Enhanced MPEG information distribution apparatus and method

Abstract

A method and concomitant apparatus for compressing, multiplexing and, in optional embodiments, encrypting, transporting, decrypting, decompressing and presenting high quality video information in a manner that substantially preserves the fidelity of the video information in a system utilizing standard quality circuits to implement high quality compression, transport and decompression.

1. An apparatus for configured to processing process a video information signal comprising a plurality of full dynamic range components, said apparatus comprising:
 a compression encoder providing at least inter-frame coding, for configured to compression encoding encode said video information signal in a manner substantially retaining said full dynamic range of said full dynamic range components, said compression encoder comprising at least two standard encoders, each of said standard encoders being responsive to up to three component video signals, each of said standard compression encoders tending to substantially preserve a dynamic range and spatial resolution of one component of said video signal, each of said standard compression encoders providing a compressed output video signal; and 
 a multiplexer, for multiplexing configured to multiplex said compressed output video signals of said two or more standard compression encoders to produce a multiplexed information stream. 
 
     
     
       2. The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 an encryption encoder, for configured to encrypting encrypt at least one of said compressed output video signals of said two or more standard compression encoders according to one of a watermarking process and an encryption process. 
 
     
     
       3. The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a demultiplexer, for demultiplexing configured to demultiplex said multiplexed information stream to retrieve said compressed output video signals of produced by said two or more standard compression encoders; and 
 a compression decoder, for configured to compression decoding said decode the retrieved compressed output video signals of produced by said two or more standard compression encoders to produce a retrieved video information signal, said compression decoder comprising at least two standard decoders, each of said standard decoders receiving a respective one of said the retrieved compressed output video signals, each of said standard compression decoders being responsive to up to three component video signals within said respective one of the retrieved compressed output video signal signals, each of said standard compression decoders tending to substantially preserve a dynamic range and spatial resolution of one component within said respective one of the retrieved compressed output video signal signals. 
 
     
     
       4. The apparatus of  claim 3 , further comprising:
 an encryption decoder, for encrypting configured to decrypt at least one of said compressed output video signals of said two or more standard compression encoders according to one of a watermarking process and an encryption a decryption process. 
 
     
     
       5. The apparatus of claim  4  2, further comprising:
 a transport encoder, for configured to transport encoding encode said multiplexed information stream to produce a transport encoded information stream; 
 means for transporting said transport encoded information stream; and 
 a transport decoder, for retrieving configured to retrieve said multiplexed information stream from said transport encoded information stream. 
 
     
     
       6. The apparatus of  claim 4 , further comprising:
 a store for distribution unit, for storing configured to store one or more multiplexed information streams; 
 a transport encoder, for configured to transport encoding encode said one or more multiplexed information streams to produce a transport encoded information stream; 
 means for transporting said transport encoded information stream; 
 a transport decoder, for retrieving configured to retrieve said one or more multiplexed information streams from said transport encoded information stream; and 
 a store for display unit, for storing configured to store said retrieved one or more multiplexed information streams. 
 
     
     
       7. The apparatus of  claim 5 , further comprising:
 a demultiplexer, for demultiplexing configured to demultiplex said multiplexed information stream to retrieve said compressed output video signals of said two or more standard compression encoders; and 
 a compression decoder, for configured to compression decoding decode said retrieved compressed output video signals of said two or more standard compression encoders to produce a retrieved video information signal, said compression decoder comprising at least two standard decoders, each of said standard decoders receiving a respective one of said retrieved compressed output video signals, each of said standard compression decoders being responsive to up to three component video signals within said respective one compressed video signal, each of said standard compression decoders tending to substantially preserve a dynamic range and spatial resolution of one component within said respective one compressed video signal. 
 
     
     
       8. The apparatus of  claim 6 , further comprising:
 a demultiplexer, for demultiplexing configured to demultiplex said multiplexed information stream to retrieve said compressed output video signals of said two or more standard compression encoders; and 
 a compression decoder, for configured to compression decoding decode said retrieved compressed output video signals of said two or more standard compression encoders to produce a retrieved video information signal, said compression decoder comprising at least two standard decoders, each of said standard decoders receiving a respective one of said retrieved compressed output video signals, each of said standard compression decoders being responsive to up to three component video signals within said respective one compressed video signal, each of said standard compression decoders tending to substantially preserve a dynamic range and spatial resolution of one component within said respective one compressed video signal. 
 
     
     
       9. The apparatus of  claim 7 , further comprising a display device, for displaying configured to display said retrieved video information signal. 
     
     
       10. The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a demultiplexer, for demultiplexing configured to demultiplex said multiplexed information stream to retrieve said compressed output video signals of said two or more standard compression encoders; and 
 one or more compression decoders, for configured to compression decoding decode respective retrieved compressed output video signals of said two or more standard compression encoders to produce respective retrieved video information signals, said one or more compression decoders each comprising at least two standard decoders, each of said standard decoders receiving a respective one of said retrieved compressed output video signals, each of said standard compression decoders being responsive to up to three component video signals within said respective one compressed video signal, each of said standard compression decoders tending to substantially preserve a dynamic range and spatial resolution of one component within said respective one compressed video signal. 
 
     
     
       11. The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein:
 each of said one or more compression decoders is associated with a display device, said display device for displaying configured to display said retrieved video information signal. 
 
