Vcodex Expert advice on video compression
H.264 Advanced Video Coding
H.264 / AVC is an industry standard for video compression, the process of converting digital video into a format that takes up less capacity when it is stored or transmitted. Video compression or video coding is an essential technology for applications such as digital television, DVD and Blu-Ray disks, mobile TV, videoconferencing and internet video streaming. Standardising video compression makes it possible for products from different manufacturers such as encoders, decoders and storage media to inter-operate. An encoder converts video into a compressed format and a decoder converts compressed video back into an uncompressed format.
To find out how an H.264 / AVC codec works, click the links on this page.
Overview
Start here for an overview of H.264 / AVC. What is it and how does it work?
H.264 : a technical introduction.
Webcasts
Web seminars which talk through basic and more advanced concepts. Two BrightTalk webcasts with audio commentary:
If you just want to see the presentation slides, click here.
The Details
In-depth technical coverage of selected topics. Find out how key elements of an H.264 / AVC codec actually work.
H.264 variable length coding (CAVLC)
H.264 context adaptive binary arithmetic coding (CABAC)
Books
For the complete picture, read Iain Richardson's books on the H.264 Advanced Video Compression standard.
1. The H.264 Advanced Video Compression Standard (Wiley, 2010)
- Watch the launch seminar, or find out more about the book.
2. H.264 and MPEG-4 Video Compression (Wiley, 2003)
