INTERLACED VIDEO MOTION ESTIMATION

A method for determining motion vectors in an interlaced video coding system for coding images comprising interlaced odd and even field. The method (30) includes selecting (32) a current odd field block and a current even field block that respectively comprise odd and even fields of a selected current image block. Differences are identified (33) and thereafter, suitable best matching odd and even field matching reference blocks are determined (34). From the suitable best matching odd and even field matching reference blocks a reduced field search area is provided (35) that is used to complete further searching (36) and selection of field motion vectors (38). Pseudo-frame motion vector selection is also conducted (43) and a preferred motion vector is selected (44) from either a field motion vector pair or pseudo-frame motion vector.