Abstract: A reception apparatus includes a receiver and circuitry. The receiver receives, from a transmission apparatus, a plurality of packets that include code word symbols which include an information word symbol and a parity symbol. The information word symbol is generated from transmission information. The parity symbol is calculated from the information word symbols. The circuitry decodes the code word symbols that are included in the plurality of packets. The number of first packets and the number of second packets among the plurality of packets are shared between the transmission apparatus and the reception apparatus. Each of the first packets includes the information word symbol. Each of the second packets includes the parity symbol.

Abstract: A distribution method includes: receiving a file query request sent by a client terminal, and in response to the file query request, feeding back a file list to the client terminal, the file list including at least an identifier for a file currently being uploaded, wherein the file currently being uploaded includes one or more file segments and is uploaded by a file upload terminal; receiving a file download request sent by the client terminal, the file download request including an identifier of a target file and an identifier of a file segment, wherein the identifier of the target file is located in the file list; and when a target segment corresponding to the identifier of the file segment of the target file has been uploaded to the local, providing the client terminal with the target segment.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method for encoding/decoding a moving picture based on adaptive scanning. The moving picture apparatus and method can increase a compression rate based on adaptive scanning by performing intra prediction onto blocks of a predetermined size, and scanning coefficients acquired from Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) of a residue signal and quantization differently according to the intra prediction mode. The moving picture encoding apparatus includes: a mode selector for selecting and outputting a prediction mode; a predictor for predicting pixel values of pixels to be encoded of an input video based on the prediction mode to thereby output a residue signal block; a transform/quantization unit for performing DCT onto the residue signal block and quantizing the transformed residue signal block; and an encoder for adaptively scanning and encoding the quantized residue signal block based on the prediction mode.

Abstract: A downscaled version of an audio decoding procedure may more effectively and/or at improved compliance maintenance be achieved if the synthesis window used for downscaled audio decoding is a downsampled version of a reference synthesis window involved in the non-downscaled audio decoding procedure by downsampling by the downsampling factor by which the downsampled sampling rate and the original sampling rate deviate, and downsampled using a segmental interpolation in segments of ¼ of the frame length.

Abstract: A content-adaptive quantizer processor receives an input image with an input bit depth. A noise-mask generation process is applied to the input image to generate a noise mask image which characterizes each pixel in the input image in terms of its perceptual relevance in masking quantization noise. A noise mask histogram is generated based on the input image and the noise mask image. A masking-noise level to bit-depth function is applied to the noise mask histogram to generate minimal bit depth values for each bin in the noise mask histogram. A codeword mapping function is generated based on the input bit depth, a target bit depth, and the minimal bit depth values. The codeword mapping function is applied to the input image to generate an output image in the target bit depth.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method for encoding/decoding a moving picture based on adaptive scanning. The moving picture apparatus and method can increase a compression rate based on adaptive scanning by performing intra prediction onto blocks of a predetermined size, and scanning coefficients acquired from Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) of a residue signal and quantization differently according to the intra prediction mode. The moving picture encoding apparatus includes: a mode selector for selecting and outputting a prediction mode; a predictor for predicting pixel values of pixels to be encoded of an input video based on the prediction mode to thereby output a residue signal block; a transform/quantization unit for performing DCT onto the residue signal block and quantizing the transformed residue signal block; and an encoder for adaptively scanning and encoding the quantized residue signal block based on the prediction mode.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices are described to deliver media programs to remotely-located media players via a network. A media server receives a request for the media program from the remotely-located media player via the network and determines whether the requested media program has been previously encoded. If so, the previously-encoded media program is delivered to the remotely-located media player. If the requested media program has not been previously encoded, the requested media program is live encoded to thereby create a media stream encoding the requested media program in response to the request received from the remotely-located media player.

Abstract: A measure of visual quality of processed images relative to unprocessed images is generated in real-time. The measure of visual quality closely correlates with a human's actual perception of the processed image relative to the original image. The measure of visual quality is computed based on a measure of discrepancy (e.g., mean square errors) between the processed and unprocessed images and the variance of each image in the pixel domain or the transform domain may be determined. If the processed image is unavailable, a prediction of the processed image may be used in place of the processed image. The prediction of a processed image may involve predicting the variance values for processed image blocks. The visual quality measure may be used in a feedback loop to improve processing or encoding.

