impulse Response—Processor Vendors’ Tool Dilemma

Signal processing applications are becoming more complicated, and so are the processors that run them. As a result, application developers rely on compilers and other tools more heavily than ever. This has made tools a decisive factor in processor-selection decisions. Indeed, differences in tools are a central consideration when choosing between a digital signal processor (DSP) and a general-purpose processor (GPP). DSP vendors often take a go-it-alone approach when it comes to tools: In Read more...

Case Study—Benchmarks for Tools, Software Libraries, and More

System developers often rely on processor benchmarks to gauge system performance. However, the processor is just one of many components that determines overall performance. Fully understanding system performance requires careful analysis of many other elements, such as code-generation tools and third-party software libraries.   Unfortunately, a host of factors can confound attempts to analyze these components. For example, it is difficult to prevent variations in programmer skill and style Read more...

Inside DSP: A New Slant—Welcome to InsideDSP

CMP Media and BDTI are pleased to introduce Inside[DSP], an innovative new series of periodic supplements to EE Times. Each Inside[DSP] supplement will focus on the digital signal-processing technology behind a particular end-equipment market. These will include product categories such as consumer audio and video, mobile multimedia devices, automotive signal-processing applications, and communications equipment. “What?” you say, “Another trade publication? Don't these guys understand that I' Read more...

Embedded C Extensions Move Forward

Last month the ISO approved the final technical ballot for Embedded C, an extension to the C programming language that will ease signal-processing software development. After an additional round of editing, the ISO is expected to publish the Embedded C specification as a “technical report.” An ISO technical report is similar to a standard, but carries somewhat less authority. Embedded C extends the C programming language with support for fractional arithmetic, multiple address spaces, and I Read more...

Observations From ISPC/GSPx

Last month BDTI participated in the International Signal Processing Conference and Global Signal Processing Expo (ISPC/GSPx) held in Dallas, Texas. The conference included many insightful presentations on tough signal-processing problems. The presenters represented a mix of corporations and universities, and topics ranged from practical tips to esoteric algorithms. One of the more interesting presentations introduced AccelFGPA, a tool under development by the venture-backed start-up Read more...