Technology - Audio-Visual Coding 3 - MPEG 4 Video and VRML

Synopsis

We explain how Advanced Video Coding (AVC/H.264) improves on MPEG-2 video compression. The MPEG-4 standards are of unprecedented scope, including animation, synthetic sound and video, VRML interactivity and Java. We introduce these technologies and discuss how they can be used together to provide services and communication systems far beyond the modes we are familiar with today. We also discuss the MPEG-7 metadata and MPEG-21 digital rights management standards.

Table of Contents

• 1. Synopsis
• 2. Introduction
• 3. MPEG-4 Video and multimedia compression
• 4. Advanced Video Coding – H.264/AVC
  • 4.1 Multiple source pictures for motion compensation
  • 4.2 Quarter pixel motion compensation resolution
  • 4.3 Intra-frame prediction
  • 4.4 Reduced ‘blocking’ artefacts
  • 4.5 Data partitioning – scalable coding
  • 4.6 Improved data packing
  • 4.7 Improved compression for smooth regions
  • 4.8 Increased bit depth
• 5. Interactive and VRML elements
  • 5.1 Synthetic and composite images
  • 5.2 Texture mapping and lighting
  • 5.3 Talking synthetic heads
  • 5.4 Synthetic speech
  • 5.5 Synthetic sound and audio processing
  • 5.6 AFX Animation
  • 5.7 Java – MPEG-J
  • 5.8 Scaling and multiple use
  • 5.9 Quality of Service
  • 5.10 Delivery Multimedia Integration Framework (DMIF)
  • 5.11 FlexTime advanced synchronisation
  • 5.12 Binary Format for Scene Description (BIFS)
  • 5.13 Metadata and Digital Rights Management
  • 5.14 A critical view of MPEG-4
    • 5.14.1 Demand for complex interactive material
    • 5.14.2 Reliability and robustness
    • 5.14.3 MPEG-4 as a browser plug-in
• 6. MPEG-7 metadata
• 7. MPEG-21 Digital Rights Management
• 8. Related reports

• Table 1 – H.264/AVC Levels