Combined source-channel coding for transmission of video over a slow-fading Rician channel

In this work we consider the problem of combined source-channel coding for H.263 coded video transmitted over a wireless channel which is modeled as a slow-fading Rician channel. As wireless channels are generally bandwidth limited, the specific channel coding scheme employed here is non-binary bandwidth-efficient trellis-coded modulation (TCM) employing appropriate phase-shift keyed modulation. We describe a methodology for determining the optimal tradeoff between source and channel coding as a function of channel characteristics. In particular, if feedback on channel parameters is available, the video information can be optimally coded. In the case where feedback is not available, we illustrate the effects of using mismatched codes designed for other than the existing channel conditions.