UNIVERSITY OF GHANA

(All rights reserved)

SCHOOL OF CONTINUING AND DISTANCE EDUCATION

DEPARTMENT OF DISTANCE EDUCATION.

BASIC VIDEO COMPRESSION TECHNIQUES.

INTRODUCTION.
 Welcome to the world of video compression, where technology empowers us to navigate the
delicate balance between data-rich visuals and efficient storage. Video compression techniques
form the backbone of our digital media landscape, allowing us to store, transmit, and share
videos seamlessly.
Imagine capturing a stunning sunset on camera, with its myriad of colors and subtle
gradations. Each frame of that video is packed with information, which, when uncompressed,
demands a significant amount of storage space and bandwidth. This is where video compression
steps in, employing ingenious methods to shrink the file sizes while preserving the essence of the
content.
At its core, video compression leverages various strategies, ranging from reducing
redundancy in color and motion to transforming pixel data into more compact representations.
These techniques not only ensure that our devices and networks can handle the data but also
enable smooth streaming and high-quality playback.
Imagine a world without video compression—where each video file is cumbersome,
devouring precious storage space, and straining networks to deliver even a few seconds of
content. This is where the magic of video compression steps in, delicately reimagining videos as
a symphony of pixel data, optimizing every bit of information to tell stories, convey emotions,
and share knowledge.
From the foundational spatial and temporal compression techniques that prune redundancies
within and across frames, to the ingenious Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) that morphs pixel
data into frequency realms, video compression is a nexus where science and creativity
intertwine. It's the language through which we communicate with our digital devices, allowing us
to seamlessly transmit, share, and experience visual narratives without disruptions.
As we delve into the world of basic video compression techniques, we'll unravel the
mechanisms that make this technological feat possible. From spatial and temporal compression
to the magic of entropy coding and motion compensation, we'll journey through the building
blocks that redefine how we experience digital video.

So, fasten your seatbelts as we embark on a journey to demystify the science behind video
compression. By the end of this exploration, you'll have a clearer understanding of the magic that
happens behind the scenes, enabling us to enjoy captivating videos anytime, anywhere.
WHY VIDEO COMPRESSION.
Before we delve deeper into the intricacies of video compression techniques, let's address a
fundamental question: Why do we need video compression in the first place?
Imagine a world without compression, where every video we capture, watch, or share remains
in its raw, data-rich form. While this might seem appealing at first, the reality is that such videos
would be impractical to store, transmit, or stream effectively. Here's where the significance of
video compression becomes apparent.
Video File Sizes: Uncompressed videos, often referred to as 'raw' videos, can be massive. A
short video clip might take up gigabytes of space, making storage a challenge for both devices
and servers.
Bandwidth Constraints: Transmitting large video files over networks would be
painstakingly slow and resource-intensive. Imagine waiting for hours just to watch a short clip
online.

Streaming Demands: Streaming platforms like YouTube, Netflix, and video conferencing
apps have become integral to our lives. Video compression makes it feasible to stream content in
real-time, ensuring smooth playback regardless of our network's limitations.

Efficient Storage: For devices with limited storage, compression is a lifesaver. It allows us
to store numerous videos without quickly running out of space.

Sharing and Accessibility: Compression enables us to share videos effortlessly via email,
messaging apps, and social media. Without it, sharing multimedia content would be tedious and
time-consuming.

Improved User Experience: Picture the frustration of waiting for a video to buffer endlessly.
Compression ensures videos start playing quickly, minimizing interruptions.
In essence, video compression is the driving force that transforms unwieldy data-heavy videos
into manageable, accessible, and shareable content. It's the reason we can enjoy high-quality
videos across various platforms and devices, enhancing our digital experiences and
revolutionizing the way we consume media.

LOSSY AND LOSELESS COMPRESSION.

Lossy compression is a technique used in video compression to achieve significant
reductions in file size by discarding certain details that the human eye might not easily perceive.
This approach involves a trade-off between file size and the quality of the video.

During lossy compression, algorithms identify redundancies and areas of low perceptual
importance in the video data. These algorithms then quantize, or simplify, the data in those areas.
As a result, certain details are permanently removed from the video. While this might lead to a
reduction in visual quality, the impact is often minimal and not immediately noticeable.

