Achieving Optimized DSP Encoding for Video Applications

By Ajit Rao, Texas Instruments
Jul 25 2007 (0:15 AM), Embedded.com

As digital video continues to extend visual communication to an ever-larger range of applications, more developers are becoming involved in creating new video systems or enhancing the capabilities of existing ones.

Among the basic design considerations video developers face is that the high degree of compression involved demands a high level of performance from the processor. In addition, the wide range of video applications requires performance to be optimized to meet system requirements that can vary widely in terms of transmission bandwidth, storage, image specifications and quality requirements.

Among the available solutions, programmable digital signal processors (DSPs) offer the high level of real-time performance required for compression, as well as flexibility that enables systems engineers to adapt the encoding software readily to individual applications.

The goal for video compression is to encode digital video using as few bits as possible while maintaining acceptable visual quality. While encoding algorithms are based on the mathematical principles of information theory, they often require implementation trade-offs that approach being an art form.

Well designed encoders can help developers make these trade-offs through innovative techniques and support of the options offered by advanced compression standards. A configurable video encoder that is designed to leverage the performance and flexibility of DSPs through a straightforward system interface can help systems engineers optimize their products easily and effectively.

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