Project: Hardware solution for extremely low delay compression/decompression of video stream for reliable transmission in real time
The project is aimed at the development and preparation for commercial production of integral wireless display microchips (FViD) able to encode and decode video (and audio) streams with extremely low delay (not exceeding 30 ms). The project idea is based on recently developed innovation algorithms, which allow starting the decoding of current video frame before getting all the necessary information, thus essentially decreasing the encoding/decoding time. _x000D__x000D_The basic objectives are: _x000D_(i) to design, develop and test working prototypes of the proposed microchips on FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), assessable through a true demonstration that can be shown to potential users or stakeholders (100 – 200 pieces); _x000D_(ii) to design, develop and test working prototypes of electronic devices, using the developed microchips (2 – 3 types, like notebooks/netbooks, mobile phones, game consoles, wireless displays, videophones, digital signages); _x000D_(iii) to develop the corresponding system software (operational systems, drivers for the devices) and users’ software; _x000D_(iv) to select 2 – 3 manufacturers and provide them with technical documentation sufficient for starting mass production of the selected devices; _x000D_(v) to enter the market through supplying manufactures of commonly used electronic devices with the proposed microchips, providing wireless transmission of video and audio information. _x000D__x000D_The estimated market share after 2 years from the project completion is €1M, after 3 years - €3M, after 5 years - €10M. _x000D__x000D_The project will be considered as successfully completed if the produced microchips will meet the following criteria (measures of success): _x000D_(MS1) - Latency of Encoder-Decoder path – less than 30 ms; Full latency from capture to playback less than – 100 ms; Video signal quality in comparison with original SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio), more than 40 dB; _x000D_(MS2) - Efficient data bandwidth for wireless interface no less than: 60 Mbit/sec; consistent reception range with 60 Mbit/sec bandwidth no less than: 20 meters of open space; _x000D_(MS3) - Cost for 10K bunch not more than €8 for decoder and €12 for encoder ; _x000D_(MS4) - Power consumption, not more than 0.9 W. _x000D__x000D_The tests will be performed both at the laboratories of the Ps and by a selected industrial manufacturer. The tests will include: _x000D_- Measurement of the delay: of test signal sent to the monitor of the transmitter, delay on the monitor of the receiver is controlled by a special measuring device (high-speed camera); _x000D_- Control of the quality of audio and video signals with specifically developed professional software (StreamEye PRO);_x000D_- Control of the transmission speed and of the zone of reliable signal receiving: data streams will be sent to maximal possible distances with bit-to-bit comparison of received streams._x000D__x000D_The consortium has sufficient background to implement the project plan. _x000D__x000D_- VITEC (France) is a leader in digital video technology and is developing and manufacturing original multimedia products at the point where micro-computing and video technology meet. VITEC is very well experienced in MPEG-digital video technology. VITEC’s innovative and competitive products are sold worldwide through computer distributors, multimedia VAR’s, system integrators and OEM’s. VITEC develops algorithms for image coding, electronic boards for PC’s or for embedded systems, FPGA’s for integrated professional products, ASIC’s for low cost products and application software under MS Windows. _x000D_- ELSIS (Lithuania) CO area of the activity is complex solutions for the operators of the fixed connection telecommunications; data gathering and the dispatcher processes management of the power industry enterprises (SCADA); solutions for the operators of the digital television services; projecting, production, implementation and COtenance of intellectual engineering systems; engineering infrastructure projects, smart home solutions._x000D_- ELECARD (Russia) is involved in developments in the fields of digital video and video streams. The achievements of ELECARD are used by the key players in the market worldwide. ELECARD provides reference design for professional market of digital video: streaming video servers, transcoding servers, video on demand servers, professional software and SDK (software development kits). _x000D_- KTU (Lithuania), Centre of Real Time Computer Systems, CO activities are is focused on integrated real-time systems for gathering, transmitting, managing and displaying information using computers and embedded devices and software, design and implementation of hard real-time systems, embedded distributed computing systems for Smart House applications and services._x000D_- UNIBRAIN (Greece) is developing and marketing electronic consumer products media technology (multimedia), including device for storing digital data from PC / Mac and reproduce them on TV._x000D__x000D_The Ps provide the necessary complementary expertise to meet the challenges of the proposed project._x000D_
| Acronym | FASTViD (Reference Number: 6083) |
| Duration | 01/10/2011 - 30/09/2013 |
| Project Topic | A prototype of integral wireless display microchips (FViD) able to encode and decode video (and audio) streams with extremely low delay (not exceeding 30 ms),_x000D_ will be a new technology-based product with a rapid innovation impact. |
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Project Results (after finalisation) |
Despite the consortium difficulties, FastVid has achieved its objectives of developping an ultra low delay compression/decompression of MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 video stream transmission system. Results have been integrated into modified hardware platforms which enabled to present them publicly during two major events (NAB and IBC) as the fastest MPEG-4/H.264 encoding solution of the World. Project Ps cooperated on the validation of the solution, built applications around this technology piece and cooperated in order to make this a success._x000D__x000D_The testing strategy , co-testing (S&W , HW), was to check and verify the adequate behaviour. Apart from the excellent behaviour between the H&W and the S&W the transmission results have a really low latency (10ms). This proves that the whole system is fully functional with the expected low latency results even if it is at prototype stage. |
| Network | Eurostars |
| Call | Eurostars Cut-Off 5 |
Project partner
| Number | Name | Role | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Elecard Devices | Partner | Russia |
| 5 | Kaunas University of Technology | Partner | Lithuania |
| 5 | UAB ELSIS TS | Partner | Lithuania |
| 5 | Unibrain S.A. | Partner | Greece |
| 5 | Vitec Multimedia | Coordinator | France |