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The new DVB-H standard allows broadcasting of audio/video content to mobile terminals. Such devices underlie severe restrictions concerning processing load and power consumption. The most computational intensive and therewith most power consuming part of such terminals is the decoding of the H.264/AVC video datastream. We present optimization strategies for software-based H.264/AVC video decoding as well as the architecture of an H.264/AVC decoding companion chip with specialized coprocessors, which targets the above mentioned restrictions (1). Index Terms--DVB-H, H.264/AVC, Decoder, SOC

In digital broadcasting, interlaced and progressive scanning pictures may be used. MPEG-2 can encode both scanning pictures independently. However, in handling both formats, format converter is required. We propose a new broadcasting system which makes scanning compatible. To realize this, a new coding method and pre/post-processing methods are discussed. New coding scheme is based on progressive scanning coding, and some improvement technologies are introduced. This coding also saves more than 30% bit-rate of MPEG-2 interlaced coding.

Asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) is often described as the future computer networking paradigm that will bring high-speed communications t the desktop. What is ATM? How is it different from today's […]

The Serial Real-time Communication System (SERCOS) is a 32-bit fiber-optic digital interface that outpaces any other industrial communications bus in speed and detailed design. It came from Europe and is foreseen to become a global standard for connecting digital controls and drives. There are over 70 SERCOS facilities in North America such as those of Boeing, Chrysler, Ford and General Motors. It is, contrary to popular belief, not expensive and rivals older analog interfaces in cost effectiveness., Faster and more highly defined than any other industrial communication bus, the fiber-optic SERCOS may have what it takes to become a world standard for linking digital controls and drives. [...]

From specialized image-compression ICs to op amps, manufacturers have touted high-definition television (HDTV) as a potential application for products introduced within the last few years. This promotion occurred despite the [...]

Europe has emerged as the world leader in defining digital wireless telecommunications standards. The US lags behind Europe, as does Japan. Now IC vendors worldwide have to decide whether to [...]

A clear shift towards digital technology was noticed at the 1992 International Broadcast Convention at Amsterdam. Scandinavian broadcasters indicated that the domestic use of HDTV, using digital transmission, may be possible by the year 2,000. An improved definition PAL system using widescreens, may be ready by 1995 and this may ring the death knell for mac. Random access video, use of supercomputers for generating slow-motion pictures and recording standards for videos were some other topics which featured at the convention.

New technologies have driven standards documents for network synchronization into overdrive, rendering existing timing equipment obsolete. What will it take for local exchange carriers to be free of relying on […]

CDMA won't go away. Coordinated efforts to dismiss code division multiple access, a wideband digital cellular radio format developed in 1989, as nothing but a sophisticated engineering experiment have failed. […]

'Shoot the engineers and go to market,' declared Robert Maher, former chairman of the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association, when he publicly voiced the association's support of time division multiple access […]

Gridlock on the airways blocks U.S. cellular growth In car-crazed Los Angeles, traffic-jammed commuters have embraced mobile cellular phones with the same passion once reserved for automobiles themselves. But the […]

Digital technology built into industrial controls and instrumentation devices greatly increase the amount of information available to plant operators while optimizing plant performance and automation. However, competition to set the standards is hampering development.

An emergency system for public radio services could be the solution to provide highly mobile and accurate radio communications for the military. The system, known as terrestrial trunked radio, or TETRA, based on a set of standards developed by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute, features quick set up time, multiple lines and a mode that allows direct communication with mobile radios.

The impact of the MP3 on the sound recording industry is assessed, focusing on difficulties in managing and calculating profits from digitally downloaded music. Topics include establishing standards regarding digital downloading, the history of compact discs, and the economic advantages of marketing MP3s to teenagers on the Internet.

OLE and subsequently OLE2 and the whole COM/DCOM/OLE/ActiveX world has fine aspirations. But does it give the right tools? In the first of a two part feature we look at […]

IMAP promises better message management--for those who can cope with its complexity. Hang around an airport long enough, and you will see an ironic sight: Mobile workers frozen in their […]

When wireless communications was introduced just a little more than a decade ago, the telecommunications industry went through a period of adjustment as carriers and vendors developed new methods and […]

Two systems are competing to become the standard for asymmetrical digital subscriber line (ASDL) which allows switched video to be tramsmitted over copper telephone lines. Amati Communications and Northern Telecom have devised Discrete Multitone (DMT) while AT&T Paradyne promotes its carrierless amplitude phase (CAP) system. Bellcore has recommended DMT as a base for a standard but ASDL pioneer, Bell Atlantic is unconvinced and is testing both systems in a pilot installation. Practical field trials may identify differences between the two systems that have been difficult to detect in laboratory tests.