Analysis of joint bit-rate control in multiprogram image coding
Gertjan Keesman, David Elias · Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIE · 1994
Variable bit-rate compression is known to be more efficient than constant bit-rate (CBR) compression. However, since most transmission media convey a constant bit-rate, most applications use CBR compression. In multi-program applications such as satellite and cable television a technique called joint bit-rate control can be used. With joint bit-rate control the bit rates of individual programs are allows to vary but the sum of all bit rates is kept constant. Since a joint control is involved, the encoders should be geographically close. Joint bit-rate control is considered to be different from a technique called statistical multiplexing which is proposed in combination with ATM networks. In this paper, the benefits of joint bit-rate control are studied. This study involves both a theoretical analysis and a verification with experiments. Both theory and practice indicate that joint bit-rate control gives a significant gain even for a small number of programs. For instance, extra programs can be transmitted over the same channel if joint bit-rate control is used.