Spatial scalable compression scheme using spatial sharpness enhancement techniques

A video encoder/decoder with spatial scalable compression schemes using spatial sharpness enhancement techniques is disclosed. The video compression scheme introduces a number of various video enhancement techniques on the base layer. A picture analyzer is used to determine the best or the best mix of various video enhancement techniques. The picture analyzer compares the selected mix of video enhancement techniques with the original full resolution input signal to determine for which of the pixels or groups of pixels a residual enhancement layer is required. Parameters defining the selected mix of video enhancement techniques are transmitted to the decoder layer so the same mix of video enhancement techniques can be used in the decoder layer.