Optimal JPEG2000 encoder mechanism for low delay and efficient distribution of HDTV programs

Motion JPEG2000 has been developed as a new video coding standard for motion pictures, utilizing the still image coding standard JPEG2000. Motion JPEG2000 specifies a normative bitstream syntax that the decoder must recognize and allows flexible selection of detailed coding parameters at the encoder. The compression performance largely depends, therefore, on the encoder design. However, the simple implementation of JPEG2000 encoder might cause picture quality degradation due specifically to wavelet image coding of interlaced TV signals and unsatisfactory bit assignments. That degradation might then become conspicuous in subjective picture quality especially during low bit-rate coding. To overcome this problem, we investigated an optimal design for a Motion JPEG2000 encoder that can be used for primary distribution applications of HDTV programs, assuming that the available bit-rate is approximately 50 Mbps. Our study introduces advanced key technologies not yet recognized officially. Coding experiments using those technologies confirmed that a significant coding gain was achieved versus conventional encoding schemes.