VVC

VVC. The development of VVC, also known as H.266, is a result of collaboration between Fraunhofer Institute for Telecommunications, Apple Inc., Ericsson, Intel Corporation, Huawei, Microsoft, Qualcomm, and Sony. This video compression standard is designed to be more efficient than its predecessor, High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC), also known as H.265. The work on VVC is influenced by the research and development efforts of organizations such as the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), University of California, Berkeley, and the German Research Foundation (DFG), which have contributed to the advancement of video coding technologies, including the work of notable researchers like Gary J. Sullivan and Thomas Wiegand.

Introduction

The introduction of VVC marks a significant milestone in the evolution of video compression standards, building upon the foundations laid by earlier codecs such as MPEG-2, H.263, and AVC (Advanced Video Coding). The development of VVC is supported by major industry players, including Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, and Google, which have been involved in the standardization process through their participation in organizations like the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). The standardization of VVC is also influenced by the work of regulatory bodies such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States and the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) in Europe. Furthermore, the development of VVC has been shaped by the contributions of researchers from institutions like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Stanford University, and the University of Oxford.

History

The history of VVC development began with the formation of the Joint Video Experts Team (JVET) in 2015, a collaboration between the ITU-T Video Coding Experts Group (VCEG) and the ISO/IEC Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG). This joint effort brought together experts from various organizations, including BBC Research & Development, Canon Inc., and Toshiba Corporation, to work on the next-generation video coding standard. The development process involved several meetings and workshops, including the ITU-T SG 16 meetings and the MPEG meetings, where proposals and contributions from different companies and institutions, such as Nokia, IBM, and the University of Cambridge, were discussed and evaluated. Key milestones in the development of VVC include the finalization of the standard in July 2020, which was announced by the Fraunhofer Institute for Telecommunications and the Joint Video Experts Team.

Technical Overview

The technical overview of VVC reveals a complex and sophisticated video compression standard that incorporates several innovative technologies, including intra prediction, inter prediction, and entropy coding. The standard is designed to support a wide range of applications, from ultra-high-definition television (UHDTV) to virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) applications. The development of VVC has been influenced by the work of researchers at institutions like the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and the Georgia Institute of Technology. Additionally, companies like Amazon, Facebook, and Netflix have been involved in the development and testing of VVC, ensuring its compatibility with various platforms and devices, including those from Apple Inc., Google, and Microsoft.

Features and Capabilities

The features and capabilities of VVC include improved compression efficiency, enhanced support for high-dynamic-range (HDR) video, and increased flexibility for various applications. VVC also supports scalable video coding, which allows for the efficient transmission and storage of video content at multiple resolutions and quality levels. The standard has been designed to be compatible with existing video coding infrastructure, including H.264 and H.265 decoders, which are widely used in devices from manufacturers like Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, and Sony. Furthermore, VVC has been optimized for use in emerging applications, such as 5G networks, cloud gaming, and social media platforms, which are being developed by companies like Verizon Communications, AT&T, and T-Mobile US.

Applications and Adoption

The applications and adoption of VVC are expected to be widespread, with potential uses in various industries, including entertainment, education, and healthcare. The standard is likely to be adopted by major streaming services, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+, which have been involved in the development and testing of VVC. Additionally, VVC is expected to be used in broadcasting and cable television applications, where it will be supported by companies like Comcast, Charter Communications, and Cox Communications. The adoption of VVC will also be driven by the growing demand for high-quality video content, particularly in emerging markets like China, India, and Brazil, where companies like Tencent Holdings, Reliance Industries, and Vivendi are investing heavily in video streaming and distribution infrastructure.

Comparison to Other Codecs

The comparison to other codecs, such as H.264, H.265, and AV1, reveals that VVC offers significant improvements in compression efficiency and features. VVC is designed to be more efficient than H.265, with some reports suggesting that it can achieve up to 50% better compression efficiency. Additionally, VVC supports a wider range of applications and use cases than other codecs, making it a more versatile and flexible standard. The development of VVC has been influenced by the work of organizations like the Alliance for Open Media (AOMedia), which has developed the AV1 codec, and the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE), which has developed standards for digital cinema and broadcasting. Furthermore, companies like Intel Corporation, IBM, and Cisco Systems have been involved in the development and testing of VVC, ensuring its compatibility with various hardware and software platforms. Category:Video codecs