A rate-quantization model for MPEG encoders

We derive here a parametric rate-quantization model, based on traditional rate-distortion theory, for MPEG encoders. Given the bit budget for a picture, our model calculates a baseline quantization scale factor. We compare our approach to a technique using an ad-hoc rate-quantization model, and also to TM5. In both cases, experimental results demonstrate that our approach produces an actual encoded bitrate closer to the target bit budget for the picture, as well as an improved peak signal-to-noise ratio