Transcoding from H.264/AVC to SVC with CGS layers

In this paper, we show that it is possible to efficiently transcode single-layer H.264/AVC bitstreams, to SNR-scalable SVC streams with CGS layers. Using requantization error compensation techniques, our architecture is able to restrain the drift that arises due to the absence of a closed prediction loop at the different dependency layers. Implementation results show that transcoding can generate SVC bitstreams with rate-distortion performance approaching that of the rate-distortion optimal encoder within 1 to 2 dB. Gains of more than 2 dB are obtained when compared to open-loop requantization.