Research on fast mode selection and frame algorithm of H.264

The H.264 video coding standard adopts many new coding tools, such as variable block size, multiple reference frames, quarter-pixel-accuracy motion estimation, intra prediction, loop filter, etc. Using these coding tools, H.264 achieves significant performance. Especially for reference frame, block size, and predication direction, it can adaptively do the selection. However, the encoding complexity increases tremendously. Among these tools, the macro block modes selection and the motion estimation contributes most to total encoding complexity. This paper focuses on complexity reduction in macro block modes selection. On the basis of analyzing some fast mode selection algorithms, a new algorithm is presented, in order to reduce the time of encoding, in the precondition of reducing the quality of encoding obviously.