Video compression using ITU-T recommendation H.264

Abstract

The H.264 standard defines a compliant bitstream and methods of decoding this bitstream to reconstruct a video sequence. This research project introduces H.264 video compression techniques including FMO, CAVLC, Deblocking Filter, logarithmic quantisation and integer transformation. The encoding process for the baseline profile is discussed in detail, specific implementation procedures detailed and references made to available source code. Encoders are required to provide conforming bitstreams consistent with their stated profile and level. A decoder that declares its conformance to a specific profile must be able to support all of the features of that profile. Interoperability between individual encoders and decoders is achieved through this profile and level compliance. The provision of a GUI allows user interaction with the encoder and decoder. Parameters may be varied in order to suit particular applications. The variation of parameters require tradeoffs between fidelity, file size and bit rate to be made.