Multiple description coding: Compression meets the network

The compressed representations of the pictures on a museum web site is discussed. The representation does not affect how many bits get from the web server to the laptop, but it determines the usefulness of the bits that arrive. Many different representations are possible, and there is more involved in the choice than merely selecting a compression ratio. By allowing image reconstruction to continue even after a packet is lost, this type of representation can prevent a web browser from becoming dormant.