Wide-band multi-format audio/video production system with frame rate conversion

摘要

A multi-format digital video production system enables a user to process an input video program to produce an output version of the program in a final format which may have a different frame rate, pixel dimensions, or both. An internal production format of 24 fps is preferably chosen to provide the greatest compatibility with existing and planned formats associated with HDTV standard 4:3 or widescreen 16:9 high-definition television, and film. Images are re-sized horizontally and vertically by pixel interpolation, thereby producing larger or smaller image dimensions so as to fill the particular needs of individual applications. Frame rates are adapted by inter-frame interpolation or by traditional schemes, including “3:2 pull-down” for 24-to-30 fps conversions. Simple speed-up (for 24-to-25 conversions) or slow-down (for 25-to-24 conversions) for playback, or by manipulating the frame rate itself using a program storage facility with asynchronous reading and writing capabilities. The step of converting the signal to a HDTV format is preferably performed using a modified upconversion process for wideband signals (utilizing a higher sampling clock frequency) and a resizing to HDTV format frame dimensions in pixels.

主权项

1. A method of producing a video program, comprising:
receiving an input video image at a portable audio/video recording device; converting the input video image into a digital production format by sampling the input video image at a sampling frequency in excess of 18 megahertz; employing high-capacity digital video storage equipped with asynchronous program recording and reproducing facilities to perform a frame-rate conversion; and processing video image data in the digital production format using the high-capacity video storage on a selective basis to output a version of a video program having a desired frame rate and image dimensions in pixels.