Technology brief
New Folsom AthenaTMScaler
AthenaTM is a proprietary, high performance image processing
technology designed and developed by Folsom Research. The
scaler has been designed from the ground up to provide the
highest possible image quality while minimizing processing
delays. The architecture supports 1:1 video sampling and
processes video at 10-bits per color channel to maintain image
fidelity. Proprietary horizontal and vertical filtering techniques
are used to provide crisp, clean images to support both upcon-
version and downconversion operations. The AthenaTMscaler
also supports special functions such as continuous real-time
pan and zoom operations, a wide variety of frame locking
options (to eliminate motion artifacts) and adjustable filtering
modes.
Motion Adaptive De-Interlacing
Folsom's Motion Adaptive De-Interlacing technology optimizes
image quality when interlaced images (such as standard NTSC
and PAL images) are processed. Image content is analyzed
over multiple input fields and filter coefficients are dynamically
changed to provide crisp, clean output images without de-
interlacing artifacts.
3:2 and 2:2 Pull-down Detection
ImagePRO automatically detects whether NTSC or PAL input
source material is derived from film or standard video compo-
nents such as cameras. When film-based source material is
detected, a 3:2 pull-down algorithm is activated for NTSC inputs.
Similarly, a 2:2 pull-down algorithm is activated if film-based
material is input in PAL format. The 3:2 and 2:2 pull-down
algorithms insure that frame integrity is maintained during
intermediate image processing stages to prevent artifacts and
preserve image detail and sharpness.
Aspect Ratio Conversion and Control
Wide-screen formats are becoming increasingly popular. It is
often necessary to convert video between formats with diffe-
rent inherent aspect ratios. For example, wide-screen material
shot in 16:9 format is often converted for display on a standard
television screen with a 4:3 aspect ratio. ImagePRO supports
conversion between image formats in all common aspect
ratios. In addition, user control of custom aspect ratios is pro-
vided.
About Folsom Research
Folsom Research, Inc., has been designing and marketing
specialized down converter and image processing products
since 1979. These products are used in rental and staging,
broadcast, presentation, medical, radar, government, and mi-
litary applications. We are continually expanding our product
lines to meet the needs of our customers.
More Information
Folsom Research, USA
Tel. (916) 859-2505 or toll-free (888) 414-7226
Fax (916) 859-2515 - e-mail to sales@folsom.com
Folsom Research, Europe
Tel. +31 33 4651555 - Fax +31 33 4627500
e-mail to saleseurope@folsom.com
Visit our web site at www.folsom.com
Pan and Zoom
ImagePRO supports flexible pan and zoom operations. The Pan
and Zoom controls can be used to see very fine detail in an
area of interest of the input image or to compress an input
image to form a very small output window.
Genlock/Vertical Lock
True blackburst genlock capability with SCH-phase adjustment
is provided for the broadcast quality NTSC and PAL output. All
output formats including HDTV, may be vertically locked to the
blackburst signal.
HV Lock capability is provided to allow the output to be locked
to externally applied high resolution sync signals.
When a non-broadcast output is selected, the Vertical Lock fea-
ture can be enabled to lock the output frame rate to the input
frame rate or an externally supplied vertical sync. Vertical locking
eliminates frame rate conversion problems that would otherwise
result in motion artifacts or allows multiple units to have their
outputs timed together.
Memory Presets
ImagePRO has 64 independent memory presets. The memories
save sizing, centering, detail, contrast, and brightness informa-
tion.
Enhanced Digital Processing
10-Bit processing provides improved signal-to-noise ratio and
preserves dynamic range to improve image fidelity. This is
especially apparent in dark regions and areas of smooth,
slightly varying tonal values.
