Distortion optimal transmission of multi-layered FGS video over wireless channels

We analytically model the distortion of a scalable video bitstream containing a Base Layer (BL) and one or more Enhancement Layers (ELs). Utilizing our distortion model, we propose a pair of low complexity Unequal Error Protection (UEP) methods for transmitting BL and EL bitstreams over a wireless channel. Our one dimensional Forward Error Correction (FEC) UEP methods protect each bitstream against both temporally correlated bit errors caused by fading and packet erasures caused by network buffering. Our methods use optimal symbol interleaving to combat tandem loss effects. We illustrate the performance advantage of our methods over a baseline Equal Error Protection (EEP) and a number of UEP methods for different available budgets and channel conditions.