The use of multiresolution (MR) joint source-channel coding in the context of digital terrestrial broadcasting of high-definition television (HDTV) is shown to be an efficient alternative to single-resolution techniques, which suffer from a sharp threshold effect in the fringes of the broadcast area. It is shown how matched multiresolution source and channel coding can provide a stepwise graceful degradation and improve the behavior, in terms of coverage and robustness of the transmission scheme, over systems not specifically designed for broadcast situations. The alternative available for multiresolution transmission through embedded modulation and error correction codes are examined. It is also shown how multiresolution trellis-coded modulation (TCM) can be used to increase coverage range. Coding results and simulations of noisy transmission are presented, and tradeoffs are discussed.>

A practical end-to-end all-digital multiresolution system is demonstrated that employs joint source-channel coding and modulation in order to achieve efficient broadcast of digital HDTV. The threshold effect plaguing single resolution systems is softened by a stepwise graceful degradation. This can be used to increase the coverage and robustness of the digital broadcast system. This approach is seen as an alternative to traditional single resolution digital transmission systems which are not designed for broadcast situations, and which suffer from the threshold effect. This paper highlights the benefits of using an embedded multiresolution modulation constellation over a modulation scheme that resorts to time or frequency multiplexing of the broadcast resolutions. Besides showing coding results and simulations of transmission effects, the paper discusses the trade-offs between low and high resolution coverage.

Recently, Uz et al. (ibid., vol.1., no.1, p.86-99, 1991) analyzed the propagation of quantization noise in a pyramid (with feedback) and subband decomposition schemes. In this study each band was independently quantized by a scalar quantizer of equal step size. The resulting reconstruction error spectrum indicated that in both the pyramid (without feedback) and subband coding schemes, noise was building up in lower frequencies. The commenters show that a quantizer assignment method, using mean-square-error (MSE) optimal bit allocation, avoids the problem. The authors argue that the problem is more involved than just MSE optimal bit allocation, and that compatible coding was the focus, as well as guaranteed quality, effects of numerical computations, and perceptual effects. The commenters further support their argument.>

A multiresolution representation for video signals is introduced. A three-dimensional spatiotemporal pyramid algorithms for high-quality compression of advanced television sequences is presented. The scheme utilizes a finite memory structure and is robust to channel errors, provides compatible subchannels, and can handle different scan formats, making it well suited for the broadcast environment. Additional features such as fast random access and reverse playback make it suitable for digital storage as well. Model-based processing is used both over space and time, where motion-based interpolation is used. Interpolation in an FIR (finite impulse response) scheme solves uncovered area problems, considerably improving the temporal prediction. The complexity is comparable to that of previous recursive schemes. Computer simulations indicate that high compression factors (about an order of magnitude) are easily achieved with no apparent loss of quality. The scheme also has a number of commonalities with the emerging MPEG standard.>