The Moving Pictures Experts Group has developed some of the most common compression systems for video around the world and given these standards the common name of MPEG. Not only did this group develop video compression standards including MPEG-1, MPEG-2, and MPEG-4, but it also developed audio compression standards, which we will discuss later in this chapter. This group continues to meet and to set new standards (which we won't discuss here), including work on MPEG-7 (a standardized means for describing audio and visual content) and MPEG-21 (standards for describing content ownership and rights management).

MPEG standards have enabled a number of advanced video services. For example, MPEG based DVDs (Digital Versatile Disks a.k.a. Digital Video Disks) are rapidly replacing the videotape as the preferred medium for viewing Hollywood movies in the home. Digital television, including digital satellite television and digital cable television, is based on the MPEG video compression standards. High definition (HD) television also uses MPEG technology. Also, much of the content for streaming media on the Internet is compressed using MPEG or closely related technologies.

Having an appreciation for how MPEG coding works can help users understand the trade-offs that make video compression work. Also, because there are so many different flavors of MPEG, it is important for users to know which ones are suitable for their applications. Finally, because MPEG compression engines can be adjusted in a variety of different ways, knowing what these terms mean can help users understand how to set up...