Emerging methodologies in encoding airborne sensor video and metadata

The Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) has been supporting dissemination of airborne sensor Full Motion Video (FMV) since the inception of the Global Broadcast Service (GBS). DISA actively investigates emerging video technologies and participates in DoD and industry conferences related to FMV. In 2006, DISA increased its involvement in FMV dissemination through support to several US Central Command (USCENTCOM) Joint Urgent Operation Needs Statements (JUONS). These JUONS established a two-way, IP based satellite architecture for backhaul and dissemination of tactical aerial sensor content from the USCENTCOM Area of Operations based on the Digital Video Broadcast -Return Channel Satellite (DVB-RCS) standard. A key component of FMV service in the DVB-RCS network is the video encoding technology. The video encoder compresses and encodes source video and accompanying metadata for further dissemination. Video encoders fielded during the initial deployment of the USCENTCOM DVB-RCS network several years ago provided advanced video services at that time. However this installation base no longer provides the most efficient compression capabilities and also lacks support for emerging metadata formats. Newer Commercial-off-the-Shelf (COTS) encoder models are currently being assessed to satisfy the challenge of an increasing number of end users as well as expanding FMV capabilities requirements. This paper will discuss the emerging techniques, challenges, and lessons learned in encoding full motion video and metadata generated by airborne sensors.