Layer-weighted unequal error protection for scalable video coding extension of H.264/AVC

The scalable video coding extension of H.264/AVC is a current standardization project. This paper deals with unequal error protection (UEP) scheme for scalable video bitstream over packet-lossy networks using forward error correction (FEC). The proposed UEP scheme is developed by exploiting jointly the unequal importance existing both in temporal layers and quality layers of hierarchial scalable video bitstream. For efficient assignment of FEC codes, the proposed UEP scheme uses a simple and efficient performance metric, namely layer-weighted expected zone of error propagation (LW-EZEP). The LW-EZEP is adopted for quantifying the error propagation effect on video quality degradation from packet loss in temporal layers and in quality layers. Compared to other UEP schemes, the proposed UEP scheme demonstrates strong robustness and adaptation for variable channel status.