The VuNet is a gigabit-per-second Desk-Area ATM Network which interconnects general-purpose workstations, network-based multimedia devices and bridges to other networks. Workstations access the multimedia devices over the network and coordinate the movement of information streams among the di erent parts of the system. This architecture presents several advantages over the traditional workstation-centric models including the ability to easily share network-based devices, to access non-local devices, and to relieve the workstation of a portion of the I/O work. This paper describes the philosophy, implementation choices, advantages, and limitations of the VuNet ATM network implementation, as well as performance and current status.

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This paper describes a stand-alone network-based video capture and processing peripheral (the Vidboard) for a distributed multimedia system centered around a gigabit-per-second Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) network. The Vidboard captures video from an analog NTSC television source and transmits it to devices within the system. Devices control the Vidboard through a set of ATM protocols. Whereas capture boards typically generate video streams having fixed frame rate characteristics, the Vidboard is capable of decoupling video from the real-time constraints of the television world. This allows easier integration of video into the software environment of computer systems. The Vidboard is based on a front-end framememory processor architecture that is also capable of generating full-motion video streams having a range of presentation (picture size, color space) and network (traffic, pixel packing) characteristics. A series of experiments are presented in which video is transmitted to a workstation for display. Frame rate performance and a remote video source control model are described.

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