vidFixed

vidFixed is a software concept and library designed to enforce fixed timing in video processing pipelines. It aims to produce deterministic frame cadence by scheduling processing tasks at a fixed interval, regardless of irregularities in input sources. The goal is to simplify downstream encoding, synchronization, and playback across heterogeneous systems.

The core idea behind vidFixed is a timing kernel that maintains a regular frame schedule while accommodating network and source jitter through buffering and timestamp normalization. The architecture typically comprises input adapters, a fixed-timing processing pipeline, and output sinks. Input adapters normalize incoming frames and timestamps to a common timebase. The processing pipeline applies transforms, filters, or analytics while preserving the fixed cadence. Output sinks encode and deliver frames with a consistent cadence and a bounded latency.

Key features commonly associated with vidFixed include real-time scheduling of frame tasks, timestamp normalization, jitter buffering, deterministic latency, and modular, pluggable components. The framework is designed with cross-platform compatibility and bindings for multiple programming languages, enabling integration into various media workflows and streaming stacks.

Use cases for vidFixed span live streaming, video conferencing, surveillance systems, and archival workflows where predictable timing and synchronized playback are essential. By enforcing a fixed frame cadence, such systems can achieve smoother playback, simpler lip-sync handling, and more reliable QA across diverse hardware and networks.

Notes: vidFixed is described in academic papers and open-source documentation as a design pattern for fixed-timing video processing. It is not a single universal standard, but rather a family of implementations sharing the same timing objectives.