RIVL: A Resolution Independent Video Language

As common as video processing is, programmers still implement video programs as manipulations of arrays of pixels. This paper presents an extension to Tcl called Rivl (pronounced "rival") where video is a first class data type. Programs in Rivl use high level operators that are independent of video resolution and format, increasing portability of programs and allowing rapid prototyping of video effects. This paper gives several examples of still-image and video sequence programs in Rivl. It also discusses efficiency issues and experiences with Tcl as a platform for Rivl.