Abstract: A video encoder and corresponding method are provided for encoding video signal data for an image block and a particular reference picture index to predict the image block, where the encoder includes a fast search block motion estimator for providing motion vectors corresponding to the at least one particular reference picture, the motion estimator comprising a fast search block matching portion for performing fast search block matching while excluding non-optimal search points in accordance with a comparison of a normalization of the image block pixels against a normalization of the reference picture pixels, the fast search block matching portion having an output responsive to the at least one particular reference picture; and the corresponding method includes receiving a substantially uncompressed image block, block matching the image block in correspondence with at least one particular reference picture while excluding non-optimal search points in accordance with a comparison of a normalization of the imag

Abstract: There are provided a method and apparatus for optimizing frame selection for flexible macroblock ordering video encoding. A video encoder includes an encoder for encoding a group of pictures by selecting between a frame mode and at least one flexible macroblock ordering mode. The pictures in the group are allowed to be concurrently encoded in different ones of the frame mode and the least one flexible macroblock ordering mode. The mode selection for each of the pictures in the group is based on an achieved maximum error resilience capability for the group of pictures.

Abstract: There are provided scalable video encoder and decoders, and corresponding scalable video encoding and decoding methods. A scalable video encoder includes an encoder for encoding a block in an enhancement layer of a picture by applying a same weighting parameter to an enhancement layer reference picture as that applied to a lower layer reference picture used for encoding a block in a lower layer of the picture. The block in the enhancement layer corresponds to the block in the lower layer, and the enhancement layer reference picture corresponds to the lower layer reference picture. The scalable video decoder includes a decoder for decoding a block in an enhancement layer of a picture by applying a same weighting parameter to an enhancement layer reference picture as that applied to a lower layer reference picture used for decoding a block in a lower layer of the picture.

Abstract: There are provided scalable video encoders and decoders and corresponding methods for scalable video encoding and decoding. A scalable video encoder includes an encoder for selectively using spatial intra prediction to code, on a macroblock adaptive basis, an enhancement layer residue generated between an enhancement layer macroblock and a corresponding upsampled base layer macroblock.

Abstract: There are provided spatial scalable video encoder and decoders and corresponding methods for scalable video encoding and decoding. A method for spatial scalable video encoding includes selecting between scalable coding and non-scalable coding of motion vectors on a slice basis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for motion estimation using combined reference bi-prediction. The apparatus includes an encoder (200) for encoding a multi-prediction picture from a combination of two or more reference pictures by respectively predicting a motion vector for a particular one of the two or more reference pictures in a motion estimation process while initializing motion vectors for remaining ones of the two or more reference pictures to a predefined value for use by the motion estimation process.

Abstract: There are provided methods and apparatus for measuring a received quality of at least one of a video multicast and a video broadcast for a plurality of users. A method includes receiving (225) data from the plurality of users regarding the received quality, and increasing (235) a weight of the data for any of the plurality of users having the received quality greater than a threshold.

Abstract: There are provided methods and apparatus for constrained prediction for reduced resolution update mode and complexity scalability in video encoders and decoders. A scalable complexity video encoder includes an encoder for encoding a block in a particular picture in the video sequence by generating an intra mode prediction for the block using a constrained intra prediction process that reduces artifacts for both low and high resolutions in a reduced resolution update mode when the particular picture is eventually decoded. The constrained intra prediction process reduces the artifacts by prohibiting the use of particular prediction modes associated with the introduction of the artifacts in the reduced resolution update mode.

Abstract: A video encoder and corresponding method are provided for mixed inter/intra encoding of a macroblock having a plurality of partitions, where the encoder includes a reference picture weighting applicator coupled with a reference picture weighting factor unit for assigning weighting factors corresponding to each of the inter and intra coded partitions, respectively; and the corresponding method for encoding a macroblock with several partitions includes inter-coding at least one partition and intra-coding at least a second partition.

Abstract: A video decoder, a video decoding method, a video encoder and a video encoding method are disclosed. A video decoder for decoding a video bitstream for an image block includes a motion vector resolution reducer and a motion compensator. The motion vector resolution reducer is for receiving decoded high resolution motion vectors included in the video bitstream and for reducing an accuracy of the high resolution motion vectors to correspond to a low resolution. The motion compensator, in signal communication with the motion vector resolution reducer, is for forming a motion compensated high resolution prediction using the reduced accuracy motion vectors. The video encoder for encoding scalable video comprises a motion compensator for forming a motion compensated full resolution prediction and combining combining the motion compensated full resolution prediction from an image block to form a prediction residual.

