Rate-distortion optimized layered coding with unequal error protection for robust Internet video

Abstract

In this paper, we present an effective framework for increasing the error-resilience of low bit-rate video communications over error-prone packet-switched networks. Our framework is based on the principle of layered coding with transport prioritization. We introduce a rate-distortion optimized mode-selection algorithm for our prioritized layered framework. This algorithm is based on a joint source/channel-coding approach and trades off source-coding efficiency for increased bitstream error-resilience to optimize the video-coding mode selection within and across layers. The algorithm considers the channel conditions, as well as the error recovery and concealment capabilities, of the channel codec and source decoder, respectively. Important framework parameters including the packetization scheme, decoder error-concealment method, and channel codec error-protection strength are considered. The effects of mismatch between the parameters employed by the encoder and the actual channel conditions are considered. Results are presented for a wide range of packet loss rates in order to illustrate the benefits of the proposed framework.

Adaptive Lossy Error Protection architecture in H.264 video transmission

“…However, transmitting these redundant slices is also rate consuming. Some conventional approaches [2], [3] employ layered video coding schemes combined with unequal error protection can achieve graceful degradation of the video quality in the presence of channel errors. However, most layered video coding schemes in past standards were not used in practice because of the substantial rate-distortion penalty relative to the single layer schemes.…”

Distributed Video Coding

“…The conventional approach to achieve such graceful degradation employs layered video coding schemes [74]- [83] combined with unequal error protection, such as priority encoding transmission (PET) [84], [85]. Unfortunately, all layered video coding schemes standardized to date incur a substantial rate-distortion loss relative to single-layer schemes and, hence, are not used in practical systems.…”

End-to-end distortion estimation for RD-based robust delivery of pre-compressed video

“…This imposes a large storage requirement. Second, the expected distortion is a complicated function of the individual packet loss rate as shown in (2). Therefore, the use of this metric to optimize error resilience strategies involves a high computational complexity.…”

“…The system consists of a fully standard-compatible layered source coding for precompression of the video signal, and unequal error protection through FEC on the packets of different layer at the time of delivery . The systematic Reed-Solomon (RS) code is adopted to generate redundant packets to combat packet loss [2] [5] .…”