Progressive video coding for noisy channels

Abstract

We extend the work of Sherwood and Zeger (IEEE Signal Processing Letters, vol.4, p.189-91, 1997) to progressive video coding for noisy channels. By utilizing a three dimensional (3D) extension of the set partitioning in hierarchical trees (SPIHT) algorithm, we cascade the resulting 3D SPIHT video coder with the rate-compatible punctured convolutional (RCPC) channel coder for transmission of video over a binary symmetric channel (BSC). Progressive coding is achieved by increasing the target rate of the 3D embedded SPIHT video coder as the channel condition improves. The performance of our proposed coding system is acceptable at a low transmission rate and bad channel conditions. Its low complexity makes it suitable for emerging applications such as video over wireless channels.