The VCOS multimedia environment

There is significant interest in the industry to incorporate signal processing technology into personal computers to enable multimedia capabilities. Requirements of this technology are that it must be robust in terms of function and reliability, it must be reprogrammable to allow for software upgrades as new algorithms become available and user´s needs change, and it must be cost effective. Traditionally, signal processing has been used in embedded, fixed function applications (e.g., modems, disk drive controllers, etc.). This new push for DSP technology requires a solution that is open and supports both multi-function and multitasking capabilities. As such, it requires a new architectural model than what has traditionally been used to support the needs of the multimedia market