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Video Compression in Depth: from basics to H.264 SVC

Duration: 2 days
Registration Fee: $1,395
Upcoming class dates & Locations:

10-11 Feb. 2010, Washington, D.C.
10-11 Mar. 2010, New York, NY
30-31 Apr. 2010, Boston, MA
4-5 May 2010, Washington, D.C.
1-2 Jun 2010, New York, NY

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Course Description

The course describes in detail the underlying science of video compression. The evolution of video standards from H.261 and MPEG-1 to the latest version of H.264 | MPEG-4 Part 10 is described. Emphasis is placed on what standards do and do not define. Hands-on exercises with an H.264 encoder throughout this course provide practical experience with video encoders. Exercises include:

  • Configuring and tuning an H.264 AVC video encoder
    • Investigating the use of different Motion Estimation algorithms and partitioning schemes
    • Investigating the behavior of Rate Control algorithms
    • Comparing CABAC and CAVLC performance
    • Analyzing the dependence between encoder performance and video content
  • Configuring and tuning an H.264 SVC video encoder
    • Using multiple spatial layers
    • Using multiple Quality layers
    • Combing multiple spatial and Quality layers
    • Analysis of overhead compared to AVC

Course Benefits

Effective use of live and stored video can significantly improve communications (both internally between management and employees, as well as externally with customers and vendors), reduce costs, improve training and accelerate learning curves, and improve security. These benefits are illustrated with real-world examples. Participants will learn to distinguish between competing standards enabling them to make an informed choice when deciding which feature sets are most appropriate for their needs and objectives.

Participants Will Learn to

  • Make optimal use of video encoding technologies and products
  • Configure and tune audiovisual products for best results
  • Evaluate different encoding products and technologies and match their features against their needs
  • Build better, more efficient and more robust encoder products

Who Should Participate

Both users and developers of video encoder products will benefit from this course. This in depth version of the course is geared towards technical staff (engineers, developers, product managers, technical support services staff, alpha test staff, IT staff). A basic knowledge of signal processing is recommended.

Course Content

Applications of Video Compression

  • Corporate Presentations
  • Distance Learning
  • Videoconferencing
  • Monitoring and Surveillance

Technical Challenges

  • Bandwidth Reduction
  • Encoder Complexity
  • Decoder complexity and mobile devices
  • Display issues
  • Storage of large files and large archives

Video Compression Basics

  • Pixels and raw video formats
  • Human psycho visual system
  • JPEG compression: DCT, Quantization and entropy coding
  • Inter frame coding using motion estimation and compensation
  • History and evolution of video compression standards
  • Proprietary encoders

Assessing Video Quality

  • PSNR Metric
  • Subjective Testing
  • Just Noticeable Differences (JND)

H.264 | MPEG-4 AVC encoding tools

  • Frame types
  • Advanced Intra coding
  • Expanded prediction options with multiple partitions and reference frames
  • Generalized B-frames and weighted prediction
  • Enhanced entropy coding
  • Fidelity Range extensions
  • Profiles

Scalable video encoders

  • Temporal Scalability
  • Spatial Scalability
  • Quality Scalability
  • Object-based Scalability
  • H.264 Scalable Video Coding (SVC)

Current and near future systems

  • Stereo video
  • Multi-camera video coding
  • H.264 Multiview Video Coding (MVC)

Storage of video streams

  • MP4 File Format
  • Windows Media File Format
  • MPEG-2 Systems streams