A new technique for reducing transmission error propagation in adaptively predicted, dpcm‐encoded pictures is described. The basis for the technique is a generalization of the notion of predictor output attenuation, described by Graham, to include attenuation of the adaptive prediction function. Simulation results are presented that show that application of the technique to Graham's codec results in significant reduction in error propagation without degradation of picture quality. The technique requires no increase in transmission rate. © 1979 The Bell System Technical Journal