How does the Windows operating system affect HMP performance?
The Windows 95 and Windows 98 operating systems were non-deterministic, and they were difficult operating systems on which to predict performance and processing delays. However, the Windows 2000 and the Windows XP operating systems are much more deterministic and suitable for the real-time availability required for digital signal processing. HMP uses the Windows 2000 operating system without modifications or enhancements, but runs its media processing in kernel mode using real-time priorities in conjunction with an external high-resolution timer. With these techniques, HMP creates a deterministic, real-time processing environment that is impervious to user mode applications.