Lossy compression is particularly useful for scenarios where file size matters more than
maintaining absolute fidelity. Video streaming services, for instance, rely on lossy compression
to efficiently deliver content to viewers over the internet. Viewers experience smooth playback,
and while there might be slight quality degradation, it's generally imperceptible during real-time
viewing.

Lossless Compression:
Lossless compression is an approach that retains all the original data during the compression
process. This ensures that no information is lost, and the video can be decompressed to an exact
replica of the original.

In lossless compression, algorithms work by identifying and eliminating redundant data or

patterns without compromising the actual content. While the compression ratios achieved with
lossless techniques are generally lower compared to lossy methods, they are ideal when
preserving the original quality of the video is paramount.

Lossless compression finds its applications in scenarios where every detail is critical.
Professional video editing, medical imaging, and archival purposes are examples where
preserving the original data without any loss is essential.

Choosing Between the Two:

The choice between lossy and lossless compression depends on the purpose of the video and
the priorities of the user. If conserving storage space or bandwidth is the priority, lossy
compression is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if maintaining the highest quality is
crucial, even at the cost of larger file sizes, then lossless compression is more appropriate.

In conclusion, the decision between lossy and lossless compression depends on factors such
as intended use, available storage, and the balance between quality and efficiency. Both
techniques have their merits, and understanding their implications helps us make informed
choices in managing our video content.

SPATIAL COMPRESSION TECHNIQUES.

Spatial compression techniques focus on reducing redundancy within individual frames of a
video. These techniques capitalize on the fact that neighboring pixels in an image or frame tend
to have similar values. By exploiting this similarity, spatial compression reduces the amount of
data needed to represent an image without compromising its perceptual quality.
Chroma Subsampling:
Chroma subsampling is a common spatial compression technique that takes advantage of the
human visual system's reduced sensitivity to color compared to brightness. In many videos, the
color information (chroma) is sampled at a lower resolution than the luminance (brightness)
information. This allows for significant reduction in file size without causing a noticeable
reduction in image quality. Common subsampling ratios are 4:2:0 and 4:2:2, where each number
represents the amount of luminance and chrominance information.

Quantization:
Quantization involves reducing the precision of pixel values. This technique assigns a limited
number of possible values to each pixel based on their similarity. The more similar the pixels, the
fewer unique values they are assigned. This process introduces some loss of information, as the
original pixel values are approximated. However, with careful quantization, the loss can be
controlled to minimize its impact on visual quality.

Run-Length Encoding:
Run-Length Encoding (RLE) is another spatial compression technique that identifies long
sequences of identical or similar pixels in a frame and replaces them with a shorter code. This is
particularly effective for frames with areas of uniform color or patterns, as it replaces repeating
pixel values with a code that specifies the value and the number of repetitions.

Bit-Plane Coding:
Bit-plane coding separates the pixel values into multiple layers, or bit-planes, based on their
binary representation. Pixels that contribute the most to image quality are stored in higher bit-
planes, while those with less perceptual significance are stored in lower bit-planes. This allows
for selective quality preservation and more efficient coding.

These spatial compression techniques contribute significantly to reducing the size of video
frames. By targeting areas of redundancy and leveraging the limitations of human visual
perception, these methods maintain high perceptual quality while achieving efficient
compression.
TEMPORALY COMPRESSION TECHNIQUES.
Temporal compression techniques focus on reducing redundancy between consecutive frames
of a video. Instead of treating each frame in isolation, these techniques exploit the similarities
between frames to achieve efficient compression.

Inter-Frame Compression:
Inter-frame compression identifies and encodes the differences between frames, rather than
compressing each frame individually. It takes advantage of the fact that many elements in
consecutive frames remain unchanged, especially in videos with limited motion. Only the
differences, or "motion vectors," between frames are encoded and transmitted, resulting in
significant compression.

Intra-Frame Compression:
Intra-frame compression, in contrast, compresses each individual frame independently. This
technique is particularly useful for scenes with high complexity or rapid changes where motion
compensation might not be as effective. Intra-frame compression often employs techniques such
as quantization and entropy coding to reduce redundancy within a single frame.

Predictive Coding:
Predictive coding is a core concept in temporal compression. It involves predicting the content of
a frame based on the previous frames or on a reference frame (often referred to as the "anchor"
frame). The difference between the predicted frame and the actual frame, called the "residual," is
what's encoded. By predicting and encoding only the changes from one frame to the next,
predictive coding minimizes the amount of data needed to represent the video.

