Hybrid extended MPEG video coding algorithm for general video applications

摘要

This paper is an analysis of a video coding algorithm designed and optimized for video compression at bit-rates from 3 up to 10 Mbit/s. This algorithm is suitable for different applications ranging from communication services to video broadcasting. This is a hybrid DCT/DPCM coding scheme originally based on an MPEG1 (Moving Picture Experts Group phase 1) algorithm modified for interlaced CCIR601 resolution pictures coded at higher rates. Some important features of the algorithm include field-based motion compensated prediction and interpolation, frame-based DCT coding and quantization, optimized frame bit allocation and quantizer assignment, and adaptive Huffman code tables for transform coefficients. This coding scheme allows easy implementation of common VCR functions, and can also operate in a low-delay mode as required for interactive video. This paper presents a brief analysis of the coding/decoding delay. The result of a subjective test conducted at Bellcore concludes that this algorithm achieves a quality better than NTSC at 4 Mbit/s and close to component quality at 9 Mbit/s. This algorithm was submitted as an MPEG2 (MPEG phase 2) proposal, and showed high performance among 21 525-format proposals.