An optimal mode selection algorithm for scalable video coding

Abstract: Scalable video coding (SVC) is extended from its predecessor advanced video coding (AVC) because of its flexible transmission to all type of gadgets. However, SVC is more flexible and scalable than AVC, but it is more complex in determining the computations than AVC. The traditional full search method in the standard H.264 SVC consumes more encoding time for computation. This complexity in computation need to be reduced and many fast mode decision (FMD) algorithms were developed, but many fail to balance in all the three measures such as peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR), encoding time and bit rate. In this paper, the proposed optimal mode selection algorithm based on the orientation of pixels achieves better time saving, good PSNR and coding efficiency. The proposed algorithm is compared with the standard H.264 JSVM reference software and found to be 57.44% time saving, 0.43 dB increments in PSNR and 0.23% compression in bit rate.