Overview
ISO/IEC 23090-16:2022 is an international standard developed by ISO and IEC that defines reference software for versatile video coding (VVC), corresponding to Rec. ITU-T H.266 | ISO/IEC 23090-3. This standard provides essential encoder and decoder software to support the implementation, testing, and conformance validation of VVC bitstreams. While the use of this reference software is not mandatory for compliance, it serves as a crucial tool for developers, researchers, and testers working with the latest immersive media coding technologies.
The reference software clarifies the coding processes defined in Rec. ITU-T H.266, also known as VVC, which is designed to handle next-generation video compression with improved efficiency and flexibility for a wide variety of video content, including still images and multilayer video streams.
Key Topics
-
Reference Software Components
The standard delivers both encoder and decoder software packages that conform to VVC profiles. These components enable generation and decoding of bitstreams that follow the syntax and constraints of Rec. ITU-T H.266 | ISO/IEC 23090-3.
-
Profiles Supported
The reference software supports multiple profiles to accommodate various use cases, including:
- Main 10, Main 10 Still Picture, and Main 10 4:4:4 profiles
- Multilayer Main 10 profiles for advanced layered video coding
- Main 12 and Main 16 profiles with 4:4:4 chroma sampling
- Intra-only profiles optimized for still pictures and intra-frame coding
-
Conformance and Interoperability
Users can leverage the reference software to test bitstream and decoder conformance, ensuring interoperability across implementations. The reference decoder enables detailed decoding process verification, while the encoder assists in producing test bitstreams for validation.
-
Educational and Development Aid
The reference implementation acts as a practical example for developers attempting to build VVC encoders or decoders from scratch. It provides sample code demonstrating the decoding and encoding algorithms according to the official standard.
-
Limitations and Disclaimers
The reference software is provided without warranty and does not guarantee encoding quality. Its primary role is conformance testing rather than optimal performance, and the use of the software is voluntary and not a strict requirement for compliance.
Applications
-
Video Codec Development
Developers of video codec products can use this reference software as a starting point to implement compliant VVC solutions for streaming, broadcasting, and storage applications.
-
Conformance Testing
Manufacturers and testing labs can apply the reference decoder and encoder to verify bitstreams and implementations meet the stringent syntax and decoding requirements of the VVC standard.
-
Research and Education
Academic institutions and researchers can utilize the software to better understand the advanced compression techniques employed in versatile video coding.
-
Multimedia Products
The standard supports immersive media applications, including 4K/8K video, HDR content, and multi-layer streaming, enabling device manufacturers to implement next-generation video playback and encoding features.
Related Standards
-
Rec. ITU-T H.266 / ISO/IEC 23090-3 – The core versatile video coding standard that defines bitstream syntax, semantics, and decoding processes which the reference software targets.
-
ISO/IEC 23090 Series – Covers the coded representation of immersive media, including various parts that address specific coding methods and media types beyond versatile video coding.
-
ITU-T H.265 (HEVC) and prior standards – Earlier video coding standards providing a foundational background to developments integrated and extended by VVC.
Keywords: ISO/IEC 23090-16, versatile video coding, VVC, ITU-T H.266, reference software, video encoder, video decoder, immersive media coding, bitstream conformance, multimedia standards, video codec development, video compression.
Open preview (PDF)Information technology — Coded representation of immersive media — Part 16: Reference software for versatile video coding
