IMEC offers source code for scalable video coding standard

-- IMEC's optimized source code for the upcoming scalable video coding (SVC= H.264 extension) standard is ready for licensing to the industry. The optimized code shows a factor of two speed improvement compared to the standardization reference code. IMEC has also implemented a cross-layer design- and runtime methodology which allows to reduce power consumption and to optimize bandwidth usage during operation.

The SVC standardization effort is nearing completion with an official international standard release expected in the course of this year. Based on its significant expertise in the SVC algorithms and code, IMEC has performed many optimizations on the C++ reference model provided by the standardization body. A lot of effort was put in the transformation of the code into a component-based structure. The optimizations have led to a speed up with a factor of two. The code was proven on a Pentium platform and on an embedded platform. Also, IMEC has been working on a C++ to C conversion tool. It allows to convert the huge C++ code base to the C language, which is needed for many embedded platforms that use processors for which only C-compilers are available. Finally, IMEC has developed a cross-layer methodology that allows the continuous optimization of power consumption and bandwidth in wireless networks while guaranteeing quality-of-experience levels as required by the user. Special controllers are added at the base station and/or the user devices. This cross-layer methodology is essential to exploit the advantages offered by SVC.

The source code is available for product development by industry via licensing. The code is of typical interest for system integrators of mobile devices or telecommunication applications and fabless IC makers to help them extend their reference platforms with video functionality compatible with the SVC standard. IMEC also invites industry to participate in its leading research on cross-layer management targeting low power multimedia wireless communication.

About IMEC

IMEC is a world-leading independent research center in nanoelectronics and nanotechnology. Its research focuses on the next generations of chips and systems, and on the enabling technologies for ambient intelligence. IMEC’s research bridges the gap between fundamental research at universities and technology development in industry. Its unique balance of processing and system know-how, intellectual property portfolio, state-of-the-art infrastructure and its strong network of companies, universities and research institutes worldwide position IMEC as a key partner for shaping technologies for future systems. IMEC is headquartered in Leuven, Belgium, has a sister company in the Netherlands, IMEC Nederland, concentrating on wireless autonomous transducer solutions, and has representatives in the US, China and Japan. Its staff of more than 1500 people includes more than 500 industrial residents and guest researchers. In 2006, its revenue (P&L) was EUR 227 million. Further information on IMEC can be found on www.imec.be.