HP Labs Technical Reports

Interactive Video from Desktops to Settops

Kitson, Fred; Bhaskaran, Vasudev; Kalra, Deven

HPL-95-58

Keyword(s):

Abstract: Video is the component of multimedia that provides the most visual realism while placing the most stress on a computer system. The capture, processing transmission, digital storage and display of video requires a delicate balance between available MIPs, MB/sec and MB of dynamic and static memory. Multimedia applications of the future will combine interactive video and graphics in new and exciting forms. This paper will also address some of the issues and innovations in engendering media enabled computer systems from conventional desktops such as workstations with modern RISC processors to the next generation of consumer computers known as "settops". To provide a specific example, a MPEG1 decoder that is capable of real-time playback of video and audio on HP's RISC-based workstations will be described. The desktop community is seeking "TV-like" functions such as surround sound and broadcast quality video while the home consumer desires "computer-like" interactivity and connectivity.

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