Comparison of rate allocation strategies for H.264 video transmission over wireless lossy correlated networks

In this paper we study the problem of transmitting coded video over a UMTS network. We first discuss the statistical characteristics of packet losses in case of RTP/UDP/IP wireless video communication. Then, we propose a new rate allocation algorithm for H.264 video, based on a Gilbert-Elliot model of the packet losses. We compare the proposed algorithm with several other allocation strategies, showing that it achieves satisfactory performance in terms of PSNR. Moreover, we outline the limits of the employed distortion model and outline possible solutions to overcome them.