Two-layer encoding for hybrid high-definition DVD

1. An encoder for encoding signal data as a plurality of block transform coefficients for each of base layer data and enhancement layer data, the encoder comprising:

a two-layer decomposition unit for decomposing an original high-definition signal data sequence into base layer data and enhancement layer data;

a standard-definition encoder coupled to the decomposition unit for encoding the base layer data as a base layer bitstream embodying a standard-definition data sequence; and

a high-definition encoder coupled to the decomposition unit and the standard-definition encoder for encoding only the difference between the high-definition data and the standard-definition data as base layer user data embodying a high-definition data sequence,

wherein at least a portion of the difference between the high-definition data and the standard-definition data encoded as the base layer user data embodying the high-definition data sequence comprises video pixel data.

2. An encoder as defined in claim 1 wherein the enhancement layer data is interleaved with the base layer data for at least one segment.

3. An encoder as defined in claim 2 wherein the enhancement layer data is interleaved with the base layer data for each segment having a bandwidth greater than about 9.8 Mbps.

4. An encoder as defined in claim 1 wherein the decomposition unit comprises a downsampling unit.

5. An encoder as defined in claim 1 wherein the signal data comprises video pixel data.

6. An encoder as defined in claim 1 wherein the standard-definition encoder meets an MPEG-2 standard.

7. An encoder as defined in claim 1 wherein the high-definition encoder meets an MPEG-4 AVC standard.

8. An encoder as defined in claim 1 , further comprising a standard-definition frame buffer in signal communication with the standard-definition encoder for maintaining reconstructed base layer data.

9. An encoder as defined in claim 1 , further comprising a high-definition frame buffer in signal communication with the high-definition encoder for maintaining reconstructed enhancement layer data.

10. An encoder as defined in claim 1 , further comprising an interpolation unit coupled between the standard-definition encoder and the high-definition encoder for interpolating the standard-definition data into a format corresponding to the high-definition data.

11. An encoder as defined in claim 1 wherein the base layer user data embodying the high-definition data sequence comprises base layer Group Of Pictures user data.

12. An encoder as defined in claim 1 wherein the base layer user data embodying the high-definition data sequence comprises base layer picture user data.

13. An encoder for encoding signal data as a plurality of block transform coefficients for each of base layer data and enhancement layer data, the encoder comprising:

receiver means for receiving an original high-definition signal data sequence;

decomposition means for decomposing the original high-definition signal data sequence into base layer data and enhancement layer data;

base layer encoding means for encoding the base layer data as a base layer bitstream embodying a standard-definition data sequence; and

enhancement layer encoding means for encoding only the difference between the high-definition data and the standard-definition data as base layer user data embodying a high-definition data sequence, wherein at least a portion of the difference between the high-definition data and the standard-definition data encoded as the base layer user data embodying the high-definition data sequence comprises video pixel data.

14. In a video encoder, a method for encoding signal data as a plurality of block transform coefficients for each of base layer data and enhancement layer data, the method comprising:

receiving an original high-definition signal data sequence;

decomposing the original high-definition signal data sequence into base layer data and enhancement layer data;

encoding the base layer data as a base layer bitstream embodying a standard-definition data sequence; and

encoding only the difference between the high-definition data and the standard-definition data as base layer user data embodying a high-definition data sequence,

wherein at least a portion of the difference between the high-definition data and the standard-definition data encoded as the base layer user data embodying the high-definition data sequence comprises video pixel data.

15. A method as defined in claim 14 wherein the enhancement layer data is interleaved with the base layer data for at least one segment.

16. A method as defined in claim 14 wherein the enhancement layer data is interleaved with the base layer data for each segment having a bandwidth greater than about 9.8 Mbps.

17. A method as defined in claim 14 wherein the signal data comprises video pixel data.

18. A method as defined in claim 14 wherein the base layer bitstream meets an MPEG-2 standard.

19. A method as defined in claim 14 wherein the base layer bitstream embodying the standard-definition data sequence and the picture base layer user data embodying the high-definition data sequence are authored using digital videodisc authoring tools.

20. A method as defined in claim 14 , further comprising interpolating the standard-definition data into a format corresponding to the high-definition data.

21. A method as defined in claim 14 wherein the base layer user data embodying the high-definition data sequence comprises base layer Group Of Pictures user data.

22. A method as defined in claim 14 wherein the base layer user data embodying the high-definition data sequence comprises base layer picture user data.