Host Signal Processing (HSP) is a term used in computing to describe hardware such as a modem or printer which is emulated (to various degrees) in software. Intel refers to the technology as Native Signal Processing (NSP). HSP replaces dedicated DSP or ASIC hardware by using the general purpose CPU of the host computer.
Modems using HSP are known as winmodems (a term trademarked by 3COM / USRobotics, but genericized) or softmodems. Printers using HSP are known as GDI printers (after the MS Windows GDI software interface), winprinters (named after winmodems) or softprinters.
The Apple II floppy drive used the host CPU to process drive control signals, instead of a microcontroller. This instance of HSP predates the usage of the terms HSP and NSP.
In the mid- to late-1990s, Intel pursued Native Signal Processing technology to improve multimedia handling. According to testimony by Intel, Microsoft opposed development of NSP because the technology could reduce the necessity of the Microsoft Windows operating system. Intel claims to have terminated development of NSP because of threats from Microsoft.
Famous quotes containing the words host and/or signal:
“Carlyle’s works, it is true, have not the stereotyped success which we call classic. They are a rich but inexpensive entertainment, at which we are not concerned lest the host has strained or impoverished himself to feed his guests. It is not the most lasting word, nor the loftiest wisdom, but rather the word which comes last.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
“Change begets change. Nothing propagates so fast. If a man habituated to a narrow circle of cares and pleasures, out of which he seldom travels, step beyond it, though for never so brief a space, his departure from the monotonous scene on which he has been an actor of importance would seem to be the signal for instant confusion.... The mine which Time has slowly dug beneath familiar objects is sprung in an instant; and what was rock before, becomes but sand and dust.”
—Charles Dickens (1812–1870)