High-level syntax for H.26L: first results

This paper introduces some preliminary results of the standardization process of ITU-T’s H.26L project. This forthcoming video coding standard will not only significantly improve the coding efficiency, but it will also introduce new concepts such as network friendliness, which are not common in current video coding approaches. The paper focuses on the high level syntax that resides hierarchically above the macroblock layer. Data partitioning techniques are used to separate data of different types from each other. The partitions are arranged in packets of data with different importance for the reproduced picture quality. Along with unequal error protection, which can either be a function of the underlying network or implemented on the application layer, the error resilience and thus the reproduced picture quality in error prone environments is greatly improved. To verify the findings, simulation results for an Internet/RTP environment, based on realworld observations of the current Internet that do not assume network-based quality of service, are included.