Benefits of Temporal Compression:

Temporal compression techniques offer substantial benefits. Videos often consist of
sequences where objects move smoothly from one position to another or exhibit repetitive
patterns. Temporal compression efficiently captures these patterns, resulting in higher
compression ratios compared to spatial compression alone.

These techniques play a crucial role in making video compression more effective. By
exploiting the temporal coherence between frames, temporal compression techniques
significantly reduce the amount of data required to represent a video sequence accurately. As a
result, they contribute to the seamless streaming and storage of videos while maintaining
satisfactory visual quality.

TRANSFORMS OF A BASIC VIDEO COMPRESSION.

Transforms are mathematical operations used in video compression to convert pixel data into
a more compact and efficient representation. These operations enable the compression algorithm
to focus on the most significant visual information while minimizing redundant data. One of the
most widely used transforms in video compression is the Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT).

The Role of Transforms:

Transforms play a vital role in video compression by rearranging pixel data from its spatial
domain (individual pixel values) into a frequency domain (frequency coefficients). This
transformation highlights the frequency components present in the image, making it easier to
identify and retain essential information while discarding less important data.

Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT):

The DCT is a fundamental transform used in video compression standards like JPEG,
MPEG, and H.264. It breaks down an image into different frequency components, representing
varying levels of detail. The lower-frequency components, which contribute to the image's
overall structure, are prioritized during compression.

How DCT Works:

The image is divided into smaller blocks, typically 8x8 pixels each.
Each block undergoes the DCT, transforming it into a set of frequency coefficients.
These coefficients indicate the presence and strength of different frequency components within
the block.
High-frequency coefficients represent fine details, while low-frequency coefficients capture
broader patterns.
Quantization and Compression:
After the DCT, quantization is applied to the frequency coefficients. Quantization involves
reducing the precision of these coefficients, effectively "rounding off" less significant values.
This controlled reduction in accuracy contributes to compression, as the quantized coefficients
require fewer bits to represent.

Lossy Nature of Transform Compression:

It's important to note that transform-based compression, like DCT, is inherently lossy. While
the original image can be reconstructed, the process of transforming and quantizing introduces
some loss of information. However, this loss is often imperceptible to the human eye and allows
for substantial compression.

Balancing Compression and Visual Quality:

Transform-based compression techniques strike a delicate balance between achieving high
compression ratios and maintaining acceptable visual quality. By focusing on the most relevant
visual components and minimizing redundant data, transforms pave the way for efficient video
compression without significant perceptual loss.

In summary, transforms like the DCT are integral to video compression techniques. They
convert pixel data into frequency coefficients, enabling efficient representation and storage while
ensuring that the essential visual details are retained.

CASE STUDY; H.264 COMPRESSION.

 H.264, also known as Advanced Video Coding (AVC), is a video compression standard that
has had a profound impact on the world of digital media. It represents a significant advancement
in video compression technology, offering a delicate balance between efficient data storage and
maintaining acceptable visual quality.

Key Innovations:
H.264 introduced a range of innovative techniques that transformed video compression:

Motion Compensation: This technique predicts the movement of objects between frames,
allowing the encoder to transmit only the differences. This significantly reduces the amount of
data needed to represent moving scenes.

Intra-Frame and Inter-Frame Prediction: H.264 combines prediction within a single frame
(intra-frame) and prediction between frames (inter-frame) for optimal compression. This leads to
improved compression efficiency across different types of video content.

Advanced Entropy Coding: Techniques like Context-Adaptive Binary Arithmetic Coding

(CABAC) were introduced to improve the efficiency of coding frequent patterns. This
contributes to further reducing the size of compressed video data.

Streaming and Online Video:

H.264's compression efficiency made it a cornerstone of online streaming platforms. Services
like YouTube, Netflix, and Hulu adopted H.264 due to its ability to deliver high-quality video
content over various internet connections. Viewers around the world could enjoy smooth
streaming experiences, transcending geographical and bandwidth limitations.

Efficient Video Conferencing:

H.264 revolutionized video conferencing by enabling smoother real-time communication. Its
compression techniques reduced the amount of data transmitted, allowing for clearer video and
audio streams even on constrained networks. Video conferencing applications and remote
collaboration tools benefited immensely from H.264's capabilities.
Digital Broadcasting and Compatibility:
H.264's compression efficiency also found applications in digital broadcasting. Television
networks leveraged its capabilities to transmit high-quality content over the airwaves. The
compatibility of H.264 with a wide range of devices and platforms made it an ideal choice for
ensuring seamless broadcasting.