     
     
       12. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said compression encoder further comprises:
 at least one regional map and scale unit associated with each of said at least two standard encoders, for segmenting configured to segment a component video signal into one or more information regions, and for remapping one or more relatively high dynamic range information parameters associated with each information region according to respective intra-region information parameter maxima and minima to produce a remapped component video signal and an associated map region identification stream, said one or more remapped information parameters having a relatively low dynamic range; and 
 an compression encoder, coupled to said regional map and scale unit, for configured to compression encoding encode said remapped information stream to produce a compression encoded information stream. 
 
     
     
       13. The apparatus of  claim 12 , further comprising:
 a transport encoder, coupled to said regional map and scale unit and said compression encoder, for configured to transport encoding encode said compression encoded information stream and said map region identification stream to produce a transport stream. 
 
     
     
       14. The apparatus of  claim 13 , further comprising:
 a transport decoder, coupled to receive said transport stream, for configured to transport decoding decode said transport stream to recover said compression encoded information stream and said associated map region identification stream; 
 a compression decoder, coupled to said transport decoder, for configured to compression decoding decode said recovered compression encoded information stream to recover said remapped information stream; and 
 an inverse regional map and scale unit, coupled to said compression decoder and said transport decoder, for configured to inverse remapping remap said recovered remapped information stream according to said associated map region identification stream to substantially recover said information stream. 
 
     
     
       15. The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein:
 said information stream comprises at least a video information stream; 
 said compression encoder comprises an MPEG-like compression encoder; and 
 said transport encoder comprises an MPEG-like transport encoder. 
 
     
     
       16. The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein:
 said regional map and scale unit imparts a transfer characteristic to said remapped information stream comprising at least one of a gamma correction characteristic, a companding characteristic, a statistical redistribution characteristic, a simple linear characteristic, an arbitrary polynomial characteristic and a pre-determined function characteristic. 
 
     
     
       17. The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein each information region is defined with respect to one of a picture, frame, field, slice, macroblock, block, pixel location, and motion vector. 
     
     
       18. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said compression encoder comprises:
 a first standard encoder, for encoding configured to encode a luminance component of said video signal in a manner substantially preserving a dynamic range and spatial resolution of said luminance component; 
 a second standard encoder, for encoding configured to encode a first chrominance component of said video signal in a manner substantially preserving a dynamic range and spatial resolution of said first chrominance component; and 
 a third standard encoder, for encoding configured to encode a second chrominance component of said video signal in a manner substantially preserving a dynamic range and spatial resolution of said second chrominance component. 
 
     
     
       19. The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein said compression decoder comprises:
 a first standard decoder, for decoding configured to decode said luminance component of said video signal in a manner substantially preserving said dynamic range and spatial resolution of said luminance component; 
 a second standard decoder, for decoding configured to decode said first chrominance component of said video signal in a manner substantially preserving said dynamic range and spatial resolution of said first chrominance component; and 
 a third standard decoder, for decoding configured to decode said second chrominance component of said video signal in a manner substantially preserving said dynamic range and spatial resolution of said second chrominance component. 
 
     
     
       20. Apparatus for processing An apparatus configured to process a video signal, said video signal comprising a luminance component, a first color component and a second color component, said video signal components having respective full dynamic ranges, said apparatus comprising:
 a first compression encoder, providing at least inter-frame coding, for encoding configured to encode said video signal to produce a first encoded video signal, said first compression encoder encoding substantially the entire dynamic range of said luminance component of said video signal, a first portion of said dynamic range of said first color component of said video signal, and a first portion of said dynamic range of said second color component of said video signal; and 
 a second compression encoder, for encoding configured to encode a second portion of said dynamic range of said first color component of said video signal and a second portion of said dynamic range of said second color component of said video signal. 
 
     
     
       21. The apparatus of  claim 20 , further comprising:
 a first filter complement, for filtering configured to filter said first color component of said video signal to produce a low pass filtered first color component signal and a high pass filtered first color component signal; and 
 a second filter complement, for filtering configured to filter said second color component of said video signal to produce a low pass filtered second color component signal and a high pass filtered second color component signal; 
 said low pass filtered first color component signal and said low pass filtered second color component signal being coupled to said first compression encoder as first dynamic range portions of, respectively, said first and second color components of said video signal; and 
 said high pass filtered first color component signal and said high pass filtered second color component signal being coupled to said second compression encoder as second dynamic range portions of, respectively, said first and second color components of said video signal. 
 
     
     
       22. The apparatus of  claim 20 , further comprising:
 a first low pass filter, for filtering configured to filter said first color component of said video signal to produce a low pass filtered first color component signal, said low pass filtered first color component signal being coupled to said first compression encoder as a first dynamic range portion of said first color component of said video signal; and 
 a second low pass filter, for filtering configured to filter said second color component of said video signal to produce a low pass filtered second color component signal, said low pass filtered second color component signal being coupled to said first compression encoder as a first dynamic range portion of said second color component of said video signal. 
 
     
     
       23. The apparatus of  claim 20 , wherein said second compression encoder comprises:
 a decoder, for decoding configured to decode said first and second color components of said first encoded video signal to produce, respectively, a first decoded color component signal and a second decoded color component signal; 
 a first subtractor, for substracting configured to subtract said first decoded color component signal from said first color component of said video signal to produce a first color difference signal; 
 a second subtractor, for substracting configured to subtract said second decoded color component signal from said second color component of said video signal to produce a second color difference signal; 
 a first standard compression encoder, receiving said first color difference signal at a nominally luminance input, for encoding configured to encode said first color difference signal to produce an encoded first color difference signal; and 
 a second standard compression encoder, receiving said second color difference signal at a nominally luminance input, for encoding configured to encode said second color difference signal to produce an encoded second color difference signal. 
 
