ISO/IEC 14496-5:2001/Amd 33:2015

Overview

ISO/IEC 14496-5:2001/Amd 33:2015 is an important amendment to the international standard for coding audio-visual objects, specifically focusing on reference software. This amendment introduces reference software for the Multiview Video Coding (MVC) plus depth extension of Advanced Video Coding (AVC), also known as H.264. Managed by ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 29, this update supports the Multiview Depth High profile, enhancing the capability to encode and decode 3D video content.

This standard provides developers, researchers, and industry professionals with reference implementations to facilitate consistent coding and decoding of multiview and depth-enhanced video data, which are crucial for advanced 3D video applications. Its release strengthens interoperability and promotes innovation in 3D media technologies.

Key Topics

• MVC plus Depth Extension of AVC
  The amendment covers enhancements to the AVC standard by integrating the Multiview Depth extension, enabling efficient compression of multiple video views along with depth information crucial for 3D rendering.

• Reference Software Implementation
  The document adds C-language based reference software for both the visual encoder and decoder supporting the Multiview Depth High profile. This serves as a benchmark for developers implementing codecs compatible with the MVC plus depth standard.

• Multiview Depth High Profile Support
  This profile is essential for applications involving stereoscopic video, 3DTV, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) where depth data alongside multiple viewpoints must be processed accurately.

• Compatibility and Standard Compliance
  Ensures seamless integration with existing AVC/H.264 infrastructure and compliance with ITU-T Rec. H.264 and ISO/IEC 14496-10 standards, maintaining global interoperability.

Applications

• 3D Video and Television
  Enables broadcast and streaming of high-quality 3D content by efficiently compressing multiview video streams with depth data for immersive viewing experiences.

• Virtual and Augmented Reality
  Supports the encoding and decoding of depth-enhanced video streams necessary for realistic VR/AR applications, contributing to improved scene rendering and user immersion.

• Video Surveillance and Telepresence
  Enhances multi-camera surveillance systems by supporting multiview video reconstruction with depth, improving scene understanding and spatial analysis.

• 3D Content Creation and Editing
  Provides developers with reference implementations to create, manipulate, and distribute 3D multimedia content efficiently based on MVC technology.

• Interactive Multimedia Services
  Assists interactive media systems requiring multiview video and depth information such as gaming, teleconferencing, and remote collaboration platforms.

Related Standards

• ISO/IEC 14496-10 (AVC / H.264 Part 10)
  The base video coding standard to which MVC plus depth extension is added, widely adopted for video compression.

• ISO/IEC 14496 (MPEG-4 System)
  The overarching framework for coding audio-visual objects, providing the foundation for parts including reference software and specific video coding tools.

• ITU-T Rec. H.264
  International Telecommunication Union recommendation which standardizes Advanced Video Coding, forming the technical base for this amendment.

• ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 29
  The subcommittee responsible for developing and maintaining multimedia coding standards including MPEG and AVC technologies.

By implementing the reference software provided in ISO/IEC 14496-5:2001/Amd 33:2015, industries can leverage the latest coding efficiencies in multiview and depth-encoded video content, fostering advancements in 3D media and related information technology fields. This amendment is vital for ensuring consistent, high-quality audiovisual coding and decoding consistent with international best practices.