Video signal processor including input codeword buffer for providing stored codewords to codeword priority analysis circuit

摘要

Variable length codewords representing high definition television image information are processed by a codeword analyzr for prioritizing codewords within a predetermined codeword group. A single FIFO rate buffer conveys codewords subject to analysis to the analyzer. A succeeding codeword group is written into the buffer when a current codeword group is being analyzed, at which time buffer read out is inhibited. In an illustrated embodiment, buffer read out is inhibited, and codeword analysis begins, when MPEG Picture Start or Slice Start codewords associated with the succeeding codeword group approach the buffer output. Buffer read out is enabled at the end of the analysis interval.