Scalable picture encoding

An encoding device (1) for encoding a picture signal (VS) comprises downsampling means (11) for converting the original picture signal into a downsampled picture signal, first encoding means (14) coupled to the downsampling means (11) for encoding the downsampled picture signal so as to provide a first encoded picture signal (BL), upsampling means (16) coupled to the downsampling means (11) for converting the downsampled picture signal into a upsampled picture signal, subtracting means (13) for producing a residual signal (RS) from the original picture signal and the upsampled picture signal, and second encoding means (14) coupled to the subtracting means (13) for encoding the downsampled picture signal so as to provide a second encoded picture signal (EL). The first encoding means (14) are arranged for lossy coding. The encoding device (1) is arranged for increasing the picture sharpness content of the residual signal (RS), and hence of the second encoded picture signal (EL), for example by using a filter (10).