Television Compression Algorithms and Transmission on Packet Networks.

Wide-band packet transmission is a subject of strong current interest. The transmission of compressed TV signals over such networks is possible with any quality level. There are some specific advantages in using packet networks for TV transmission. Namely, any fixed data rate can be chosen, or a variable data rate can be utilized. However, on the negative side packet loss must be considered and differential delay in packet arrival must be compensated. The possibility of packet loss has a strong influence on compression algorithm design. Differential delay of packet arrival is a new problem in codec design. Some issues relevant to mutual design of the transmission networks and compression algorithms will be presented. Perhaps more important, we talk about what we do not know about the design of such systems.