Real-time video processing system

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. The I/O modules may also provide input used by the downstream video processing cards. A coordinator manages interaction among the various foregoing modules. Another aspect of the invention involves a motherboard for the video processing system, including a main control bus, secondary control bus, video bus, composited signal video lines, and a number of slots for interconnecting video processing hardware components to the busses and lines.