Abstract: Detection of errors in a video stream occurs by calculating an error detection code, such as a Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) code over a group of not more than N macroblocks in a slice of the stream prior and after transmission, where N is an integer greater than zero but less than the total number of macroblocks in the slice. A comparison of the error detection codes reveals whether any errors exist in the group of macroblocks. If the group has no errors, normal decoding occurs. If the macroblock group has an error, then the macroblock group, and the remaining blocks in the slice undergo error concealment.

Abstract: There are provided video encoders, video decoders, and corresponding encoding and decoding methods for video data for a picture, wherein the video data has local brightness variation. The video encoder includes an encoder for inter-coding the video data using a localized weighted function to determine weights for the local brightness variation. The weights for the localized weighted function are derived without explicit coding.

Abstract: There are provided video encoders and corresponding methods for encoding video data for an image that is divisible into macroblocks. A video encoder includes an encoder for performing inta mode selection when encoding a current macroblock by testing a first subset of intra modes to compute a rate distortion cost, and utilizing the rate distortion cost to determine whether to terminate the intra mode selection and which additional intra modes, if any, are to be examined with respect to the current macroblock.

Abstract: A decoder (10) conceals errors in a coded image comprised of a stream of macroblocks by examining each macroblock for pixel errors. If such errors exist, then each of at least two macroblocks pictures from each of two different pictures are weighted to yield a weighted prediction (WP) for estimating missing/corrupt values to conceal the macroblock found to have pixel errors.

Abstract: There are provided methods and apparatus for film grain SEI message insertion for bit-accurate simulation in a video system. A method for simulating film grain in an ordered sequence includes the steps of providing film grain supplemental information corresponding to a plurality of intra coded pictures, and providing additional film grain supplemental information corresponding to inter coded pictures between consecutive intra coded pictures, in decode order. The inter coded pictures are selected based upon display order.

Abstract: There is provided a set top box and corresponding methods for enabling a channel change in a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) system. The set top box includes a channel change processing unit for sending a join request for both a normal stream and channel change stream upon receiving a channel change request.

Abstract: There are provided encoders, decoders and corresponding encoding and decoding methods. A reduced resolution update based video encoder for encoding video data divisible into macroblocks includes a memory device, a downsampler, INTRA coding means, an encoder, a decoder, and an upsampler. The memory device is for storing reduced resolution neighboring pixels. The downsampler is for downsampling a full resolution macroblock to obtain a reduced resolution macroblock. The INTRA coding means is for performing INTRA prediction for the reduced resolution macroblock using the stored reduced resolution neighboring pixels. The encoder is for encoding residual data for the reduced resolution macroblock. The decoder is for decoding the residual data for the reduced resolution macroblock to form a reconstructed low resolution INTRA coded macroblock. The upsampler is for upsampling the reconstructed low resolution INTRA coded macroblock to form a full resolution INTRA coded macroblock.

Abstract: There is disclosed a video encoder and corresponding method for encoding video data for an image block. The video encoder performs a mode decision by performing initial motion estimation on only a subset of possible block sizes to output motion information corresponding thereto, and determining, based upon the motion information corresponding to only the subset of possible of block sizes and upon other image-related analysis data, whether other block sizes are to be evaluated.

Abstract: A video encoder and decoder are provided for encoding and decoding video signal data for an image block and a particular reference picture index to predict the image block, where the encoder includes a reference picture weighting factor selector having an output indicative of a weighting factor corresponding to the particular reference picture index, a multiplier in signal communication with the reference picture weighting factor selector for providing a weighted version of the reference picture, and a motion estimator in signal communication with the multiplier for providing motion vectors corresponding to the weighted version of the reference picture; and the corresponding decoder a reference picture weighting factor unit having an output for determining a weighting factor corresponding to the particular reference picture index.

Abstract: There are provided methods and apparatus for enabling a channel change in a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) system. A channel change processing unit for enabling a channel change includes a selectore for receiving at least two video streams corresponding to a same program, and for selecting one of the at least two video streams for transmission based upon a position of intra-coded pictures in the at least two video streams.