Current Trends in Digital Video

Abstract

For many years there has been a debate as to whether video would ultimately be transmitted at high bit rates using inexpensive facilities, or at low rates using powerful but low cost compression equipment. As it is developing, no debate is needed because these two technological forces are now effectively complementing each other rather than competing. Even with optical fiber where wide bandwidths are relatively easy to achieve, it turns out that when total systems considerations are analyzed, significant amounts of video compression are justified. Furthermore, optical systems are rarely used in isolation. There is frequently interworking between broadband fiber and other transmission, switching, or storage systems with more modest bit rate capability. These other systems may necessitate the use of video compression making it only logical that the fiber systems also capitalize on the benefits of the compression that must be in the system anyway.