Method and apparatus for encoding and decoding video signals

PATENT STATUS: GrantedA method is set forth for encoding and decoding a video signal, including the following steps: encoding the signal, the encoding including separating the signal into a plurality of spatial frequency bands at different frame rates, and temporally pre-filtering at least one of the bands with a pre-filtering circuit; and decoding the encoded signal, the decoding preferably including temporally post-filtering the at least one band, and combining the bands. In a preferred embodiment temporal pre-filtering is low-pass temporal filtering with a filter cut-off in the range 1.25 to 1.75 times the temporal Nyquist limit for the frame rate of the at least one band. The temporal post-filtering is preferably low pass temporal filtering with a cut-off near the Nyquist limit.