A Wyner-Ziv Video Transcoder

Abstract

Wyner-Ziv (WZ) coding of video utilizes simple encoders and highly complex decoders. A transcoder from a WZ codec to a traditional codec can potentially increase the range of applications for WZ codecs. We present a transcoder scheme from the most popular WZ codec architecture to a differential pulse code modulation/discrete cosine transform codec. As a proof of concept, we implemented this transcoder using a simple pixel-domain WZ codec and the standard H.263+. The transcoder design aims at reducing complexity as a large amount of computation is saved by reusing the motion estimation, calculated at the side information generation process, and the l-frame streams. New approaches are used to generate side information and to map motion vectors for the transcoder. Results are presented to demonstrate the transcoder performance.