Abstract: An encoder extracts motion vectors from a frame I(t?1) preceding the frame I(t) being encoded and processes them to create an estimated motion vector field I(t) for the frame being encoded. A minimized difference between the motion vector field of the frame being encoded and the estimated motion vector field is used to generate transform parameters, which are transmitted to the decoder as auxiliary information along with the usual motion prediction information. The decoder receives the transform parameters. The decoder also creates an estimated motion vector field I(t) for based on a preceding frame I(t?1) and applies the transform parameters to the estimated motion vector field to obtain missing motion vectors. The motion vector field rebuilt using the reconstructed missing motion vectors is used for subsequent error concealment/decoding/displaying.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, a device, and a system for delivering live content. A pre-delivery request with respect to live content is sent to a CDN cache device, and the CDN cache device caches the live content according to the pre-delivery request with respect to the live content before a user views the live content, thereby solving the problems of a long delay and poor user experience in playing live content that is not cached because a part of live content cannot be cached in the prior art, ensuring the play quality of all live content, and improving user experience.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for distributing content are disclosed. In one aspect, a method includes storing, in a data structure, data specifying a future live event. An opportunity to provide the specified content to a user at a user device is identified. It is determined that (i) a time of the opportunity is between a start time and an end time for the live event, (ii) that a user device is located in a same geographic region as the live event based on geographical data provided by the user device, and (iii) the user is interested in the live event based on attributes of the user matching attributes of other users that were identified as interested in the live event (e.g., based on evaluation of online search data). The content is provided for display at the user device.

Abstract: A method of processing image data includes generating image data including luminance and chrominance data representing a selected object, separating the luminance and chrominance data, storing the separated luminance and chrominance data in corresponding separate spaces in memory, and separately compressing the stored luminance and chrominance data.

Abstract: Disclosed is a frame error concealment (FEC) method. The method includes: selecting an FEC mode based on states of a current frame and a previous frame of the current frame in a time domain signal generated after time-frequency inverse transform processing; and performing corresponding time domain error concealment processing on the current frame based on the selected FEC mode, wherein the current frame is an error frame or the current frame is a normal frame when the previous frame is an error frame.

Abstract: A wireless communication apparatus which switches between plural wireless communication schemes that are different from each other in maximum transmission frame size includes a means for selecting one of the plural wireless communication schemes, a means for generating a transmission frame, a means for dividing the generated transmission frame if the size of the transmission frame is larger than a maximum transmission frame size of the selected wireless communication scheme, and a means for transmitting the transmission frame or divided transmission frames according to the selected wireless communication scheme.

Abstract: A television advertisement system whereby a viewer retrieves product placement contact information for a product, that has been promoted on the viewer's television by using a wireless remote control device. The invention provides the means for a viewer to easily obtain in-hand product contact and detailed information which can then be used at-will. Teletext data, which contains product information, is associated with a product's video signal and is automatically decoded and stored in the television's or TV set-top box's memory. The viewer retrieves on demand the product's teletext data stored in memory by using a remote control device. The product data is transferred to and stored in a remote control device's memory. The data is displayed on the remote's screen. The data stored in the remote control can be used to contact an advertiser for further information, or to purchase a product or service.

Abstract: In embodiments, a device is illustrated for determining a sample rate difference between a first information signal and a second information signal including an offset determiner for determining for each of a plurality of segments of the first information signal, associated offset values which temporally align the plurality of segments with respect to the second information signal and a calculator for calculating the sample rate difference on the basis of the offset values.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments that implement attention misdirection to conceal errors or anomalies in video signals. It is determined whether an error in a video signal may be user perceivable. If the error may be user perceivable, a distraction is generated that is designed to interfere with perception of the error by a user.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring video assets provided by a multimedia content distribution network includes testing closed captions provided in output video signals. A video and audio portion of a video signal are acquired during a time period that a closed caption occurs. A first text string is extracted from a text portion of a video image, while a second text string is extracted from speech content in the audio portion. A degree of matching between the strings is evaluated based on a threshold to determine when a caption error occurs. Various operations may be performed when the caption error occurs, including logging caption error data and sending notifications of the caption error.

Abstract: One technique for implementing error control in response to a video data error comprises receiving an indication of a video data error from a video decoder, determining whether the video data error occurred on a reverse link of a wireless network between a video encoder and a network device, and applying error control in response to the video data error if the video data error did not occur on the reverse link. For example, the indication of the video data error may include a first sequence number (SN) of a packet comprising lost data, and determining whether the video data error occurred on the reverse link may include comparing first SN with a second SN of a packet associated with a most recent RL error.

