A multimedia signal processing system utilizes an easily manipulated, low-cost storage and display system that allows the user to view a television program and instantly review previous scenes within the program. The invention also allows the user to store selected programs while simultaneously watching or reviewing another. A versatile system architecture enables providing the invention in multiple configurations, each adapted to receive input signals from a different source. At the highest level, the system includes an input section and an output section. Across all configurations, the output section remains substantially the same, while the input section varies according to the signal type and the source. Thus, several configurations are provided, each one requiring only minor system board modifications. The system architecture thus simplifies the design and manufacturing challenge presented by producing units to serve different markets, such as digital satellite, digital cable and analog cable.

A multimedia signal processing system allows a user to store selected programs while simultaneously watching or reviewing another. The system includes an input section and an output section. Across all configurations, the output section remains substantially the same, while the input section varies according to the signal type and the source. The system receives a digital stream and simultaneously processes the digital stream for display and stores the digital stream on at least one storage device. The system further simultaneously processes a previously recorded digital stream for display while processing the digital stream for display.

A multimedia time warping system allows a user to store selected multimedia data streams while the user is simultaneously watching or reviewing other multimedia data. Data streams are converted to digital streams for internal transfer and manipulation. A parser and event buffer decouple the CPU from having to parse the digital stream. Video segments are stored on a storage device and when data is requested for display, its video segments are extracted from the storage device and sent to a decoder that converts them into display output signals and delivers the display output signals to a display.

A multimedia time warping system allows a user to store selected multimedia data streams while the user is simultaneously watching or reviewing other multimedia data. Data streams are converted to digital streams for internal transfer and manipulation. A parser and event buffer decouple the CPU from having to parse the digital stream. Video segments are stored on a storage device and when data is requested for display, its video segments are extracted from the storage device and sent to a decoder that converts them into display output signals and delivers the display output signals to a display.

A digital security surveillance system allows a user to store selected security surveillance feeds while the user is simultaneously watching or reviewing another feed. User control commands are accepted and sent through the system. The system parses the resulting digital stream and generates identifying information associated with at least one video segment of the digital stream. The video segments are stored on a storage device. When a security surveillance feed is requested for display, a corresponding stored digital stream is found and its video segments are extracted from the storage device and sent to a decoder that converts the digital stream into display output signals. The security surveillance feeds can be simultaneously sent to an external storage device such as a DVD recorder or VCR.

A multimedia time warping system allows a user to store selected multimedia data streams while the user is simultaneously watching or reviewing other multimedia data. Data streams are converted to digital streams for internal transfer and manipulation. A parser and event buffer decouple the CPU from having to parse the digital stream. Video segments are stored on a storage device and when data is requested for display, its video segments are extracted from the storage device and sent to a decoder that converts them into display output signals and delivers the display output signals to a display.

Various systems and methods are presented regarding interrupting a write operation to enable a read operation to be performed on a digital tape system. An initial write operation to the tape can be paused, a read operation performed on a previously written data file conducted, and upon completion of the read operation, the write operation can be recommenced. Interrupt points can be positioned within respective data blocks. Based upon knowledge of the amount of data written during the initial write operation, a position P can be determined (relative to the location of the nearest prior interrupt point) such that when the tape is advanced to place the tape head in a position to recommence the write operation after the read operation has been performed, the tape can be positioned such that the tape head is at position P. Accordingly, interruption of the write operation enables random access of the tape.

Various systems and methods are presented regarding interrupting a write operation to enable a read operation to be performed on a digital tape system. An initial write operation to the tape can be paused, a read operation performed on a previously written data file conducted, and upon completion of the read operation, the write operation can be recommenced. Interrupt points can be positioned within respective data blocks. Based upon knowledge of the amount of data written during the initial write operation, a position P can be determined (relative to the location of the nearest prior interrupt point) such that when the tape is advanced to place the tape head in a position to recommence the write operation after the read operation has been performed, the tape can be positioned such that the tape head is at position P. Accordingly, interruption of the write operation enables random access of the tape.

A digital security surveillance system allows a user to store selected security surveillance feeds while the user is simultaneously watching or reviewing another feed. User control commands are accepted and sent through the system. The system parses the resulting digital stream and generates identifying information associated with at least one video segment of the digital stream. The video segments are stored on a storage device. When a security surveillance feed is requested for display, a corresponding stored digital stream is found and its video segments are extracted from the storage device and sent to a decoder that converts the digital stream into display output signals. The security surveillance feeds can be simultaneously sent to an external storage device such as a DVD recorder or VCR.