     
     
       24. The apparatus of  claim 20 , wherein said first color component comprises an in-phase chrominance component, said second color component comprises a quadrature-phase chrominance component, and said first compression encoder further comprises:
 a first horizontal low pass/vertical low pass (LL) filter, for filtering configured to filter said first color component of said video signal to produce an LL filtered first color component signal, said LL filtered first color component signal being coupled to said first compression encoder as a first dynamic range portion of said first color component of said video signal; and 
 a second horizontal low pass/vertical low pass (LL) filter, for filtering configured to filter said second color component of said video signal to produce an LL filtered second color component signal, said LL filtered second color component signal being coupled to said first compression encoder as a first dynamic range portion of said second color component of said video signal. 
 
     
     
       25. Apparatus, for encoding An apparatus configured to encode a video signal to produce an encoded video information stream, said video signal comprising a plurality of full dynamic range components, said apparatus comprising:
 a plurality of standard compression encoders providing at least inter-frame coding, each standard compression encoder comprising a substantially full dynamic range encoding channel and a plurality of partial dynamic range encoding channels, each standard compression encoder being associated with a respective full dynamic range component of said video signal, each standard compression encoder encoding, using said respective substantially full dynamic range encoding channel, said respective full dynamic range component of said video signal to produce a respective full dynamic range encoded video signal component; 
 a multiplexer, for multiplexing configured to multiplex said full dynamic range encoded video signal components produced by said standard compression encoders to produce said encoded video information stream. 
 
     
     
       26. The apparatus of  claim 25 , further comprising:
 an encryption encoder, for encrypting configured to encrypt at least one of said compressed output video component signals according to one of a watermarking process and an encryption process. 
 
     
     
       27. The apparatus of  claim 25 , wherein said dynamic range of at least one of said full dynamic range components exceeds a dynamic range of said plurality of standard compression encoders, said apparatus further comprising:
 a respective regional map and scale unit associated with each of said exceeding full dynamic range components, for segmenting configured to segment said respective exceeding full dynamic range component into one or more information regions, and for remapping configured to remap one or more relatively high dynamic range information parameters associated with each information region according to respective intra-region information parameter maxima and minima to produce a remapped component video signal and an associated map region identification stream, said one or more remapped information parameters having a relatively low dynamic range; and 
 a compression encoder, coupled to each respective regional map and scale unit, for configured to compression encoding encode said respective remapped information stream to produce a respective compression encoded map information stream. 
 
     
     
       28. Apparatus, for encoding An apparatus configured to encode a video signal to produce an encoded video information stream, said video signal comprising a full dynamic range luminance component, a full dynamic range first chrominance component and a full dynamic range second chrominance component, said apparatus comprising;
 a first filter, responsive to said full dynamic range first chrominance component to produce a low pass filtered first chrominance component; 
 a second filter, responsive to said full dynamic range second chrominance component to produce a low pass filtered second chrominance component; 
 a first compression encoder providing at least inter-frame coding, comprising a relatively high dynamic range encoding channel, for encoding configured to encode said full dynamic range luminance component, and a pair of relatively low dynamic range encoding channels for encoding configured to encode said low pass filtered first and second chrominance components; 
 a second compression encoder, for encoding configured to encode at least those portions of said full dynamic range first and second chrominance components not provided to said first compression encoder; 
 a multiplexer, for multiplexing configured to multiplex said encoded video components to produce said encoded video information stream. 
 
     
     
       29. The apparatus of  claim 28 , further comprising:
 an encryption encoder, for encrypting configured to encrypt at least one of said compressed output video component signals according to one of a watermarking process and an encryption process. 
 
     
     
       30. The apparatus of  claim 28 , wherein said dynamic range of at least one of said full dynamic range components exceeds a dynamic range of said plurality of standard compression encoders, said apparatus further comprising:
 a respective regional map and scale unit associated with each of said exceeding full dynamic range components, for segmenting configured to segment said respective exceeding full dynamic range component into one or more information regions, and for remapping configured to remap one or more relatively high dynamic range information parameters associated with each information region according to respective intra-region information parameter maxima and minima to produce a remapped component video signal and an associated map region identification stream, said one or more remapped information parameters having a relatively low dynamic range; and 
 a compression encoder, coupled to each respective regional map and scale unit, for configured to compression encoding encode said respective remapped information stream to produce a respective compression encoded map information stream. 
 
     
     
       31. The apparatus of  claim 28 , wherein:
 said first filter produces a high pass filtered first chrominance component; 
 said second filter produces a high pass filtered second chrominance component; and 
 said high pass filtered first chrominance component and said high pass filtered second chrominance component comprising said portions of said full dynamic range first and second chrominance components not provided to said first compression encoder. 
 
