Have you ever wondered how popular video streaming platforms like Netflix and YouTube deliver minimal to no buffer video streaming? The answer likely lies in HEVC. HEVC stands for ‘High Efficiency Video Coding’ and is also known as H.265.
From streaming matches to watching YouTube videos or conducting video calls, video content consumption has grown exponentially. For this very reason, companies are actively looking for better video compression standards such as HEVC, VCC, AV1, etc. One of the most significant advancements in video compression technology is HEVC, which stands for High-Efficiency Video Coding. In this post, we’ll explore HEVC video compression, how it works, its benefits, and why it’s a game-changer.
HEVC (High-Efficiency Video Coding) is a video compression standard designed to reduce file sizes while maintaining high video quality. It is implemented to improve upon H.264 by providing up to 50% better compression efficiency, making it ideal for streaming high-resolution content like 4K and 8K videos. It is widely adopted in modern video streaming, broadcasting, and storage systems to optimize bandwidth and storage requirements.
HEVC intra-frame techniques refer to the methods used for compressing a single frame of video without relying on other frames (inter-frame compression). This is particularly useful for video scenes with little motion or static images. HEVC uses several advanced techniques within intra-frame compression to achieve high efficiency and maintain image quality.
How Does It Work?
HEVC Inter-frame (P and B frames) compression involves using data from multiple frames to compress a single frame. Instead of encoding every pixel individually, inter-frame compression finds similarities and differences between consecutive frames and stores only the changes.
How Does It Work?
Several software tools and libraries are available to perform HEVC codec sniffing—that is, identifying and analyzing video files or streams that use the HEVC (H.265) codec. These tools can help determine the codec used in a video file and allow you to inspect the video stream for codec information.
Video Codec Sniffing: Extracting Critical Information for Evidence of Use (EoU)
When conducting HEVC codec sniffing, we utilize various software tools, such as FFmpeg, MediaInfo, and VLC Media Player, depending on the video type and specific project requirements. These tools offer a combination of user-friendly interfaces and powerful analysis capabilities, enabling us to easily identify the codec used in video files—whether it’s HEVC (H.265) or another format.
Downloaded Video Codec Extraction
When a video is downloaded, it is saved as a file on a local storage device (e.g., hard drive, SSD). The extraction process involves analyzing the video file directly from the storage, where the codec can be identified by inspecting the file’s metadata and internal structure.
We can extract critical information by deploying these sniffing tools, including video resolution, frame rate, bit rate, encoding parameters, and whether features like hardware acceleration or HDR (High Dynamic Range) are supported. Additionally, we gather insights into the video profile, level, reference frames, and whether inter-frame (P-frames, B-frames) or intra-frame (I-frames) encoding techniques are used.
In streaming, the video is transmitted over a network in real-time, typically in small chunks or segments, and not stored locally during playback. Codec extraction in streaming involves analyzing the video stream while it is being delivered, often in real-time, to identify the codec.
Codec sniffing plays a crucial role in Evidence of Use (EOU) by identifying specific instances where patented video codecs, like HEVC, are applied in real-world video files or streams. This information helps establish the use of patented technology, supporting infringement claims or licensing efforts.
Method for coding motion in a video sequence – US7532808B2
The disclosure outlines a method for motion-compensated video encoding designed to efficiently encode video sequences with global motion components. The video encoder assigns macroblocks to specific coding modes, including a “skip mode” that indicates either zero motion or global/regional motion. As each macroblock is encoded, the encoder examines the surrounding region to determine the motion characteristics. If the region exhibits global or regional motion, the macroblock is associated with a motion vector. If the motion is insignificant, a zero-motion vector is assigned to the macroblock.
Method and apparatus for transferring video frame in telecommunication system – US8005145
The method described involves coding video frames in a telecommunication system by using a reference frame and motion data from previously coded neighboring blocks. The process includes storing the reconstruction data of a reference frame, defining motion data for a block to be coded based on neighboring blocks, and selecting the appropriate frame reconstruction and motion data to achieve predefined coding efficiency and picture quality. This approach ensures efficient video compression while maintaining optimal image quality.
Method for implementing a quantizer in a multimedia compression and encoding system – US7769084
The disclosed method for implementing a quantizer in multimedia compression and encoding systems introduces new quantization techniques. It involves grouping adjacent macroblocks into macroblock groups and assigning a common quantizer value based on factors like macroblock encoding type, motion vector history, residuals, and energy. The quantizer value can be adjusted depending on its current position on the scale, with smaller adjustments for lower values and larger ones for higher values. Additionally, the system incorporates an inverse quantizer to enhance operational efficiency.
HEVC Advance vs. Roku
Status: Ongoing litigation.
HEVC Advance Patent Pool Licensors have filed patent infringement proceedings against Roku, Inc. for infringing patents essential to the HEVC/H.265 digital video coding standard. The suits aim to ensure a level playing field by seeking past royalties and an injunction against continued infringement.
HEVC Advance vs. HP Inc. and ASUSTeK Computer Inc.
Status: Ongoing litigation.
HEVC Advance Licensors filed patent infringement proceedings against HP Inc. and ASUSTeK Computer Inc. for using HEVC technology without proper licensing. HP countered with a lawsuit alleging that HEVC Advance demanded excessive royalties, violating FRAND terms. However, both disputes have been resolved. HP joined the HEVC Advance Patent Pool, ending litigation, while ASUS also became a licensee, settling its disputes.
HEVC Advance vs. Xiaomi and Vestel
Status: Ongoing litigation.
HEVC Advance members, including Godo Kaisha, Mitsubishi, GE Video Compression, and Philips, filed patent infringement suits against Xiaomi and Vestel in the Düsseldorf Regional Court. The suits allege infringement of HEVC/H.265 patents used in Xiaomi’s mobile devices and Vestel’s televisions and set-top boxes.
HEVC Advance vs. Microsoft
Status: Ongoing litigation.
Via LA, a patent pool for the HEVC/H.265 video standard, has filed multiple lawsuits against Microsoft for infringing essential industrial property rights. The suits, filed by Cohausz & Florack and Krieger Mes, concern Microsoft’s use of HEVC technology without proper licensing. Microsoft, a licensor and licensee of various patent pools, may contest the terms of the licensing agreement.
Our team of experts specializes in thoroughly testing HEVC (H.265) video codecs to ensure precise analysis and accurate identification of codec-related features and functionalities.
We employ advanced tools and techniques to extract detailed information about video streams, including resolution, bitrate, encoding parameters, and more. Based on this in-depth analysis, we can prepare a comprehensive claim chart or Evidence of Use (EOU) that clearly demonstrates how the HEVC codec is implemented in your case.
We prepare detailed documentation for supporting infringement claims and strengthen your position in legal proceedings, offering concrete evidence of how patented technologies are being utilized in real-world applications.
Get in touch with our subject matter experts today to ensure a thorough analysis and robust support for your video codec-related needs.
