Adaptive prediction filtering for encoding/decoding digital signals in media content

A method of decoding a digital signal from a host signal in which the digital signal is encoded, including the acts:

• using a computer programmed as a digital signal decoder to perform the acts of:
• assessing characteristics of the host signal, and determining an initial filter function based on said characteristics;
• filtering the signal in accordance with the initial filter function;
• assessing the host signal relative to a digital signal to determine a second filter function so that filter function is adapted based on an assessment of host signal characteristics relative to digital signal characteristics;
• and filtering the host signal in accordance with the second filter function.

A method of decoding a digital signal from a host signal, the digital signal conveying a plural symbol message, the method including the acts:

• using a computer programmed as a digital signal decoder to perform the acts of:
• processing the host signal to obtain an initial estimate of the plural symbols and reliability of the initial estimate;
• based on the initial estimate and the reliability of the initial estimate, adapting parameters of a predictive filter so that filter function is adapted based on the initial estimate;
• processing the signal using the predictive filter;
• and decoding the digital signal from the processed signal.