Legacy and Evolution:

H.264's legacy continues to influence video compression standards. It paved the way for
subsequent standards like H.265 (HEVC), building on the foundations of efficient compression
techniques. The lessons learned from H.264 have shaped how we compress and transmit videos,
enriching our digital experiences.

In summary, H.264's contribution to video compression cannot be overstated. Its ability to

achieve high compression ratios while maintaining acceptable visual quality has made it an
integral part of streaming, video conferencing, and broadcasting, forever altering how we
consume and share digital video content.

CASE STUDY; H.265 COMPRESSION.

H.265, also known as High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC), represents a significant leap
forward in video compression technology. Building upon the foundation laid by H.264, H.265
was developed to address the increasing demand for higher compression efficiency without
compromising visual quality.

Enhanced Compression Techniques:

H.265 introduces several key enhancements that contribute to its efficiency:
Larger Block Sizes: H.265 uses larger block sizes for motion compensation and prediction,
allowing for more accurate representation of complex scenes.

Advanced Motion Compensation: The motion compensation techniques in H.265 are refined,
enabling the codec to capture subtle motion and changes in a scene more effectively.

Context-Adaptive Binary Arithmetic Coding (CABAC): Similar to H.264, H.265 employs

CABAC for entropy coding, further reducing the size of compressed data.

Achieving Higher Quality at Lower Bitrates:

One of H.265's most notable achievements is its ability to deliver higher quality video at lower
bitrates compared to its predecessor. This enhancement is particularly valuable in scenarios
where bandwidth is limited or where higher visual quality is desired.

Application in Video Streaming and Broadcasting:

H.265 has been widely embraced by streaming platforms, broadcasting networks, and video
content providers. Its efficient compression capabilities allow these entities to deliver high-
quality content while utilizing less bandwidth. This translates to smoother streaming experiences
and improved video quality for viewers.

Device Compatibility and Emerging Technologies:

H.265's adoption spans a variety of devices, from smartphones to smart TVs. Its compatibility
ensures that viewers can access high-quality content across a range of screens. Additionally,
H.265's advancements position it as a future-ready technology, capable of accommodating
emerging trends in digital media consumption.

Continuing the Compression Evolution:

H.265 builds upon the successes of H.264, elevating video compression to new heights. Its
efficient coding techniques and advancements in representing motion and detail make it an
essential tool for content creators, distributors, and consumers.
Final Thoughts:
In summary, H.265's contributions to video compression technology are profound. Its ability
to deliver higher quality video at lower bitrates, coupled with its compatibility across devices,
has positioned it as a critical player in the digital media landscape. As technology evolves,
H.265's legacy will continue to shape how we experience and share video content.

APPLICATIONS OF BASIC VIDEO COMPRESSION

TECHNIQUES.

Video Streaming Platforms:

One of the most prevalent applications of video compression is in video streaming platforms.
Websites like YouTube, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video rely on compression techniques to
efficiently transmit videos over the internet. Video compression ensures that users can enjoy
high-quality content without experiencing buffering or lag, regardless of their internet speed.

Video Conferencing and Remote Collaboration:

Video compression plays a pivotal role in the realm of video conferencing and remote
collaboration tools. Applications like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Skype leverage compression
to transmit real-time video and audio data across various networks. Compression ensures that
users can engage in clear communication, regardless of their geographical location or network
limitations.

Digital Broadcasting:
Television networks use video compression to transmit content over the airwaves or through
digital cable and satellite systems. Compression allows broadcasters to deliver high-definition
and even ultra-high-definition content to viewers' homes while efficiently utilizing available
bandwidth.
Mobile Devices and Apps:
Video compression is essential for mobile devices, where storage space and data consumption
are often limited. Social media apps, video-sharing platforms, and mobile games use
compression to reduce the size of videos without compromising their quality, allowing users to
share and enjoy content seamlessly on their devices.

Video Surveillance and Security:

In the domain of security and surveillance, video compression enables efficient storage and
transmission of surveillance footage. Surveillance cameras capture continuous video streams,
which would require vast storage capacity without compression. By compressing the footage,
security systems can store longer durations of video data while conserving storage space.

