Compression techniques for digital video are a vital component of all multimedia systems. This book introduces the fundamentals of compression algorithms, including entropy and source encoding, run-length encoding, vector quantization, Huffman codes and DCT. It proceeds with state-of-the-art still image compression with an emphasis on the algorithms used in multimedia systems today, such as JPEG and fractal image compression. A real challenge in terms of runtime performance is digital video, and video compression algorithms including MPEG, Wavelets and H.261 are the topic of an in-depth discussion. The effect of compression algorithms and their parameters on image quality and runtime performance is analyzed, and a number of examples are presented on CD-ROM. Software developers and hardware designers who are interested in digital video integration will greatly benefit from this book which expects from its reader some familiarity with basic mathematical and computing concepts. The book presents the fundamentals of video compression for readers with an engineering or computing background.