In video and multimedia applications, the bit-rate reduction of an image signal, by an algorithm that recognizes the high degree of correlation ascertainable in specific images. Note 1: The final image does not replicate the original when viewed in direct comparison, but the losses are designed to be unrecognizable under the intended display conditions. Note 2: The algorithm may often apply transform coding, predictive techniques, and other modeling to the image signal, along with some form of entropy encoding. Note 3: While the image appears unaltered to normal human vision, it may show losses and artifacts when analyzed by other systems (i.e., chroma key, computerized image analysis, etc. ) Note 4: The lost information cannot be extracted from the compressed bit stream.