Abstract: Scalability within media coding allows for content adaptation towards heterogeneous user contexts and enables in-network adaptation. However, there is no straightforward solution how to encode the content in a scalable way while maximizing rate-distortion performance. In this paper we provide encoding guidelines for scalable video coding based on a survey of media streaming industry solutions and a comprehensive performance evaluation using four state of the art scalable video codecs with a focus on high-definition content (1080p).

Abstract: Given that multimedia services are becoming increasingly popular, they are expected to play a dominant role for the Future Internet. In this context, it is essential that Content-Aware Networking (CAN) architectures, as envisaged in the frame of the Future Internet, explicitly address the efficient delivery and processing of multimedia content. This article proposes adopting a content-aware approach into the network infrastructure, thus making it capable of identifying, processing, and manipulating (i.e., adapting, caching, etc.) media streams and objects in real time towards Quality of Service/Experience (QoS/QoE) maximization. Our proposal is built upon the exploitation of scalable media coding technologies within such a content-aware networking environment and is discussed based on four representative use cases for media delivery (unicast, multicast, peer-to-peer, and adaptive HTTP streaming) and with respect to a selection of CAN challenges, specifically flow processing, caching/buffering, and QoS/QoE management.

Abstract: Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP (DASH) is referred to as a multimedia streaming standard to deliver high quality multimedia content over the Internet using conventional HTTP Web servers. As a fundamental feature, it enables automatic switching of quality levels according to network conditions, user requirements, and expectations. Currently, the proposed adaptation schemes for HTTP streaming mostly rely on throughput measurements and/or buffer-related metrics, such as buffer exhaustion and levels. In this paper, we propose to enhance the DASH adaptation logic by feeding it with additional information from our evaluation of the users' perception approximating the user- perceived quality of video playback. The proposed model aims at conveniently combining TCP-, buffer-, and media content-related metrics as well as user requirements and expectations to be used as an input for the DASH adaptation logic. Experiments have demonstrated that the chosen model enhances the capability of the adaptation logic to select the optimal video quality level. Finally, we integrated all our findings into a real DASH system with QoE monitoring capabilities.

Abstract: Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP (DASH) is a convenient approach to transfer videos in an adaptive and dynamic way to the user. As a consequence, this system provides high bandwidth flexibility and is especially suitable for mobile use cases where the bandwidth variations are tremendous. In this paper we have integrated the Scalable Video Coding (SVC) extensions of the Advanced Video Coding (AVC) standard into the recently ratified MPEG-DASH standard. Furthermore, we have evaluated our solution under restricted conditions using bandwidth traces from mobile environments and compared it with an improved version of our MPEG-DASH implementation using AVC as well as major industry solutions.

Abstract: Existing and future media ecosystems need to cope with the ever-increasing heterogeneity of networks, devices, and user characteristics collectively referred to as (usage) context. The key to address this problem is media adaptation to various and dynamically changing contexts in order to provide a service quality that is regarded as satisfactory by the end user. The adaptation can be performed in many ways and at different locations, e.g., at the edge and within the network resulting in a substantial number of issues to be integrated within a media ecosystem. This paper describes research challenges, key innovations, target research outcomes, and achievements so far for edge and in-network media adaptation by introducing the concept of Scalable Video Coding (SVC) tunneling.