Adaptable system based on Scalable Video Coding for high-quality video service

Content adaptation to a heterogeneous environment like the Internet is a key process for improving the perceived quality of the user. This paper presents an adaptive streaming system using Scalable Video Coding (SVC) technology. Using feedback information from clients about the transmission status, the server is able to select the most suitable combination of SVC layers for the available bandwidth. The estimation of the available bandwidth is carried out with non-intrusive methods, based on classic metrics such as packet loss, jitter and novel metrics like the linearity of reception times of RTP packets. The system is implemented in real equipment and the results show the correct operation and the accuracy of the system when adapting to different variations of the available bandwidth. We also study the scalability of the system when several clients access the service simultaneously, demonstrating that our system is as scalable as a non-adaptive system with SVC.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► We propose a non-intrusive estimation and adaptation streaming system using Scalable Video Coding. ► Algorithms based on novel and classic metrics are designed for bandwidth estimation. ► The system is able to perform accurate adaptation to changes in the network capacity. ► Our adaptive system is as scalable as a non-adaptive system.