Medical Imaging and Archiving:

Video compression techniques are also applicable in the field of medical imaging.
Technologies like Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) use compression to
store and transmit medical images and videos. Compression ensures that medical data can be
efficiently managed and shared within healthcare facilities.

Gaming and Interactive Media:

Video compression is integral to the gaming industry as well. Video game developers use
compression to deliver cinematic sequences and cutscenes, enhancing the gaming experience
without significantly increasing the game's file size. Additionally, compression techniques are
employed in interactive media applications and virtual reality experiences.

Astronomy and Scientific Data:

Even in scientific domains, such as astronomy, video compression finds applications.
Astronomical data captured through telescopes or space probes can be enormous in size.
Compression allows scientists to transmit and analyze data efficiently, aiding in discoveries and
research.
 In essence, video compression is a cornerstone of our digital lives, shaping how we consume,
share, and interact with video content across various platforms and industries. Its applications are
vast and varied, contributing to the efficiency, accessibility, and quality of our digital
experiences.

CHALLENGES AND FUTURE TRENDS IN VIDEO

COMPRESSION.
Challenges in Video Compression:

Balancing Quality and Compression: Striking the right balance between compression
efficiency and visual quality remains a challenge. While advances in compression techniques
have enabled higher compression ratios, maintaining acceptable visual quality is crucial to
delivering satisfying user experiences.

Emerging Video Formats: As technology evolves, new video formats and resolutions emerge.
Ensuring backward and forward compatibility with existing and upcoming formats is a
challenge, as it requires adapting compression techniques to suit different formats without
sacrificing quality.

Real-Time Processing: Applications like video conferencing and gaming require real-time
video compression and decompression. Achieving efficient compression within strict latency
constraints is a challenge that demands innovative solutions.

Adapting to Network Conditions: Streaming video over fluctuating network conditions

presents a challenge. Video compression must be adaptive, adjusting the compression level on-
the-fly to ensure smooth playback and minimal buffering.

Future Trends in Video Compression:

High-Efficiency Compression Standards: The development and adoption of more advanced
compression standards, like H.265 (HEVC) and potentially future iterations, will continue. These
standards will focus on achieving higher compression ratios while maintaining or improving
visual quality.

AI-Enhanced Compression: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning techniques are
being explored to enhance compression efficiency. AI can identify regions of interest, adaptively
adjust compression parameters, and even predict content to optimize compression.

360-Degree and VR Video Compression: As virtual reality (VR) and 360-degree videos gain
traction, specialized compression techniques will evolve to efficiently handle the unique
requirements of these immersive formats while minimizing motion sickness-inducing artifacts.

Perceptual Compression: Future compression methods might focus on perceptual quality rather
than pixel-level accuracy. By understanding how humans perceive video, compression
algorithms could prioritize preserving the most noticeable aspects of a video while reducing less
perceptible details.

Multi-Codec Approaches: Instead of relying solely on a single compression standard, future

systems might use a combination of codecs optimized for different types of content. This
approach could optimize compression for various scenarios, such as high-motion action scenes
or static scenes with subtle details.

Adaptive Streaming and Bandwidth Optimization: Adaptive streaming techniques, coupled

with intelligent content delivery networks, will continue to evolve. This trend ensures that users
receive the best possible video quality based on their available bandwidth and device
capabilities.
Cross-Platform Compatibility: Future trends will likely focus on improving compatibility
across diverse devices and platforms. This includes not only hardware compatibility but also
optimizing compression for different screen sizes, resolutions, and network conditions.

CONCLUSION.
In the realm of digital content, video compression stands as a silent hero. It seamlessly
condenses video data through spatial and temporal techniques, preserving essence while
shedding excess. Standards like H.264 and H.265 have redefined streaming, broadcasting, and
communication. Challenges of maintaining quality amidst compression and adapting to evolving
formats persist. However, a promising horizon emerges with AI advancements and immersive
experiences.
As we forge ahead, video compression remains the unsung enabler of our digital world. It
empowers seamless streaming, enhances virtual communication, and transforms visual
experiences. The journey continues, as compression techniques evolve to match our ever-
changing digital landscape. Through efficiency, innovation, and adaptability, video compression
ensures that content transcends boundaries, enriching how we perceive, interact, and share in our
digital narratives.