A bit-rate reduction system for HDTV transmission

The transmission of HDTV (high-definition television) signals on available digital networks and satellites requires the adoption of sophisticated compression techniques to limit the bit-rate requirements and to provide a high-quality and reliable service. A hybrid predictive/transform system has been devised and implemented. The main parameters of this system are in accordance with those being recommended by CMTT for the transmission of conventional component TV. The basic algorithms, the codec architecture, the developed VLSI, and the equipment are described. The codec is designed to operate with the currently envisaged TV and HDTV formats and with a wide range of transmission rates. The optimization of the system and the evaluation of its performance have been carried out on the basis of a large number of subjective tests in accordance with the user requirements specified by the standardization bodies. The codecs have been extensively tested on-field during experimental point-to-multipoint satellite transmission of HDTV signals.<
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