     
     
       32. The apparatus of  claim 28 , wherein said first and second filters comprise filter complements. 
     
     
       33. The apparatus of  claim 28 , wherein said second encoder comprises:
 a first standard encoder including a relatively high dynamic range encoding channel for encoding configured to encode said portions of said full dynamic range first chrominance component not provided to said first encoder; and 
 a second standard encoder including a relatively high dynamic range encoding channel for encoding configured to encode said portions of said full dynamic range second chrominance component not provided to said first encoder. 
 
     
     
       34. The apparatus of  claim 28 , further comprising:
 a decoder, for decoding configured to decode said encoded low pass filtered first and second chrominance components produced by said first encoder; 
 a first subtractor, for substracting configured to subtract said decoded low pass filtered first chrominance component from said full dynamic first chrominance component to produce a first difference component for encoding by said second encoder; and 
 a second subtractor, for substracting configured to subtract said decoded low pass filtered second chrominance component from said full dynamic second chrominance component to produce a second difference component for encoding by said second encoder. 
 
     
     
       35. The apparatus of  claim 28 , wherein said first and second filters comprise low horizontal frequency, low vertical frequency (LL) spatial filters;
 said low pass filtered first chrominance component comprises primarily low horizontal frequency and low vertical frequency components of said full dynamic range first chrominance component; and 
 said low pass filtered second chrominance component comprises primarily low horizontal frequency and low vertical frequency components of said full dynamic range second chrominance component. 
 
     
     
       36. The apparatus of  claim 35 , further comprising:
 a low horizontal frequency, high vertical frequency (LH) spatial filter, for filtering configured to filter one of said first and second full dynamic range chrominance components to produce first spatially filtered signal; 
 a high horizontal frequency, low vertical frequency (HL) spatial filter, for filtering configured to filter said one of said first and second full dynamic range chrominance components to produce a second spatially filtered signal; and 
 first and second frequency downconverters, for downconverting configured to downconvert, respectively, said first and second spatially filtered signals; 
 said second compression encoder encoding said other one of said first and second full dynamic range chrominance components, said first spatially filtered signal and said second spatially filtered signal. 
 
     
     
       37. The apparatus of  claim 36 , wherein said second compression encoder comprises a relatively high dynamic range encoding channel and two relatively low dynamic range encoding channels, said relatively high dynamic range encoding channel being used to compression encode said other one of said first and second full dynamic range chrominance components, said two relatively low dynamic range encoding channels being used to compression encode, respectively, said first and second spatially filtered signals. 
     
     
       38. Apparatus, for decoding An apparatus configured to decode a video information stream to recover a video signal, said video information stream comprising a plurality of substantially full dynamic range encoded video signal components, said apparatus comprising:
 a demultiplexer, for extracting configured to ex tract from said video information stream said plurality of substantially full dynamic range encoded video signal components; and 
 a plurality of standard compression decoders responding to at least inter-frame coding, each standard compression decoder comprising a substantially full dynamic range decoding channel and a plurality of partial dynamic range decoding channels, each standard decoder being associated with a respective substantially full dynamic range encoded video signal component, each standard compression encoder decoding, using said respective substantially full dynamic range decoding channel, said respective substantially full dynamic range encoded video signal component to produce a respective substantially full dynamic range decoded video signal component. 
 
     
     
       39. The apparatus of  claim 38 , wherein at least one of said substantially full dynamic range encoded video signal components are encrypted according to one of a watermarking process and an encryption process, said apparatus further comprising:
 an encryption decoder, for decrypting configured to decrypt said at least one encrypted substantially full dynamic range encoded video signal componentscomponent. 
 
     
     
       40. The apparatus of  claim 38 , wherein at least one of said substantially full dynamic range decoded video signal components has been subjected to regional map and scale processing to produce a respective remapped component video signal and an associated map region identification stream, said apparatus further comprising:
 a respective inverse regional map and scale unit associated with each substantially full dynamic range decoded video signal component that has been subjected to regional map and scale processing; 
 said inverse regional map and scale unit, in response to intra-region information parameter maxima and minima, inverse remapping one or more relatively high dynamic range information parameters of each information region of said respective substantially full dynamic range decoded video signal component that has been subjected to regional map and scale processing. 
 
     
     
       41. Apparatus, for encoding An apparatus configured to encode a video information stream to recover a video signal, said video information stream comprising a substantially full dynamic range compression encoded luminance component, first and second portions of a substantially full dynamic range compression encoded first chrominance component and first and second portions of a substantially full dynamic range compression encoded second chrominance component, said apparatus comprising:
 a demultiplexer, for extracting configured to extract from said video information stream said encoded luminance and chrominance components; and 
 a first compression decoder, for decoding configured to decode said substantially full dynamic range compression encoded luminance component to recover said luminance component of said video signal, and for decoding configured to decode said first portions of said substantially full dynamic range compression encoded first and second chrominance components; 
 a second decoder, for decoding configured to decode said second portions of said substantially full dynamic range compression encoded first and second chrominance components; 
 a first adder, for adding configured to add said decoded first and second portions of said substantially full dynamic range compression encoded first chrominance component to recover said first chrominance component of said video signal; and 
 a second adder, for adding configured to add said decoded first and second portions of said substantially full dynamic range compression encoded second chrominance component to recover said second chrominance component of said video signal. 
 
     
     
       42. The apparatus of  claim 41 , wherein at least one of said substantially full dynamic range compression encoded video signal components are encrypted according to one of a watermarking process and an encryption process, said apparatus further comprising:
 an encryption decoder, for decrypting configured to decrypt said at least one encrypted substantially full dynamic range encoded video signal components. 
 
