Video transcoder with bitstream look ahead for rate control and statistical multiplexing

An apparatus for transcoding a previously encoded video signal to a second encoded representation thereof comprising:

• (a) a buffer for receiving k>1 previously encoded pictures of a previously encoded video signal,
• (b) a scanner for scanning each of said k previously encoded pictures in said buffer to gather information on each of said k previously encoded pictures, and for allocating an encoding parameter to one of said k previously encoded pictures, which precedes each other one of said k previously encoded pictures in encoded order of said previously encoded video signal, based on said information gathered for each of said k previously encoded pictures,
• (c) a decoder for decoding said one previously encoded picture, to produce a decoded picture, and
• (d) an encoder for re-encoding said decoded picture, to generate a re-encoded picture in a second encoded representation of said video signal, said re-encoding being performed in a fashion which depends on said encoding parameter allocated thereto,
• wherein said apparatus is configured for splicing an end of said re-encoded video signal together with a beginning of another encoded video signal for sequential transfer to said channel,
• wherein said buffer is also for storing a picture at an end of said re-encoded video signal and at least one picture at a beginning of said another video signal in said look ahead buffer,
• wherein said scanner is also for gathering information regarding said at least one encoded pictures at a beginning of said another encoded video signal and said picture at an end of said previously encoded video signal, and
• wherein said encoder is also for re-encoding said picture at an end of said previously encoded video signal in accordance with an encoding parameter allocated based on information gathered for said picture and for said at least one picture at a beginning of said another encoded video signal.