The integration of Versatile Video Coding (VVC) into DVB standards could help broadcasters and digital video services offer audiences more tailored and inclusive viewing experiences, according to Virginie Drugeon, chair of the DVB Technical Module’s Audio and Video Coding Group.
Drugeon added that while Ultra HD and 8K are not entirely new services, “VVC introduces new possibilities”, especially for streaming services that can benefit from the standard’s features like content-aware encoding.
On the demand side, Drugeon said that while the market for these advanced services is still developing, the potential is vast.
“Standards always come before the services, and it’s always difficult to know exactly what broadcasters and content providers will offer,” she said. “However, the better coding efficiency of VVC makes services like 8K more realistic, and even enables 4K services on terrestrial broadcasts, which was challenging with HEVC.”
DVB Project is providing resources for developers and broadcasters to implement new standards such as VVC, said Drugeon.
“We provide what we call V&V—Verification and Validation—which includes bitstreams that follow VVC conformance points. These are freely available on the DVB website for anyone to download and use to develop DVB receivers,” she added.
Looking ahead, Drugeon expressed confidence in the continued evolution of video coding standards, driven by the ongoing work of MPEG and the DVB Project.
“MPEG has been very efficient in providing new video coding standards every seven to ten years, typically offering 40 to 50 per cent additional bitrate savings compared to previous generations.
“DVB will continue following what MPEG and other groups are doing in this area, an aspect that is fundamental to ensuring that we provide the most efficient and versatile solutions for the industry,” Drugeon added.
Drugeon was speaking as part of an interview with The Media Coding Industry Forum.
