Efficient Random Access Method Using Seed and Inter-Key Frames for Next Generation Video Codec

Random access points are a key property of a video coding system. These points indicate where a decoder can start decoding, and they traditionally correspond to frames that are not predicted from previous data. In this paper, we revisit the random access problem in the context of modern video streaming and over-the-top transport systems. We propose that these systems employ an alternative approach that relies on "seed" frames that are periodically provided to the decoder. These frames persist in decoder memory and can be used for prediction of each random access point. Experimental results show the efficacy of the proposed approach. Specifically, we observe a 6.50% reduction in bit-rate when using the AOMedia common test conditions, an 18.38% reduction when emulating live sports events, and a 35.03% improvement for security applications when measured using VMAF.