Choosing a video codec for multimedia and the Internet is not an easy task. Various advanced video coding scheme options exist, such as Real Networks, Windows Media, H.264, VP6 (On2), etc. But how do they compare in terms of quality?

The EBU is practically the only international body capable of performing vendor-independent, impartial and authoritative evaluations of audio and video compression technologies. 

Comparative illustration, from the BPN report

The EBU Project Group B/VIM (Video In Multimedia), chaired by Paola Sunna (RAI CRIT) was set up in order to evaluate the various advanced video coding schemes suitable for use on the Internet and multimedia and to monitor their developments and have just produced a report entitled BPN 072. The report includes results of evaluations of popular codecs performed by the IRT, NRK, RAI and Orange-France Telecom. 

This extensive report was coordinated by the EBU Technical Department. 

For more information, e-mail: kozamernik@ebu.ch

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