Dynamic transform replacement in an H.264 CODEC

The current paradigm of fixed, standardized video coding algorithms limits the performance and adaptability of video codecs. Enabling dynamic adaptation of a video coding algorithm has the potential to offer improved rate distortion performance and the ability to rapidly implement changes in coding tools and techniques. We present an example of dynamic adaptation based on the H.264/AVC framework in which new transforms may be communicated to, and implemented by, a video decoder, during a coding session. Experimental results demonstrate that dynamic reconfiguration can give improved rate-distortion performance for certain combinations of video sequence and bitrate. We conclude that this is a promising avenue for further research, with significant potential benefits compared with fixed coding strategies.