Estimation of packet loss effects on video quality

In this work, we develop a framework for the estimation of distortion caused by packet loss. Video traffic carried over the Internet is often subject to congestion leading to packet loss and late arrivals. Depending on the characteristics of the transported video sequence and on the location of the lost packet data, the effects on the perceived video quality may vary considerably. We develop a practical model for the estimation of the distortion, introduced through some packet loss. We then deduce a metric for prioritizing video packets of a video flow for streaming over networks, based on the expected loss distortion in the perceived video quality. The evaluation of our model shows high accuracy in estimating video quality deterioration.