ISO/IEC 14496-5:2001/Amd 39:2016

Overview

ISO/IEC 14496-5:2001/Amd 39:2016 is an important amendment to the international standard for information technology focused on the coding of audio-visual objects. Specifically, it addresses the reference software for the Multi-resolution Frame Compatible (MFC) Stereo Coding with Depth Maps of Advanced Video Coding (AVC) technology. Developed under the joint efforts of ISO and IEC's Joint Technical Committee (ISO/IEC JTC 1, Subcommittee SC 29), this amendment enhances the foundational software tools used for encoding and decoding stereo video content with depth information, which is crucial for advanced 3D video applications.

This amendment introduces visual encoder and decoder reference software in C programming language that supports the MFC Depth High profile of AVC (as defined in ITU-T Rec. H.264 | ISO/IEC 14496-10). The amendment enables improved development, testing, and implementation of multi-resolution stereo video coding systems that combine natural video with depth maps, facilitating richer audiovisual experiences.

Key Topics

• Multi-resolution Frame Compatible (MFC) Stereo Coding: A technique for encoding stereoscopic video that maintains compatibility across different resolution layers, enabling efficient 3D video representation.
• Depth Maps Integration: Incorporation of depth information alongside stereo video, enhancing the perception of depth and enabling advanced applications like 3D broadcasting, virtual reality, and augmented reality.
• Reference Software for AVC MFC Depth High Profile:
  • Visual Encoder: A C-based reference model supporting encoding of MFC stereo video with depth maps.
  • Visual Decoder: Corresponding C-based decoder reference software ensuring compatibility and interoperability for decoding the encoded video streams.
• Compliance with AVC Standards: Alignment with ITU-T Rec. H.264 and ISO/IEC 14496-10 standards ensures broad applicability and industry acceptance.
• Open Specification: The amendment supplements existing ISO/IEC 14496-5 reference software, facilitating research and commercial implementation.

Applications

The standard and its amendment have practical applications in several cutting-edge audiovisual technology areas, such as:

• 3D and Stereoscopic Video Production: Enabling content creators to efficiently compress and distribute high-quality 3D video enhanced with precise depth maps.
• Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR): Supporting immersive media experiences through reliable multi-resolution stereo coding techniques incorporating depth cues.
• High-Definition Broadcasting: Facilitating the transmission of advanced 3D television content compatible with legacy and next-generation devices.
• Video Conferencing and Telepresence: Enhancing spatial perception by including depth information in real-time video communication systems.
• Multimedia Coding Research: Serving as a benchmark reference for developers and researchers to build and test new coding tools and algorithms based on AVC technologies.

Related Standards

To fully leverage the capabilities introduced in ISO/IEC 14496-5:2001/Amd 39:2016, it is essential to consider its relationship with key related standards:

• ISO/IEC 14496-10 (AVC/H.264): The primary video coding standard providing the foundational compression technology extended by this amendment with the MFC Depth High profile.
• ISO/IEC 14496-5 (Reference Software): The original standard part providing baseline reference implementations for audio-visual object coding, on which Amendment 39 builds.
• ITU-T Rec. H.264: The international telecommunications standard specifying AVC technologies, aligned with ISO IEC 14496-10.
• Other AVC Extensions for 3D Video and Depth Coding: Standards and technical reports that address further enhancements or alternative methods for 3D video compression.
• ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 29 Multimedia Coding Subcommittee Publications: Ongoing developments and amendments relevant to audio, video, and multimedia coding technologies.

By implementing ISO/IEC 14496-5:2001/Amd 39:2016, organizations and developers achieve a robust, standardized approach to stereo video coding with depth maps, leveraging industry-proven AVC technology. This fosters interoperability, improves coding efficiency, and enhances user experiences in the growing domains of 3D media and immersive audiovisual applications.