H.264/AVC Encoder Optimization
H.264/AVC is the state-of-the-art video compression standard. At the same video quality, it could achieve about 50% bit-rate saving over MPEG-2. Due to its high compression efficiency, it is being widely adopted for video conferencing, mobile TV broadcasting and high-definition optical disc storage. However, its encoding complexity is extremely high. The goal of this project is to develop low-complexity H.264/AVC coding techniques that can still achieve state-of-the-art video compression.
Background & Objective: H.264/AVC video coding introduces substantially more coding tools and coding options than earlier standards. Therefore, it takes much more computational complexity to achieve the highest potential coding gain. Our objective is to develop low-complexity video coding techniques that do not compromise video coding quality. We expect these techniques will be used to develop cost-effective H.264/AVC encoder and transcoder products.
Technical Discussion: We developed a hierarchical complexity control framework to efficiently manage the complexity of encoding process, with focus on motion estimation and mode decision algorithms. This framework may be used to develop a complexity scalable encoder. We also developed an efficient mode decision algorithm for intra-only H.264/AVC video coding. We exploited the correlation between optimal coding mode decisions of temporally adjacent pictures to reduce the computational efficiency of the encoding. Compared to conventional RD optimized mode decision algorithms, the proposed algorithm can significantly reduce the computational complexity with negligible loss of compression efficiency.
Contacts:
Anthony Vetro
Huifang Sun
Publications:
Tan, K-H; Feris, R.S.; Turk, M.; Kobler, J.; Yu, J.; Raskar, R., "Harnessing Real-World Depth Edges with Multiflash Imaging", IEEE Computer Graphics and Applications, ISSN: 0272-1716, Vol. 25, Issue 1, pp. 32-38, January 2005 (IEEE Xplore, TR2005-067)
Chen, W.; Ren, L.; Zwicker, M.; Pfister, H., "Hardware-Accelerated Adaptive EWA Volume Splatting", IEEE Visualization, ISBN: 0-7803-8788-0, pp. 67-74, October 2004 (IEEE Computer Society, TR2005-009)
| Technical Reports: | |
| Fast Mode Decision for Intra-only H.264/AVC Coding | |
| Hierarchical Complexity Control of Motion Estimation for H.264/AVC | |
| Efficient MPEG-2 to H.264/AVC Intra Transcoding in Transform -domain | |
| Efficient Macroblock Coding-Mode Decision for H.264/AVC Video Coding | |
| Converting DCT Coefficients to H.264/AVC | |
Technology Areas:
Multimedia
Digital Video
Modification Date: November 1, 2007