Abstract: A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc.

Abstract: A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc.

Abstract: Data decoding devices avoiding data error from incorrect sampling points caused by serious interference are disclosed. The data decoding devices receive an analog signal carrying a reference clock and at least one digital data. In the data decoding device, a slicer generates a sampling clock with a frequency N times that of the reference clock, to slice the analog signal according to the sampling clock, thereby obtaining a first bitstream. A data check unit, divides the first bitstream into at least second and third bitstreams, evaluating whether the second bitstream is erroneous according to an error checking code thereof, outputting the second bitstream if it is error-free, and evaluating whether the third bitstream is erroneous according to the error checking code if the second bitstream is erroneous.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments that implement attention misdirection to conceal errors in streaming video. A video stream quality monitor executed in one or more computing devices determines that an error in a video stream may be user perceivable. The video stream is then configured to include a distraction to mask the error. The distraction is designed to induce a saccade in a user, which interferes with perception of the error by the user.

Abstract: A method of delivering content in a network, comprising receiving introductory segments of high user-activity content, and storing the introductory segments of high user-activity content prior to receiving a request for this high user-activity content from an end-user.

Abstract: Data decoding devices avoiding data error from incorrect sampling points caused by serious interference are disclosed. The data decoding devices receive an analog signal carrying a reference clock and at least one digital data. In the data decoding device, a slicer slices the analog signal at different sampling points by first and second sampling clocks to obtain first and second bitstreams, and the first and second sampling clocks have the same frequency and a predetermined phase difference. A data check unit evaluates whether the first bitstream is erroneous according to an error checking code thereof, outputs the first bitstream if it is error-free, and evaluates whether the second bitstream is erroneous according to the error checking code if the first bitstream is erroneous.

Abstract: A video transmitting-receiving apparatus has a simple configuration to transmit and receive high-quality video via two-way communication between 50 Hz and 60 Hz regions. A 50 Hz-60 Hz arrangement unit determines whether an operating frequency of a receiving-side video transmitting-receiving apparatus is 50 Hz or 60 Hz from received information. The 50 Hz-60 Hz arrangement unit obtains an operating frequency of a transmitting-side transmitting-receiving apparatus from a display unit (or an input unit) and determines whether the transmitting-side frequency is the same as the receiving-side frequency. When the frequencies are the same, a coding unit codes interlaced video outputted from the input unit. When the frequencies are different, the coding unit codes progressive video obtained by IP conversion of the input unit and generates a progressive video stream. A transmission unit transmits, to the receiving side, the coded stream and information indicating the transmitting-side frequency.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus to improve stability and efficiency during data transmission performed over a wireless network includes transmitting a first data frame containing a plurality of data units to a receiving device, receiving from the receiving device a receipt of confirmation for each data unit received by the receiving device, and transmitting a second data frame containing at least one of the plurality of data units that have not been transmitted or received, according to the receipt of confirmation for each data unit received by the receiving device.

Abstract: In a system for receiving and storing broadcast content data, a reception and storage device receives and stores a portion of broadcast content data in a storage unit, and then generates and stores a first piece of error check data for the data portion. The reception and storage device receives, from a further device, a second piece of error check data for a portion of the broadcast content data corresponding to the data portion stored in the storage unit, compares the first piece of error check data with the second piece of error check data to determine whether the first piece of error check data is valid, receives, if the first piece of error check data is determined to be invalid, the corresponding data portion associated with the second piece of error check data, from another reception and storage device, and corrects the stored data portion in the storage unit based on the received corresponding data portion.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing enhanced navigation of stored digital video content based upon an event index. Includes generation and storage of an event index, as well as navigation based on events in the event index. An example system is embodied in a digital video recorder that detects and stores black field and silent frame events for use in locating commercial groups. The commercial groups may be skipped or otherwise navigated based upon data pointers linking the stored events to corresponding locations in the video data file.

Abstract: An image processing system, for processing display data and vertical blanking interval data carried by a composite signal, is disclosed. The image process system includes: a video decoder, for decoding the display data to generate corresponding image data; a VBI decoder, for decoding the VBI data to generate corresponding VBI image data; a converter, for converting the VBI image data into color index data; a transmission interface, for transmitting the decoded image data and color index data; and an image processing module, for receiving the image data and the color index data to deinterlace/scale the image data and converting the color index data back into the original VBI image data, mixing the processed image data and the VBI image data such that data to be displayed can be generated.

