Video

Khronos Announces Cross-Platform Multimedia API

On July 6, the Khronos Group announced OpenMAX, an application programming interface (API) covering a set of basic functions used in graphics, still image, audi o, and video software. For example, OpenMAX will include API calls for video decompression sub-functions like the inverse discrete cosine transform. OpenMAX is intended to be a cross-platform API, enabling programmers to use the same function calls across a wide range of architectures. According to Khronos, OpenMAX is a response to Read more...

Case Study—Measuring Multimedia Performance

At first glance, measuring processor performance on multimedia applications can seem straightforward. Many multimedia applications are based on published standards and widely available software. For example, MPEG-4 video decompression software is available for most popular processors. Because such software is often readily available, measuring multimedia performance may seem to be a simple matter of checking the processor vendor’s published performance data for the relevant software modules Read more...

Inside DSP on Video: Smart Processor Picks for Digital Video

Adam Lins contributed to this article. Processor vendors offer a dizzying array of options for digital video applications. Selecting the right processor from the myriad options—and understanding the tradeoffs associated with each choice—is key to getting digital video products to market at the right time and at the right price. In this article we introduce basic concepts needed to select a processor for a digital video application. We begin with a discussion of the processing needs of a Read more...

Inside DSP on Video: The Revolution Will Be Televised

A revolution in video technology is under way. The move from analog to digital is reshaping video applications and creating entirely new classes of products and services. The changes affect a broad range of video applications, from portable media players to newscasting to military equipment. In this article, we focus on the video technology trends in consumer electronics markets, particularly developments in home entertainment gear. These markets represent by far the largest Read more...

Inside DSP on Video: Squeeze Play—How Video Compression Works

Digital video compression/decompression algorithms (codecs) are at the heart of many modern video products, from DVD players to multimedia jukeboxes to video-capable cell phones. Understanding the operation of video compression algorithms is essential for developers of the systems, processors, and tools that target video applications. In this article, we explain the operation and characteristics of video codecs and the demands codecs make on processors. We also explain how codecs differ from Read more...

Inside DSP on Video: Video—Coming Soon to a Processor Near You

Digital video is fast becoming the new killer app in signal processing. From surveillance cameras to personal video recorders, from HDTV to the home PC, digital video seems to be everywhere. This boom in video-capable products is good news for programmable chip vendors. Video compression algorithms like MPEG-2 and H.264 are extremely computationally demanding. In the past, system designers met this demand with fixed-function hardware, such as off-the-shelf MPEG-2 decoder chips. Although 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...