An SDTV Decoder with HDTV Capability: “An All-Format ATV Decoder”

This paper describes techniques for implementing a video decoder that can decode MPEG-2 High Definition (HD) bit streams at a significantly lower cost than previously described high definition video decoders. The subjective quality of the pictures produced by this “HD-capable” decoder are roughly comparable to current DBS delivered Standard Definition (SD) digital television pictures. The HD-capable decoder can decode SD bit streams with precisely the same results as a conventional standard definition decoder. Note that the MPEG term Main Profile at Main Level (MP@ML) is also used to refer to standard definition video in the sequel.