H.264 Parameter Optimizations for Internet Based Distribution of High Quality Video

The digital video revolution is evolving from a physical-media distribution model to electronic-media distribution models that utilize Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) and Consumer Grade Networks (CGNs – such as residential Internet and in home networks) for delivery of content to devices. The utilization of the Advanced Video Coding (AVC/H.264) standard is prevalent in today's optical and broadcast industries, but the adoption of this standard at bit-rates suitable for CDN/CGN distribution has not yet materialized in a unified and open specification for resolutions including full-HD (1080p) video. In this paper we present a set of empirical and scientific measurements (PSNR and SSIM) which have been collected through over 6,500 H.264 encodings of a set of content samples in order to determine the optimal compression settings for delivering a high-quality viewing experience across CDNs/CGNs. Based on this research, a specific set of operating points have been devised in order to maximize compatibility across both personal computer (PC) and consumer electronics (CE) platforms, resulting in high quality video at data rates that are encoded at up to 40% lower rates than those of the H.264 Level 4 data rates, while still maintaining a good visual quality level.

Published

2008-10

Content type

Original Research

DOI

10.5594/M001029

ISBN

978-1-61482-939-3