Abstract: A signal processing device with high efficiency of teletext information processing is provided. The signal processing device is configured to receive and encode a transport stream for display, wherein the transport stream provides teletext information associated with a plurality of teletext lines and video information associated with a plurality of video lines. The video signal processing device includes a memory configured to store line enable signals and line data associated with the teletext lines and the video lines, a VBI controller coupled to the memory, configured to read the memory to obtain the line data associated with enabled teletext lines of the teletext lines, and an TV encoder coupled to the VBI controller, configured to receive and encode the line data associated with the enabled teletext lines for display.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method and system for copyright protection in video applications. In particular, the invention is concerned with preventing tampering of or destroying digital watermarking information contained in video images transmitted over error prone networks such as mobile transmission networks. To this end, a robust digital watermark method and system is proposed which protects watermarking by processing an original watermarked video stream (32) having an initial watermarking information and generating (34) at least two separate video streams, where the first stream includes video content information and the second stream includes watermarking information.

Abstract: Herein described are at least a method and a system for processing vertical blanking interval (VBI) data such that the VBI data is suitable for transmission to a receiver. The method comprises generating one or more digital symbols at a first frequency, shaping the one or more digital symbols into one or more VBI data samples, first determining a first value that specifies a number of possible points that may be interpolated between two consecutive data samples of the one or more VBI data samples, and second determining a second value that is equal to one plus the number of points skipped before a point of the possible points is selected, and outputting the selected point based on an output frequency. The system may be described as a generalized VBI waveform generator comprising a symbol generator, a shaping filter, and a variable linear interpolator.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting vertical blanking intervals (VBI) is disclosed. The apparatus can identify and filter non-VBI signals, and calculate a level value for digitization corresponding to the type of television signals. The apparatus includes a detecting unit and a coupled computing unit. The detecting unit is for generating a detecting signal according to a television signal. The computing unit is for calculating a slope of the detecting signal, and for determining whether the television signal contains a clock run-in signal according to the slope.

Abstract: A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc.

Abstract: Respective demodulated outputs from a plurality of branches 11a to 11d are fed to corresponding error correction units 13a to 13d and error-corrected. The error correction units 13a to 13d feed error signals to error determination units 14a to 14d. The error determination units 14a to 14d determine the error-incidence situations of the respective branches 11a to 11d and then output the determination results to a coefficient generation unit 15. Based on the results of determination by the error determination units 14a to 14d, the coefficient generation unit 15 obtains the synthesis coefficients for the respective branch outputs. The synthesis coefficients correspond to the error-incidence situations of the respective branch outputs and are appropriate values including no errors. By synthesizing the respective branch outputs by use of the synthesis coefficients, error-free data can be reproduced.

Abstract: A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a digital receiving apparatus for providing useful information to its user without interruption when reception quality deteriorates. It includes: an information separating unit 4 for reproducing a stream of demodulation signal S3, and separating it into stream signals S4 on multiplexed respective channels for output; a decoding unit 5 for decoding and outputting the stream signals S4; and a control unit 6 for switching and controlling a stream signal for the decoding unit 5 to decode out of the stream signals on the respective channels, and the control unit 6 switches to the stream signal on another channel and makes the decoding unit 5 decode it when physical information for indicating reception quality under reception and the data type of the stream signal on the channel selected out of the channels do not conform to a predetermined relationship.

Abstract: A projection system includes an image processing apparatus, a projector having an optical modulation element and a projection optical apparatus, and a digital communication unit. The image processing apparatus performs a projector correction process to generate first correction processed image data and an original display correction process to generate a second correction processed image data and generates difference data for a difference between the first correction processed image data and the second correction processed image data, and transmits the difference data to the projector through the digital communication unit. The projector performs the projector correction process on the image data to generate the first correction processed image data and a correction process based on the difference data on the first correction processed image data to generate the second correction processed image data, and controls the optical modulation element based on the second correction processed image data.

Abstract: A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc.

Abstract: A control system for controlling video and audio parameters of a display device and a play device is provided. An OSD system of the play device and an OSD system of the display device receive OSD signals respectively. The OSD signals are transmitted between the play device and the display device through a bus. Therefore, the video and audio parameters are controlled synchronously by the OSD signals. Furthermore, displayed images and sound are controlled as well.

