Excellent textbook of multimedia signal processing also dealing with the optimization of multimedia communication systems. It covers the theoretical background of one- and multidimensional signal processing, statistical analysis and modeling, coding and information theory as well as estimation and classification theory. Numerous practical examples are given for algorithms and design of multimedia signal compression and transmission systems, for systems performing content analysis and indexing of multimedia signals. Principles behind multimedia coding and indexing standards, e.g. MPEG-1/-2/-4/-7 are explained in detail, including the most recent developments like the new Advanced Video Coding standard and Motion-Compensated Interframe Wavelet Coding. Numerous figures and examples illustrate the concepts. As the book is based on a graduate-level university course, most chapters are supplemented by exercises. The book is also a self-contained introduction both for researchers and developers of multimedia communication systems in industries.