H.264/AVC entropy decoder complexity analysis and its applications

Context-based adaptive variable length coding (CAVLC) and universal variable length coding (UVLC) are two entropy coding tools that are supported in all profiles of H.264/AVC coders. In this paper, we investigate the relationship between the bit rate and the CAVLC/UVLC decoding complexity. This relationship can help the encoder choose the best coding parameter to yield the best tradeoff between the rate, distortion, and the decoding complexity performance. A practical application of CAVLC/UVLC decoding complexity reduction is also discussed.

Research highlights
► The proposed H.264 CAVLC/UVLC decoding complexity model is accurate.
► Relationship between the bit rate and the entropy decoding complexity is studied.
► Our entropy decoding complexity control method leads to the complexity saving.