     
     
       43. The apparatus of  claim 42 , wherein at least one of said substantially full dynamic range decoded video signal components has been subjected to regional map and scale processing to produce a respective remapped component video signal and an associated map region identification stream, said apparatus further comprising:
 a respective inverse regional map and scale unit associated with each substantially full dynamic range decoded video signal component that has been subjected to regional map and scale processing; 
 said inverse regional map and scale unit, in response to intra-region information parameter maxima and minima, inverse remapping one or more relatively high dynamic range information parameters of each information region of said respective substantially full dynamic range decoded video signal component that has been subjected to regional map and scale processing. 
 
     
     
       44. The apparatus of  claim 41 , wherein:
 said first portions of said substantially full dynamic range encoded first and second chrominance components comprise relatively low frequency portions of said first and second chrominance components of said video signal; and 
 said second portions of said substantially full dynamic range compression encoded first and second chrominance components comprise relatively high frequency portions of said first and second chrominance components of said video signal. 
 
     
     
       45. Apparatus, for decoding An apparatus configured to decode a video information stream to recover a video signal, said video information stream comprising a substantially full dynamic range compression encoded luminance component, a substantially full dynamic range compression encoded first chrominance component and a plurality of portions of a compression encoded second chrominance component, said apparatus comprising:
 a demultiplexer, for extracting configured to extract from said video information stream said compression encoded luminance and chrominance components; and 
 a first decoder, for decoding configured to decode said substantially full dynamic range compression encoded luminance component to recover said luminance component of said video signal, and for decoding configured to decode at least one of said plurality of portions of said compression encoded second chrominance component; 
 a second decoder, for decoding configured to decode said substantially full dynamic range compression encoded first chrominance component to recover said first chrominance component of said video signal, and for decoding configured to decode remaining portions of said plurality of portions of said compression encoded second chrominance component; and 
 means for combining said decoded portions encoded second chrominance component to recover said second chrominance component of said video signal. 
 
     
     
       46. The apparatus of  claim 45 , wherein said plurality of portions said compression encoded second chrominance component comprises a low horizontal and low vertical frequency portion (LL), a low horizontal and high vertical frequency portion (LH) and high horizontal and low vertical frequency portion (HL). 
     
     
       47. The apparatus of  claim 46 , wherein each of said portions of said compression encoded second chrominance component have been spectrally shifted to a relatively low horizontal and low vertical frequency (LL) region, and wherein said combining means comprises:
 a first frequency converter, for configured to spectrally shifting shift said decoded LH portion of said second chrominance component from said LL region to an LH region; 
 a second frequency converter, for configured to spectrally shifting shift said decoded HL portion of said second chrominance component from said LL region to an HL region; and 
 an adder, for combining configured to combine said decoded LL, said decoded and frequency converted LH and said decoded and frequency converted HL portions of said second chrominance component to recover said second chrominance component of said video signal. 
 
     
     
       48. In a system for distributing a video information signal comprising a plurality of full dynamic range components, a method comprising the steps of:
 compression encoding, using at least two standard encoders providing at least inter-frame coding, each of said plurality of full dynamic range components of said video signal in a manner substantially preserving said full dynamic range of said components of said video signal, each of said standard encoders being responsive to up to three component video signals, each of said standard compression encoders tending to substantially preserve a dynamic range and spatial resolution of one component of said video signal, each of said standard compression encoders providing a compressed output video signal; and 
 multiplexing said compressed output video signals of said two or more standard compression encoders to produce a multiplexed information stream; 
 each of said standard encoders being responsive to up to three component video signals, each of said standard compression encoders tending to substantially preserve a dynamic range and spatial resolution of one component of said video signal. 
 
     
     
       49. The method of  claim 48 , further comprising the step of:
 encrypting at least one of said compressed output video signals of said two or more standard compression encoders according to one of a watermarking process and an encryption process. 
 
     
     
       50. The method of  claim 48 , further comprising the steps of:
 demultiplexing said multiplexed information stream to retrieve said compressed output video signals of said two or more standard compression encoders; and 
 compression decoding, using at least two standard decoders, said retrieved compressed output video signals of said two or more standard compression encoders to produce a retrieved video information signal, each of said standard decoders receiving a respective one of said retrieved compressed output video signals, each of said standard compression decoders being responsive to up to three component video signals within said respective one compressed video signal, each of said standard compression decoders tending to substantially preserve a dynamic range and spatial resolution of one component within said respective one compressed video signal. 
 
     
     
       51. The method of  claim 49 , further comprising the steps of:
 demultiplexing said multiplexed information stream to retrieve said compressed output video signals of said two or more standard compression encoders; 
 decrypting said at least one encrypted and compressed output video signal; and 
 compression decoding, using at least two standard decoders, said retrieved unencrypted and decrypted compressed output video signals of said two or more standard compression encoders to produce a retrieved video information signal, each of said standard decoders receiving a respective one of said retrieved compressed output video signals, each of said standard compression decoders being responsive to up to three component video signals within said respective one compressed video signal, each of said standard compression decoders tending to substantially preserve a dynamic range and spatial resolution of one component within said respective one compressed video signal. 
 
