Bilateral filtering is used in many video applications to smooth images while preserving edge detail. In this article, we’ll describe how one portion of an advanced closed-circuit television (CCTV) system ” the bilateral filter ” has progressed from an initial software model to being implemented in actual hardware using C-to-FPGA tools. Starting with a verified C-language model, we developed a hardware implementation through the use of C-to-hardware tools and iterative design methods. To allow for quick prototyping and algorithm experimentation, we used common and familiar C-language tools for debugging and software/hardware design analysis.