Multiple-description coding by dithered delta-sigma quantization

In this paper we address the connection between the multiple-description (MD) problem and Delta-Sigma quantization. Specifically, we exploit the inherent redundancy due to oversampling in Delta-Sigma quantization, and the simple linear-additive noise model resulting from dithered lattice quantization, in order to construct a symmetric MD coding scheme. We show that the use of feedback by means of a noise shaping filter makes it possible to trade off central distortion for side distortion. Asymptotically as the dimension of the lattice vector quantizer and order of the noise shaping filter approach infinity, we show that the symmetric two-channel MD rate-distortion function for the memoryless Gaussian source and MSE fidelity criterion can be achieved at any resolution. This realization provides a new interesting interpretation for the information theoretic solution. The proposed design is symmetric in rate by construction and there is therefore no need for source splitting.