What would the idea video codec look like ? Here's a list of suggestions:

1. Just one video codec (instead of the ever-increasing number of competing video coding formats).

2. Delivers the best performance, i.e. a combination of:
a. maximum image quality and frame rate
b. minimum bit rate
c. minimum computational complexity or power consumption,
- the best combination of these factors for the platform (e.g. mobile, hardware, software...)

3. Easy upgrades (preferably completely transparent to the user) to take advantage of new ideas and techniques.

4. No license fees (or at least a license-free option).

5. No inter-operability problems.

6. Easy scalability (the same content on multiple platforms at multiple resolutions).

Impossible ? Maybe...

Comments very welcome !

- Iain.