Modified MPEG-2 video coders with efficient multi-layer scalability

The paper describes a multi-layer video coder based on spatiotemporal scalability and data partitioning. The coder consists of two parts: a low-resolution coder and full-resolution coder. The first one encodes pictures with reduced spatial and temporal resolution. The data are partitioned into some base layers with fine granularity. The full-resolution encoder exploits interpolated images from the base layers. Here, again the output data can be partitioned into some layers. For the two-layer system, the bitrate overhead measured relative to the single layer MPEG-2 bitstream varies about 10% - 25% for progressive television test sequences. Further layers are related to bitrate overheads of about 3% per layer. The coder structure exhibits high level of compatibility with individual building blocks of MPEG-2 coders.