Integrating HEVC Video Compression with a High Dynamic Range Video Pipeline

This paper describes the challenges and capabilities of an implementation of a high dynamic range layered codec approach for high-efficiency video coding (HEVC) Main10 4K content for top tier over-the-top/video on demand (OTT/VOD) movie distributors known as “Dolby Vision.” While Dolby Vision is already designed to support both AVC (H.264) and HEVC (H.265), the current tools are designed for batch-mode testing with reference-level encoders that generally do not meet the performance and robustness demands of an automated production system. To create a viable production system, particular attention must be paid to optimization and parallelization of the HEVC pipeline to create the final dual layer streams. The production high dynamic range (HDR) HEVC encoder must also be integrated into the client encoder system application infrastructure, preserving the clients robustness, testability and quality requirements. The final streams must be tested in a similarly performant decoder platform for manual and automated test and verification. Because Dolby Vision is a novel technology that requires specialized hardware for viewing, careful consideration must be given to the visual verification process with a solution that offers powerful viewing tools and defect testability. Finally, the automated decoder verification must test both the backwards-compatible base layer and the high dynamic range enhancement layer. This paper covers these issues and the technical solutions that were implemented to address them.