     
     
       52. A system for compressing a video signal, comprising:
 a first video signal compression encoder configured to inter-frame compression encode a first component signal of a first color representation signal standard at a full resolution and a second component signal of the first color representation signal standard at a partial resolution, to receive a first component signal of a second color representation signal standard of the video signal at a port for the first component signal of the first color representation signal standard, and to produce a compression encoded first component signal of the second color representation signal standard of the video signal;   a second video signal compression encoder configured to inter-frame compression encode the first component signal of the first color representation signal standard at the full resolution and the second component signal of the first color representation signal standard at the partial resolution, to receive a second component signal of the second color representation signal standard of the video signal at the port for the first component signal of the first color representation signal standard, and to produce a compression encoded second component signal of the second color representation signal standard of the video signal; and   a multiplexer configured to receive the compression encoded first component signal of the second color representation signal standard of the video signal and the compression encoded second component signal of the second color representation signal standard of the video signal and to produce a compressed video signal.   
     
     
       53. A system for decompressing a video signal, comprising:
 a demultiplexer configured to receive the video signal and to produce a compression encoded first component signal of a first color representation signal standard of the video signal and a compression encoded second component signal of the first color representation signal standard of the video signal;   a first video signal compression decoder configured to inter-frame compression decode a first component signal of a second color representation signal standard at a full resolution and a second component signal of the second color representation signal standard at a partial resolution, to receive the compression encoded first component signal of the first color representation signal standard of the video signal at a port for the first component signal of a second color representation signal standard, and to produce a decompressed first component signal of the first color representation signal standard of the video signal; and   a second video signal compression decoder configured to inter-frame compression decode the first component signal of the second color representation signal standard at the full resolution and the second component signal of the second color representation signal standard at the partial resolution, to receive the compression encoded second component signal of the first representation signal standard of the video signal at the port for the first component signal of the second color representation signal standard, and to produce a decompressed second component signal of the first color representation signal standard of the video signal.   
     
     
       54. A method for processing a video information signal comprising a plurality of full dynamic range components, said method comprising:
 compression encoding said video information signal in a manner substantially retaining said full dynamic range of said full dynamic range components using a compression encoder providing at least inter-frame coding, said compression encoder comprising at least two standard encoders, each of said standard encoders being responsive to up to three component video signals, each of said standard compression encoders tending to substantially preserve a dynamic range and spatial resolution of one component of said video signal, each of said standard compression encoders providing a compressed output video signal; and   multiplexing said compressed output video signals of said two or more standard compression encoders to produce a multiplexed information stream.   
     
     
       55. The method of claim 54, further comprising:
 encrypting at least one of said compressed output video signals of said two or more standard compression encoders according to one of a watermarking process and an encryption process.   
     
     
       56. A method for processing a video information signal comprising a plurality of full dynamic range components, said method comprising:
 demultiplexing said multiplexed information stream to retrieve said compressed output video signals of said two or more standard compression encoders; and   compression decoding using a decompression decoder said retrieved compressed output video signals of said two or more standard compression encoders to produce a retrieved video information signal, said compression decoder comprising at least two standard decoders, each of said standard decoders receiving a respective one of said retrieved compressed output video signals, each of said standard compression decoders being responsive to up to three component video signals within said respective one compressed video signal, each of said standard compression decoders tending to substantially preserve a dynamic range and spatial resolution of one component within said respective one compressed video signal.   
     
     
       57. The method of claim 56, further comprising:
 decrypting at least one of said compressed output video signals of said two or more standard compression decoders according to one of a watermarking process and a decryption process.   
     
     
       58. The method of claim 56, further comprising:
 transport encoding said multiplexed information stream to produce a transport encoded information stream;   transporting said transport encoded information stream; and   retrieving said multiplexed information stream from said transport encoded information stream.   
     
     
       59. The method of claim 57, further comprising:
 storing one or more multiplexed information streams;   transport encoding said one or more multiplexed information streams to produce a transport encoded information stream;   transporting said transport encoded information stream;   retrieving said one or more multiplexed information streams from said transport encoded information stream; and   storing said retrieved one or more multiplexed information streams.   
     
     
       60. The method of claim 58, further comprising:
 demultiplexing said multiplexed information stream to retrieve said compressed output video signals of said two or more standard compression encoders; and   compression decoding using a compression decoder said retrieved compressed output video signals of said two or more standard compression encoders to produce a retrieved video information signal by receiving a respective one of said retrieved compressed output video signals, each of said standard compression decoders being responsive to up to three component video signals within said respective one compressed video signal, each of said standard compression decoders tending to substantially preserve a dynamic range and spatial resolution of one component within said respective one compressed video signal.   
     
     
       61. The method of claim 59, further comprising:
 demultiplexing said multiplexed information stream to retrieve said compressed output video signals of said two or more standard compression encoders; and   compression decoding using a compression decoder said retrieved compressed output video signals of said two or more standard compression encoders to produce a retrieved video information signal, said compression decoder comprising at least two standard decoders, each of said standard decoders receiving a respective one of said retrieved compressed output video signals, each of said standard compression decoders being responsive to up to three component video signals within said respective one compressed video signal, each of said standard compression decoders tending to substantially preserve a dynamic range and spatial resolution of one component within said respective one compressed video signal.   
     
