Abstract: Some embodiments comprise a method of decoding a video bitstream that include receiving a first layer of data and a second layer of data, combining the received first layer data and the received second layer data, and decoding the combined data. Also, a method of video encoding that includes selecting data for encoding in a first layer and a second layer so as to allow decoding of the data in a single combined layer, and encoding the selected data in the first layer and in the second layer by encoding a coefficient in the first layer and encoding a differential refinement to the first layer coefficient in the second layer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus efficiently encode multimedia data, such as live video streams. An encoding complexity of a predetermined time interval, such as 1 second, is estimated before the actual encoding that will be used. This permits the actual encoding to be performed with an a priori estimate of complexity, permitting the bits allocated for the predetermined time interval (bit rate) to be efficiently allocated within the predetermined time interval. Moreover, the estimated complexity can be provided to a device, such as a multiplexer, which can then allocate the available bandwidth for a collection of multiplexed video channels according to the encoding complexity anticipated for those video channels, which then permits the quality of a particular channel to remain relatively constant even when the bandwidth for the collection of multiplexed video channels is relatively constant.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for providing temporal scaling frames for use in digital multimedia. The method involves using a removable unidirectional predicted temporal scaling frame communication along with intra-coded frames and/or inter-coded frames. The method involves the ability to selectively remove the temporal scaling frame(s) from being transmitted or decoded in order to satisfy, for example, power limits, data rate limits, computational limits or channel conditions. Examples presented include encoders, transcoders and decoders where the decision to drop the removable temporal scaling frames could be made.

Abstract: A method, system, computer program product, and computer system for processing video frames. Frames A and B of a pair of successive video frames each comprise blocks of pixels. Frame A is earlier in time than frame B. A connection state of each pixel in frame B relative to the pixels of frame A is determined. The connection state is a connected state or an unconnected state. Each block in frame B is classified as either unconnected or uni-connected. Uni-connected blocks in frame B satisfying a reclassification criteria are reclassified as being unconnected. Each unconnected block in frame B is categorized as being a P-block or an I-block. Values for the pixels of each I-block in frame B are calculated by spatial interpolation based on values of nearest available neighbor pixels relative to each I-block. A residual error block for each I-block in frame B is generated.