Prototyping IDTV functions using PGAs [programmable gate arrays]

The utilization of user-programmable gate arrays (PGAs) to build a TV prototype is discussed. Two IDTV prototypes have been constructed in which some image processing algorithms (e.g. interpolation, motion detection, and video signal filtering) have been implemented by PGAs. The PGAs have enabled fast prototype building and testing of various algorithms on the same printed circuit board. Only a memory device must be reprogrammed to change the action of the PGA chip. After algorithms have been implemented and tested by PGAs, they are easily implementable by ASIC (application-specific integrated circuits) technology