Better, Faster and More Pixel Handling with SMPTE VC-3 Codec Updates

As the industry moves towards Better—High dynamic range, Faster—high frame rates, and More—higher resolutions, the SMPTE VC-3 video codec standard has been improved to meet the challenges. The extension to the standard allows for resolution independent encoding of arbitrary raster resolution, any frame rate, multiple bit-depths and different color spaces. New features of the codec include new quality levels, 4:2:0, 4:2:2, 4:4:4, Alpha channel, SDI-safe and graphics level, out-of-band encoding and support in various container types. As a low-complexity codec appropriate for editorial intermediates and collaborative editing, the high performance characteristics and predictable bit-rates properties are discussed. Its value as a mezzanine format is illustrated with the ability to preserve original resolutions, color and temporal properties from acquisition formats, post-production and VFXeffects rendering. Working together with corresponding metadata defined in popular wrapper formats such as MXF and QuickTime, its use for post-production workflows involving HDR, wide gamuts and Super Hi-Vision will be shown.

Published

2015-10

Content type

Original Research

Keywords

VC-3, ITU-R.2020, 12-bit, high-resolution, high dynamic range, high frame rate, HDR, HFR, RGB, 4:4:4, 4:2:2, 4:2:0, Alpha, visually lossless

DOI

10.5594/M001643

ISBN

978-1-61482-956-0