     
       62. The method of claim 60, further comprising displaying said retrieved video information signal. 
     
     
       63. The method of claim 54, further comprising:
 demultiplexing said multiplexed information stream to retrieve said compressed output video signals of said two or more standard compression encoders; and   compression decoding, using one or more compression decoders, respective retrieved compressed output video signals of said two or more standard compression encoders to produce respective retrieved video information signals, said one or more compression decoders each comprising at least two standard decoders, each of said standard decoders receiving a respective one of said retrieved compressed output video signals, each of said standard compression decoders being responsive to up to three component video signals within said respective one compressed video signal, each of said standard compression decoders tending to substantially preserve a dynamic range and spatial resolution of one component within said respective one compressed video signal.   
     
     
       64. The method of claim 63, further comprising displaying said retrieved video information signal. 
     
     
       65. The method of claim 54, wherein said compression encoding further comprises segmenting a component video signal into one or more information regions;
 remapping one or more relatively high dynamic range information parameters associated with each information region according to respective intra-region information parameter maxima and minima to produce a remapped component video signal and an associated map region identification stream, said one or more remapped information parameters having a relatively low dynamic range; and   compression encoding said remapped information stream to produce a compression encoded information stream.   
     
     
       66. The method of claim 65, further comprising:
 transport encoding said compression encoded information stream and said map region identification stream to produce a transport stream.   
     
     
       67. The method of claim 66, further comprising:
 transport decoding said transport stream to recover said compression encoded information stream and said associated map region identification stream;   compression decoding said recovered compression encoded information stream to recover said remapped information stream; and   inverse remapping said recovered remapped information stream according to said associated map region identification stream to substantially recover said information stream.   
     
     
       68. The method of claim 66, wherein said information stream comprises at least a video information stream. 
     
     
       69. The method of claim 65, wherein:
 said regional map and scale unit imparts a transfer characteristic to said remapped information stream comprising at least one of a gamma correction characteristic, a companding characteristic, a statistical redistribution characteristic, a simple linear characteristic, an arbitrary polynomial characteristic and a pre-determined function characteristic.   
     
     
       70. The method of claim 65, wherein each information region is defined with respect to one of a picture, frame, field, slice, macroblock, block, pixel location, and motion vector. 
     
     
       71. The method of claim 54, wherein said compression encoding comprises:
 encoding a luminance component of said video signal in a manner substantially preserving a dynamic range and spatial resolution of said luminance component;   encoding a first chrominance component of said video signal in a manner substantially preserving a dynamic range and spatial resolution of said first chrominance component; and   encoding a second chrominance component of said video signal in a manner substantially preserving a dynamic range and spatial resolution of said second chrominance component.   
     
     
       72. The method of claim 71, wherein said compression decoding comprises:
 decoding said luminance component of said video signal in a manner substantially preserving said dynamic range and spatial resolution of said luminance component;   decoding said first chrominance component of said video signal in a manner substantially preserving said dynamic range and spatial resolution of said first chrominance component; and   decoding said second chrominance component of said video signal in a manner substantially preserving said dynamic range and spatial resolution of said second chrominance component.   
     
     
       73. A method for processing a video signal, said video signal comprising a luminance component, a first color component and a second color component, said video signal components having respective full dynamic ranges, said method comprising:
 encoding said video signal to produce a first encoded video signal by encoding substantially the entire dynamic range of said luminance component of said video signal, a first portion of said dynamic range of said first color component of said video signal, and a first portion of said dynamic range of said second color component of said video signal; and   encoding a second portion of said dynamic range of said first color component of said video signal and a second portion of said dynamic range of said second color component of said video signal.   
     
     
       74. The method of claim 73, further comprising:
 filtering said first color component of said video signal to produce a low pass filtered first color component signal and a high pass filtered first color component signal;   filtering said second color component of said video signal to produce a low pass filtered second color component signal and a high pass filtered second color component signal;   coupling said low pass filtered first color component signal and said low pass filtered second color component signal being to said first compression encoder as first dynamic range portions of, respectively, said first and second color components of said video signal; and   coupling said high pass filtered first color component signal and said high pass filtered second color component signal being to said second compression encoder as second dynamic range portions of, respectively, said first and second color components of said video signal.   
     
     
       75. The method of claim 73, further comprising:
 filtering said first color component of said video signal to produce a low pass filtered first color component signal;   coupling said low pass filtered first color component signal being to said first compression encoder as a first dynamic range portion of said first color component of said video signal;   filtering said second color component of said video signal to produce a low pass filtered second color component signal; and   coupling said low pass filtered second color component signal being to said first compression encoder as a first dynamic range portion of said second color component of said video signal.   
     
     
       76. The method of claim 73, wherein said second compression encoder comprises:
 decoding said first and second color components of said first encoded video signal to produce, respectively, a first decoded color component signal and a second decoded color component signal;   subtracting said first decoded color component signal from said first color component of said video signal to produce a first color difference signal;   subtracting said second decoded color component signal from said second color component of said video signal to produce a second color difference signal;   receiving said first color difference signal at a nominally luminance input;   encoding said first color difference signal to produce an encoded first color difference signal;   receiving said second color difference signal at a nominally luminance input; and   encoding said second color difference signal to produce an encoded second color difference signal.   
     
     
       77. The method of claim 73, wherein encoding said video signal to produce a first encoded video signal further comprises:
 filtering said first color component of said video signal to produce low pass/vertical low pass (LL) filtered first color component signal;   coupling said LL filtered first color component signal being to said first compression encoder as a first dynamic range portion of said first color component of said video signal;   filtering said second color component of said video signal to produce an LL filtered second color component signal; and   coupling said LL filtered second color component signal being to said first compression encoder as a first dynamic range portion of said second color component of said video signal.   
     
