A transcoder includes a demultiplexer that demultiplexes a video signal into a moving image stream, an audio stream and a subtitle stream. A stream probe generates stream format identification data based on the video signal. A transcoder configuration module generates hardware/software configuration data based on the stream format identification data. The hardware/software configuration data configures a plurality of hardware transcoders and the processing device to operate to generate a transcoded video stream, a transcoded audio stream and processed subtitle stream via selected hardware and software blocks. A remultiplexer generates the processed video signal by remultiplexing the transcoded video stream, the transcoded audio stream and the processed subtitle stream, based on the hardware/software configuration data.

A transcoder includes a demultiplexer that demultiplexes a video signal into a moving image stream, an audio stream and a subtitle stream. A stream probe generates stream format identification data based on the video signal. A transcoder configuration module generates hardware/software configuration data based on the stream format identification data. The hardware/software configuration data configures a plurality of hardware transcoders and the processing device to operate to generate a transcoded video stream, a transcoded audio stream and processed subtitle stream via selected hardware and software blocks. A remultiplexer generates the processed video signal by remultiplexing the transcoded video stream, the transcoded audio stream and the processed subtitle stream, based on the hardware/software configuration data.

A system for distributing auto-stereoscopic images, a parallax blocking mask and methods for producing a parallax blocking mask. A parallax blocking mask is provided as an “add-on” for an existing image display device having a flat panel type display screen. The mask is tailored to the needs of the existing device and delivered to a remote user of the display device. The user mounts the mask to the display device so that the mask overlies the display screen. 3D content in the form of composite stereoscopic images derived from one or more stereoscopic image pairs, and application software, are downloaded to the display device over the Internet, and the application software interleaves the composite stereoscopic images for display on the display screen while the mask is in place. Use of a parallax blocking mask having variable edge transitions, a duty cycle less than fifty percent, or both, is disclosed.

A system for distributing auto-stereoscopic images, a parallax blocking mask and methods for producing a parallax blocking mask. A parallax blocking mask is provided as an “add-on” for an existing image display device having a flat panel type display screen. The mask is tailored to the needs of the existing device and delivered to a remote user of the display device. The user mounts the mask to the display device so that the mask overlies the display screen. 3D content in the form of composite stereoscopic images derived from one or more stereoscopic image pairs, and application software, are downloaded to the display device over the Internet, and the application software interleaves the composite stereoscopic images for display on the display screen while the mask is in place. Use of a parallax blocking mask having variable edge transitions, a duty cycle less than fifty percent, or both, is disclosed.

A signal processing device is disclosed, which includes a plurality of channel receivers, a plurality of time code processors in one-to-one correspondence with the channel receivers, a timing generator, a signal processor and a transmitter, wherein each channel receiver is configured to parse an audio-video signal which has a data format defined by the SDI protocol and including a time code that characterizes time information. Each time code processor is configured to extract the time code from a parsed audio-video signal obtained by a corresponding channel receiver, and form first frame image data including a frame time code. The signal processor is configured to form an absolute frame output image based on multiple channels of the first frame of image data, frame time codes therein, and an internal clock signal generated by the timing generator. The transmitter is configured to transmit the absolute frame output image for display.

A signal processing device is disclosed, which includes a plurality of channel receivers, a plurality of time code processors in one-to-one correspondence with the channel receivers, a timing generator, a signal processor and a transmitter, wherein each channel receiver is configured to parse an audio-video signal which has a data format defined by the SDI protocol and including a time code that characterizes time information. Each time code processor is configured to extract the time code from a parsed audio-video signal obtained by a corresponding channel receiver, and form first frame image data including a frame time code. The signal processor is configured to form an absolute frame output image based on multiple channels of the first frame of image data, frame time codes therein, and an internal clock signal generated by the timing generator. The transmitter is configured to transmit the absolute frame output image for display.

A data processing method is provided. The method includes receiving a single aggregated data stream from a data aggregation device. The aggregated data stream includes multiple data packets captured by multiple video capture devices respectively, and each data packet has an identifier of the video capture device that captures the data packet. The method further includes determining multiple videos associated with the multiple video capture devices from the aggregated data stream based on the identifiers. Each video includes data packets with the same identifier.

A method, system, and apparatus including data comprising an identification of content played by playback systems and at least one metric associated with the playback systems. Determining a characteristic common to the playback systems and generating data comprising a representation of the at least one characteristic.

A method, system, and apparatus including data comprising an identification of content played by playback systems and at least one metric associated with the playback systems. Determining a characteristic common to the playback systems and generating data comprising a representation of the at least one characteristic.

Switched digital television programming for video-on-demand and other interactive television services are combined utilizing a class-based, multi-dimensional decision logic to simultaneously optimize video quality and audio uniformity while minimizing latency during user interactions with the system over managed networks such as cable and satellite television networks. A group of user sessions are assigned to a single modulator. The user sessions include data in a plurality of classes, each class having a respective priority. In response to a determination that an aggregate bandwidth of the group of user sessions for a first frame time exceeds a specified budget, bandwidth is allocated for the group of user sessions during the first frame time in accordance with the class priorities. The group of user sessions is multiplexed onto a channel corresponding to the modulator in accordance with the allocated bandwidth and transmitted over a managed network.