DRS compression applied to MPEG-2 video data transmitted over a satellite channel

This paper shows how the adoption of a Dynamic Rate Shaping (DRS) to variable bit rate (VBR) MPEG-2 (Motion Pictures Expert Group-2) coded video data, in addition to different levels of data protection, adds more flexibility in the way a video data stream can be sent over a faded satellite channel. DRS allows the satellite bandwidth required to be continuously trimmed, within a certain range. Also, some bandwidth can be saved when the video quality is maintained as close as possible to a required level during changing fade conditions. The performance of DRS applied to a VBR MPEG-2 coded video stream is shown. An application of this technique is discussed, and some criteria are given which help the user to choose the most suitable way to send video coded data, according to the service quality requirements.