Abstract: Provided is an image processing apparatus and method for preventing degradation of image quality occurring when a bit-format of an image is converted. When a raw image is converted to an image having specific color resolution, the image to be converted can maintain an image close to the raw image by obtaining errors between pixels of the raw image and the image to be converted and minimizing the errors between the raw image and the image to be converted using an error diffusion scheme.

Abstract: A video signal processing system for slicing binary data transmitted in a video signal is provided, comprising a synchronous separator, a line counter, a slicing signal generator and a comparator. The synchronous separator detects Hsync and Vsync carried in the video signal. The line counter generates an enable signal by counting the number of scanning lines based on the detected Hsync and Vsync, wherein the enable signal is activate when the video signal carrying teletext and/or other binary data. The slicing signal generator further comprises an extreme value detector determining local maximum values and local minimum values of the video signal, and a slicing level determiner generating an adaptive slicing signal based on the local maximum values and the local minimum values. The comparator enabled by the enable signal compares the video signal with the slicing signal.

Abstract: A service multiplexer of a digital broadcasting system includes a null data generator, a mobile service multiplexer, a main service multiplexer, and a multiplexer. The null data generator may generate null data. The mobile service multiplexer may multiplex and output compression encoded mobile service data, additional data for a mobile service, and null data at a pre-determined first data rate. The main service multiplexer may multiplex and output compression encoded main service data and additional data for a main service at a pre-determined second data rate. The multiplexer may multiplex the output data of the main service multiplexer and the output data of the mobile service multiplexer at a pre-determined third data rate and transmitting the multiplexed data to at least one transmitter located at a remote position.

Abstract: Data decoding devices avoiding data error from incorrect sampling points caused by serious interference are disclosed. The data decoding devices receive an analog signal carrying a reference clock and at least one digital data. In the data decoding device, a slicer slices the analog signal at different sampling points by first and second sampling clocks to obtain first and second bitstreams, and the first and second sampling clocks have the same frequency and a predetermined phase difference. A data check unit evaluates whether the first bitstream is erroneous according to an error checking code thereof, outputs the first bitstream if it is error-free, and evaluates whether the second bitstream is erroneous according to the error checking code if the first bitstream is erroneous.

Abstract: An improvement information generating unit (11) generates a plurality of types of improvement information for improving the image quality of an image (broadcast image) broadcast as a program. An integrating unit (12) embeds one or more of the plurality of types of improvement information generated by the improvement information generating unit (11) into the broadcast image, thus integrating the improvement information with the broadcast image, and outputs an integrated signal. The integrated signal is transmitted via a transmitting unit (13). Thus, images of various image qualities are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image data processing method capable of reducing visual discomfort perceived by users in the recovery from a receive error in a receiver. According to the image data processing method, in recovery processing of a video motion damper system in an image data processing circuit, a frequency of occurrence of the receive error before and after the time of recovery from the receive error is judged. According to the judgment result, the time period for switching of the output tap in recovery processing is adjusted. When the frequency of occurrence of the receive error is high, the recovery processing is halted until the selected tap position during the recovery is returned to the output tape position of the first FIFO of a frame memory.

Abstract: Disclosed is a digital communication system. A transmission system includes an error correction encoder part carrying out an error correction encoding for additional data inputted through a first path, a multiplexer (MUX) part, a control part, a channel coding part carrying out an RS encoding and a TCM encoding, and a VSB transmission part modulating the channel-coded data by a VSB method and outputting the modulated data.

Abstract: A continuous time equalizer for equalizing an input signal using a feedforward equalizer portion and a feedback equalizer portion is provided that includes: a slicer operable to make bit decisions on a combined output from the feedforward and feedback equalizer portions; an adaptive delay circuit operable to delay the combined output to form a delayed output; and a controller operable to control the delay provided by the adaptive delay circuit such that a first group delay through the slicer and a second group delay through the adaptive delay circuit in response to a sinusoidal form of the input signal are substantially equal.

Abstract: A data slicer circuit is disclosed which comprises a control circuit to output a digital signal that increases or decreases by a constant value difference depending on the level of an input signal when the input signal is sampled at a given frequency; a conversion circuit to convert the digital signal to an analog signal; and a comparison circuit to compare the video signal with the analog signal, the comparison circuit outputting the result of the comparison as the input signal to the control circuit, wherein the analog signal corresponding to the result of the comparison of the comparison circuit is used as a slice level for separating the data from the video signal.