Rate control scheme for low-delay MPEG-2 video transcoder

In this paper, we focus on the video transcoder as a bit rate reducer in a network node and propose a rate control scheme for a low-delay MPEG-2[1] video transcoder. First, we summarize the requirements of a rate control algorithm for low delay transcoding. Next, based on these requirements, we describe the proposed rate control scheme in detail. Then, we analyze the input and output buffer delay and calculate the total delay time of the proposed transcoder. Finally, we evaluate the proposed scheme from the simulation results of experiments on picture quality, transcoding delay time and GOP (Group Of Pictures) structure information (N/M value) of the input bit stream. Consequently, we showed that the proposed scheme can provide the same picture quality as a traditional scheme and is independent of the GOP structure.