Optimized Low Bit Rate Video Coding

Today's most video coding standards use block based discrete cosine transform coding schemes to exploit spatial redundancy. The approach is: partitioning of the whole image into blocks, transformation and quantization. Loss of correlation occurs between adjacent blocks due to coarse quantization at low bit rates, causes visually disturbing block discontinuities along block edges, known as blocking artifacts. The latest H.264/AVC video coding standard employs normative adaptive loop deblocking filter algorithm for reduction of blocking artifacts. Performance analysis of deblocking filter proves its effectiveness for suppression of artifacts. However, it is highly computationally complex. This book reviews some salient algorithms for suppression of blocking artifacts and presents an optimized method based on motion activity of video sequences for reduction of blocking artifacts. This book provides basic understanding of occurrence of blocking artifacts, various deblocking methods and related issues. It can serve as a reference for engineers working in the field and can also act as a self-starter guide for researchers who intend to do research in the area low bit rate video coding.