The IBM POWER visualization system: A system for HDTV postproduction, and more

Abstract

The unique combination of processing power, memory capacity, and I/O bandwidth found in the IBM POWER Visualization System (PVS) makes it an ideal tool for high‐end, format and resolution‐independent, digital postproduction applications. From computer graphics rendering to video editing, rotoscoping, and special effects, the versatile nature of this general‐purpose computer allows it to adapt constantly to the specific tasks required during almost any phase of the postproduction process. In this articles, we first examine the hardware architecture of the PVS with specific attention paid to the different subsystems and peripherals which provide the large computational power and bandwidth necessary to do HDTV editing and effects work. Next, we describe the PVS system software layer which enables application level software to fully use all of the capabilities of the hardware. We then explore a novel on‐line, nonlinear editing and effects environment available for the PVS, which allows HDTV resolution material to be digitally edited and processed at full resolution. Finally, we conclude by describing some of the applications of the PVS which allow it to be used in a variety of other ways.©1994 John Wiley & Sons Inc Copyright © 1994 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., A Wiley Company