Multifunction memory for digital television

Abstract

A digital television processing section capable of picture enhancement, progressive scanning, and multiple picture-in-picture processing is provided. The preferred digital television processing section preferably comprises a picture enhancement processor (PEP), a progressive scan processor, a picture in picture processor, at least one multiplexing means, and a common memory means. The PEP broadly comprises a parameter control means, a memory input select means, and mixer for obtaining current video data, delayed video data from the common memory, and control information from the control means, and for processing the obtained data and information to provide a signal to the progressive scan processor. In various modes of operation, the mixer also provides the signal to the memory input select means which forwards the information to the common memory. The common memory is used as a field delay device and feeds a delayed signal forward to the progressive scan processor. The progressive scan processor then utilizes the current signal and the delayed signal to provide a non-interlaced display. The delayed signal from the common memory may also be fed back to the mixer of the PEP so that noise reduction and/or cross-color effect reduction may be accomplished or so that stored pictures may be displayed. The picture-in-picture (PIP) processor together with a first multiplexer permits main and secondary (PIP) video data to be supplied as current video data to the PEP. Or if desired, up to nine PIPs may constitute the video field.