Analysis and Processing of Compressed Newsfeeds

In this paper methods for analysing and processing digitised compressed video newsfeeds are discussed. Due to computing, storage and communication limitations the material has to be processed in compressed form. This creates particular problems which are not encountered when decompressed video material is handled. The methods described allow news editors to directly extract information from the compressed material, creating the possibility that only those video clips which may be of interest need be decompressed. News editors can decide which sections of a newsfeed should be extracted and assembled for a particular news cast. The final cutting can then be done from the original broadcast quality material. This paper reports on results obtained with a joint research project with a commercial television station.