Real-time transmission of multimedia data over packet networks poses several interesting problems for signal processing research. Although the range of these problems covers a large variety of topics, currently two groups appear to attract the most attention. The first group concerns adapting the signal compression techniques to address the special requirements imposed by the packet networks, including accommodating for packet losses, delays, and jitter; providing capability for multipoint; and coping with the heterogeneous nature of today's networks. The second group of problems is related to protecting the intellectual property rights associated with the transmitted multimedia data. The increasing availability of high-bandwidth networking makes it extremely easy to illegally duplicate and disseminate digital information. Unless a mechanism can be established to protect the rights of the content providers, commercial use of networked multimedia will remain extremely limited.
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