Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a method, for coding multi-mode predictive interpolative coded fields of video, includes the steps of:(a) providing a current field of interlaced pixel data, and past and future fields of such data;(b) providing estimated pixel data at omitted line positions in the past and future fields of data to form enhanced fields of pixel data;(c) comparing a block of pixel data from the current field with corresponding blocks of data from such past and future fields to derive motion vector signals indicative of best matched blocks of data;(d) developing pixel error signals representing pixel by pixel errors based on utilization of best matched blocks in different modes for comparison with the block of pixel data from the current field and developing best mode signals indicative of which of such modes represents the least overall error; and(e) providing the best mode signals, motion vector signals, pixel error signals, and the future odd field of data for transmission for use by a decod