Slice group based multiple description video coding using motion vector estimation

This paper proposes a novel scheme for multiple description video coding approach using slice group coding tool proposed in H.264. Independent motion compensation loops are maintained for two descriptions in the encoder. In each description, one slice group is encoded as main information, while the other slice group is encoded very coarsely, as redundancy, to keep basic information. This coarse slice group can be encoded using normal encoding with coarse quantizer, or using predicted motion vectors by the main slice group. Mode decision is made to select best encoding method. Results show that our scheme works very well and keeps subjective quality very good for middle and higher bitrate. Redundancy and side quality can be controlled by changing parameters of coarsely coded slice group, unlike some other MDC methods with fixed redundancy.