Each edition of Introduction to Data Compression has widely been considered the best introduction and reference text on the art and science of data compression, and the third edition continues in this tradition. Data compression techniques and technology are ever-evolving with new applications in image, speech, text, audio, and video. The third edition includes all the cutting edge updates the reader will need during the work day and in class.

Khalid Sayood provides an extensive introduction to the theory underlying today's compression techniques with detailed instruction for their applications using several examples to explain the concepts. Encompassing the entire field of data compression Introduction to Data Compression, includes lossless and lossy compression, Huffman coding, arithmetic coding, dictionary techniques, context based compression, scalar and vector quantization. Khalid Sayood provides a working knowledge of data compression, giving the reader the tools to develop a complete and concise compression package upon completion of his book.

* New content added on the topic of audio compression including a description of the mp3 algorithm
* New video coding standard and new facsimile standard explained
* Completely explains established and emerging standards in depth including JPEG 2000, JPEG-LS, MPEG-2, Group 3 and 4 faxes, JBIG 2, ADPCM, LPC, CELP, and MELP
* Source code provided via companion web site that gives readers the opportunity to build their own algorithms, choose and implement techniques in their own applications

Amazon.com Review Khalid Sayood's textbook-style Introduction to Data Compression is the definitive guide to all kinds of compression schemes. Early chapters establish the mathematics involved in basic compression techniques, including lossless and lossy compression as well as the fundamentals of information theory that lay the groundwork for common forms of compression. (The book contains all the relevant formulas, although those who don't need such mathematical detail will still be able to understand the book.)

A good portion of the book examines various compression schemes, their strengths and weaknesses, and what content they work best for. Introduction to Data Compression begins with lossless compression schemes, which lose no information during the compression/decompression process. Huffman Coding, a well-established compression scheme, and arithmetic and dictionary coding also receive excellent treatment. In addition, the author takes on lossless compression for images.

For lossy compression, Sayood discusses schemes that use quantization, where a range of values is compressed in some way. He also describes scalar, vector, and differential encoding and fractal compression. A final chapter looks at video encryption (which often combines techniques from earlier chapters). Many of the compression schemes include examples from image and sound files, but the book considers a wide variety of video schemes too. This rich and confidently written text collates a lot of research and can serve as both textbook and source for designers who need a readable and mathematically solid introduction to data compression.