John J Weber

US Patent:

58725652, Feb 16, 1999

Filed:

Nov 26, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/757747

Inventors:

Paul E. Greaves - Granite Bay CA
John F. Weber - Sacramento CA
David E. Porter - Sacramento CA
Michael Richard Young Moore - Rancho Cordova CA

Assignee:

Play, Inc. - Rancho Cordova CA

International Classification:

H04N 974

US Classification:

345328

Abstract:

A video processing system includes but structure, signal flow, and components to process and combine audio and video signals with improved power, cost-effectiveness, and flexibility. The system includes one or more input modules to convert input video signals to a predetermined format. A router routes converted video signals to selected ones of upstream processing cards, which perform video processing such as digital video effects, frame synchronization, non-linear editing, cascading, filtering, and the like. Signals from the upstream processing cards are directed to a switcher, which selectively mixes the upstream-processed signals. A switcher preview module may be provided to intermediately view signals provided by the switcher. The switcher is also attached to a series of downstream video processing cards, which may insert logos, add overlaying, and other suitable post-mixing functions. An output encoder converts signals from the downstream video processing cards into a desired output format, presenting these signals to I/O modules.