 group of components which must operate in synchronism;  (b) calculating a scaling factor for each input net connected to any component in the group, the scaling factor indicating a rate at which valid picture elements arrive at the input net;  (c) calculating a reference element input time for each input net connected to any component in the group, the reference element input time indicating a time at which a predetermined one of the ordered set of picture elements arrives at the input net;  (d) for each component connected to a plurality of input nets:  (i) comparing the calculated scaling factors for all of the component's input nets; and  (ii) comparing the calculated reference element input times for all of the component's input nets;  thereby synchronizing the timing of said group by ensuring that all corresponding picture elements will arrive together at each component having a plurality of inputs;  (e) generating and storing at least one output frame in response to at least one input frame according to the known processing behavior of a first component in the group;  (f) repeating step (e) for each component in the group connected to at least one input net and at least one output net, to generate at least one group output vector;  (g) determining a component finish time for each component in the group to generate a latest component finish time;  (h) repeating steps (a) thru (g) for each group of components which must operate in synchronism