     
       78. A method for encoding a video signal to produce an encoded video information stream, said video signal comprising a full dynamic range luminance component, a full dynamic range first chrominance component and a full dynamic range second chrominance component, said method comprising;
 filtering said full dynamic range first chrominance component to produce a low pass filtered first chrominance component;   filtering said full dynamic range second chrominance component to produce a low pass filtered second chrominance component;   providing at least inter-frame coding for encoding said full dynamic range luminance component;   providing a pair of relatively low dynamic range encoding channels for encoding said low pass filtered first and second chrominance components;   encoding at least those portions of said full dynamic range first and second chrominance components not provided in said first compression encoder; and   multiplexing said encoded video components to produce said encoded video information stream.   
     
     
       79. The method of claim 78, further comprising encrypting at least one of said compressed output video component signals according to one of a watermarking process and an encryption process. 
     
     
       80. The method of claim 78, wherein said dynamic range of at least one of said full dynamic range components exceeds a dynamic range of said plurality of standard compression encoders, further comprising:
 providing a respective regional map and scale unit associated with each of said full dynamic range components;   segmenting said respective exceeding full dynamic range component into one or more information regions;   remapping one or more relatively high dynamic range information parameters associated with each information region according to respective intra-region information parameter maxima and minima to produce a remapped component video signal and an associated map region identification stream, said one or more remapped information parameters having a relatively low dynamic range; and   compression encoding said respective remapped information stream to produce a respective compression encoded map information stream.   
     
     
       81. A method for encoding a video signal to produce an encoded video information stream, said video signal comprising a full dynamic range luminance component, a full dynamic range first chrominance component and a full dynamic range second chrominance component, said method comprising;
 using a first filter, responsive to said full dynamic range first chrominance component, to produce a low pass filtered first chrominance component;   using a second filter, responsive to said full dynamic range second chrominance component, to produce a low pass filtered second chrominance component;   using a first compression encoder providing at least inter-frame coding and comprising a relatively high dynamic range encoding channel to encode said full dynamic range luminance component and said low pass filtered first and second chrominance components;   using a second compression encoder to encode at least those portions of said full dynamic range first and second chrominance components not encoded using said first compression encoder; and   multiplexing said encoded video components to produce said encoded video information stream.   
     
     
       82. The method of claim 81, further comprising encrypting at least one of said compressed output video component signals according to one of a watermarking process and an encryption process. 
     
     
       83. The method of claim 81, wherein said dynamic range of at least one of said full dynamic range components exceeds a dynamic range of said plurality of standard compression encoders, said method further comprising:
 providing a respective regional map and scale unit associated with each of said exceeding full dynamic range components;   segmenting said respective exceeding full dynamic range component into one or more information regions;   remapping one or more relatively high dynamic range information parameters associated with each information region according to respective intra-region information parameter maxima and minima to produce a remapped component video signal and an associated map region identification stream, said one or more remapped information parameters having a relatively low dynamic range; and   compression encoding said respective remapped information stream to produce a respective compression encoded map information stream.   
     
     
       84. The method of claim 81, further comprising:
 filtering said full dynamic range first chrominance component to produce a high pass filtered first chrominance component; and   filtering said full dynamic range second chrominance component to produce a high pass filtered second chrominance component; wherein said high pass filtered first chrominance component and said high pass filtered second chrominance component comprises said portions of said full dynamic range first and second chrominance components not encoded by said first compression encoder.   
     
     
       85. A method for compressing a video signal, comprising:
 inter-frame compression encoding a first component signal of a first color representation signal standard at a full resolution and a second component signal of the first color representation signal standard at a partial resolution;   receiving a first component signal of a second color representation signal standard of the video signal at a port for the first component signal of the first color representation signal standard;   producing a compression encoded first component signal of the second color representation signal standard of the video signal;   inter-frame compression encoding the first component signal of the first color representation signal standard at the full resolution and the second component signal of the first color representation signal standard at the partial resolution;   receiving a second component signal of the second color representation signal standard of the video signal at the port for the first component signal of the first color representation signal standard;   producing a compression encoded second component signal of the second color representation signal standard of the video signal; and   multiplexing the compression encoded first component signal of the second color representation signal standard of the video signal with the compression encoded second component signal of the second color representation signal standard of the video signal to produce a compressed video signal.   
     
     
       86. A method for decompressing a video signal, comprising:
 demultiplexing the video signal to produce a compression encoded first component signal of a first color representation signal standard of the video signal and a compression encoded second component signal of the first color representation signal standard of the video signal;   inter-frame compression decoding a first component signal of a second color representation signal standard at a full resolution and a second component signal of the second color representation signal standard at a partial resolution;   receiving the compression encoded first component signal of the first color representation signal standard of the video signal at a port for the first component signal of a second color representation signal standard;   producing a decompressed first component signal of the first color representation signal standard of the video signal; and   inter-frame compression decoding the first component signal of the second color representation signal standard at the full resolution and the second component signal of the second color representation signal standard at the partial resolution;   receiving the compression encoded second component signal of the first representation signal standard of the video signal at the port for the first component signal of the second color representation signal standard; and   producing a decompressed second component signal of the first color representation signal standard of the video signal.