I tought I'd add the summary of the white paper here...
Summary
The new MPEG-2 codec architecture is a flexible and scalable solution
designed to address the requirements of today's encoder system architectures
and expand the use of MPEG-2 into new markets.
Systems based on this CPU-centered architecture offer users technologies that
improve efficiency and image quality, including statistical multiplexing and
MPEG-2 4:2:2 chroma sampling. In broadcast applications, the digital video
architecture can conserve bandwidth and lower cost, while also maintaining the
quality of output images. In addition, features have been implemented in the
architecture to enable sophisticated nonlinear editing, filtering, and DVD
compression and authoring.
The architecture will first be used for existing one-to-many applications such as
broadcast and authoring, because those markets already exist today and the
impact of a more efficient MPEG-2 encoding solution will be felt immediately.
Due to its flexible design, the architecture also addresses new applications
within these existing markets, such as HDTV encoding for transmission or
storage. Even within existing markets, the use of MPEG-2 encoding is expected
to increase dramatically.
Very quickly, however, MPEG-2 is expected to be adopted for new markets
like nonlinear editing, which demand high video quality but have been unable to
use large, expensive encoders. The benefit of MPEG-2 over other methods of
compression is well understood, and now that a single-chip MPEG-2 encoder
architecture is available these markets should transition quickly to MPEG-2.
Finally, new storage technologies like recordable DVD that allow personal
recording and authoring on a PC, coupled with the availability of a cost-effective
MPEG-2 codec, will bring digital video into everyday life. When this happens,
the old paradigm of MPEG-2 as a one-to-many architecture will be replaced by
a new paradigm: one encoder for every decoder. Sitting at their PCs, users will
be able to download video from a digital or analog camcorder and store it on a
hard disk. They will then be able to use home editing software to add transitions,
wipes, fades, and special effects to create compelling video for business use, or
just for fun.
Ultimately, new chips based on this MPEG-2 codec architecture will help
establish MPEG-2 as an interoperable digital video format across numerous
consumer, prosumer, and professional video applications, among them digital
camcorders, digital VCRs, and recordable DVD. |
