A multi-processor system for video coding applications

Image coding is imperative for successful implementation of visual communications applications. With the emergence of enhanced multimedia technology, numerous video applications have emerged like multimedia conferencing, video on demand and DVDs. Coding is an essential component of all video applications and it becomes necessary to have improved coding techniques for faster applications. This paper discusses how parallel video coding on load balanced multi-processor systems can help in incorporating efficient coding techniques like vector quantization into practical applications. Two parallel processing platforms will be discussed namely the heterogeneous network of workstations and the TI C40 DSP chips. The software platforms used for these are the Parallel Virtual Machines (PVM) programming model and Parallel C respectively. An integration of the two programming models by using a PVM to Parallel C translation and the effect of load balancing for improved performance will also be discussed.